Jude Monson, Ireland
Jude Monson is originally from Donaghadee in County Down, Northern Ireland and first moved to Scotland 9 years ago. She now lives and works in beautiful Inverness.
What brought you to Scotland?
I came to Scotland to study for a BSc. in Environmental Management with Technology at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University. I went travelling after leaving school and I didn’t want to go back to Ireland to study.
I was attracted to the course, and the University but also the location of Edinburgh - it was just two hours, door to door, from my home in Ireland.
How was the experience of studying in Edinburgh?
Heriot-Watt University was a great place to study. The university was close to the countryside and also just far enough away from the city that you could visit it if you wanted to but you didn’t have to go into town each day.
Tell me about your role at AWS Ocean Energy?
I work as the Commercial Manager, within the wider commercial team. I handle the legal aspects of the company as well as human resources and recruitment. I also oversee the marketing, finance, IT and any property issues that might arise.
How are you finding life in Inverness?
I’m not a city person at all and after mornings sitting in traffic jams I decided to move out of the city. The opportunity came up to move to Inverness and I grabbed it.
I’ve been in Inverness for two years and the quality of life is just amazing. I finish work at 5pm and I can be out mountain biking or wake boarding within twenty minutes. Everything is so near. It’s very much an active lifestyle here. The outdoor activities I did at the weekend, don’t have to be left until then. They can become part of your mid-week too.
Have you taken up any new hobbies since moving to Scotland?
I race yachts in the UK and Scandanavia as part of a six person crew. Although I used to race dinghies in Ireland I had never raced yachts before coming to Scotland.
Could you offer any advice to anyone thinking of coming to Scotland?
I would say, see as much of it as you can. It is a beautiful place and there’s a bit of Scotland for everyone.
Could you sum up Scotland in three words?
Amazing, amazing, amazing!