Interview with John Reid, Head of Grounds 9 February 2026
- What inspired you to pursue a career as the Facilities Manager of Grounds? How long have you been in this role?
My background is in golf course management. I’m a greenkeeper to trade, and my expertise is grass. I was inspired to take the job because it was a great opportunity to further develop my career and work in a bit of a different area. Since working at the University, I’ve learned so much more through working with other people. I started out at the sports grounds and then the opportunity came along for the Head of Grounds role five years ago. I’ve been at the University 11 years now.
Do you miss the golf course?
I do a wee bit – I’d worked in the golf course industry since I was 15. You get a lot of pride and joy plus there’s been lots of development in that industry since, for example the reduction in chemical use.
Do you play golf?
I do, since I was 8 years old. I’ve been a member of Ladybank Golf Club since that age!
How many grounds workers / staff members do you manage?
At the moment the full complement is 25, though currently we are down a couple of people. This is divided into sports, recycling and gardening teams.
- What’s the most surprising or unexpected part of your role?
When I first came to this position, it was a secondment. What I found surprising working is how helpful everybody is at the University. Staff are really accommodating and helpful. I was also surprised at myself and that I was able to do the job well – for instance there was a lot of paperwork to manage and it’s taken time to learn policies and procedures.
- What is your favourite plant?
I’m going to go back to golf on this! I’ve always studied plant science but with a focus on grass science. Grass is one of the most resilient plants in the world. As Augusta kicks off in America [national golf tournament based at Augusta National Golf Club], it’s got to be azaleas and rhododendrons – they’re absolutely stunning plants with their vibrant colours.
- Can you share a memorable or unusual wildlife encounter you’ve experienced at work?
Growing up in Ladybank, there was an abundance of red squirrels. It’s my favourite encounter, and I’ve also seen one or two at the playing fields on occasions. A red squirrel regularly visits my back garden – I could watch it all day.
- What is your favourite insect?
It has to be a ladybird. It’s a gardener’s friend. It takes the blackfly off the roses. It’s introduced to greenhouses as a natural way to control pests without using chemicals. And it’s absolutely beautiful as well.
- If you had unlimited resources, what bold or unconventional project would you launch to transform the University grounds?
I’m a great fan of water features. Lakes, ponds, the way wildlife and nature can be integrated into that landscape. Would love to see more of that here along with the wildlife it would encourage to come in.
- Can you tell us about a moment when nature completely changed your perspective or inspired you?
Years ago, I was involved in some project work with Scottish Woodlands in East Lothian, and we were planting native woodland areas on the golf course. I remember planting the mixed woodland and then watching it grow over 20 years, bringing the wildlife into those areas and making it look more of a natural habitat. We created this with our own hands.
Similarly, when I was 15 years old, I remember driving to a recycling dump in a tractor and trailer to picking up some fir trees which we then planted on the golf course. Now when I visit, I say I planted all those trees – and they’re huge now. This gives me great satisfaction.
- What is the best place in Scotland to enjoy a good walk and nature?
Kenmore. Taymouth Castle, walking round Loch Tay and to Killin Falls.
