AlumniColin Gray

Course studied: LLB(Hons), 2006

Position at time of writing: Head of the Scottish Government in the USA

Tell us about your background

I grew up in Perth, where I attended my local state school and endured the ups and downs of being an avid St Johnstone supporter. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a journalist – I recall the excitement of joining the CBBC Newsround Press Pack. I fulfilled my dream by working in journalism in Scotland for a couple of years after university, but then decided I wanted to work on international affairs and see more of the world, so I applied for the diplomatic service. It took two attempts, but 16 years later I’m still here!

Why did you choose Strathclyde?

I went to various Open Days but found Strathclyde to be by far the most warm and welcoming university I visited – the vibe was very much one of 'we’d be delighted to have you here', as opposed to a more stuffy 'you’d be lucky to be here' sentiment that I felt at other institutions. My Strathclyde Open Day was actually September 11 2001 – news of events in New York broke whilst I was there, and I vividly recall wondering what was going on and what would come next as we sat on campus near the sports hall.

I was really drawn to the emphasis on practical learning, and by the ability to take classes beyond the core subjects in my degree. Away from the academic side, the old Student Union was a big draw – who says no to 10 floors of fun? I initially applied to study law, then started in social sciences, before switching back to the LLB shortly after starting.

Where are you now? 

I now lead the Scottish Government’s representation to the United States, heading an office based out of the British Embassy in Washington D.C. My team and I work to attract business, people and students to Scotland – and I have to fight the urge just to promote Strathclyde! We build political ties at both federal and state level and celebrate Scottish culture and connections. I’ve always been a voracious follower of US politics and a very proud Scot, so this is a dream job. Prior to starting this summer, I spent the last 16 years working for the UK diplomatic service, and have served in South Korea, Peru and the southern United States.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

"I met Paddington Bear at Lima airport!"

I’m proud of what I have achieved in all my roles, but running the first visit by a sitting Foreign Secretary to Peru in over 50 years was an incredible experience, perhaps only topped by greeting Paddington Bear at Lima airport and gifting him some marmalade in front of the assembled press. Sitting in the Cabinet Office briefing rooms (COBR) and preparing a new government for the UN General Assembly High-Level Week was also surreal. When I was in Seoul, I was asked to draft remarks for Her Late Majesty the Queen for a State Dinner with then-President Park of Korea. I included lines on academic links, and was so chuffed to get a reference to Strathclyde in there  - you can find it on YouTube!

What are your ambitions for the future?

I’m trying to be more 'present' at the moment, and enjoy each day. I’m very ambitious, and my wiring means I’m typically the sort of person who is always thinking about what’s next. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it can be exhausting (not least for family!) and there’s something to be said for just taking it all in and being mindful of the immediate. I do think I thrive in positions of leadership – and I love both public service and public speaking – so we’ll see where that takes me. I have two wonderful young children and a highly accomplished wife to think about too, so there are lots of variables.

Colin Gray

Scotland and the USA have a long history, what are some future developments you're looking forward to?

We certainly do! Up to 25 million Americans claim Scottish ancestry, and Scots and Scotland played a huge rule in the history of the US. I’m passionate about celebrating our cultural and historical ties but, perhaps even more so, I want to promote our contemporary strengths – from renewable energy to gaming, life sciences to space tech – and reach new audiences in the US. Whilst we’re based in Washington D.C., there’s so much we can do at a state level to build economic opportunity for our businesses and people. And if I can attract some more students to Strathclyde along the way, all the better!