Linda Tait - BRDT

Date: Thursday 23 November

Linda grew up in Canada and has lived most of her adult life in London and Hertfordshire. She spent 40 years as a retail and hospitality designer in Toronto and then London, running her own business for 25 years. Throughout her career she has worked with major landlords, town centre developers, retailers and hospitality, creating environments for people to enjoy, shop and work in, and she has a keen interest in improving industry standards. Linda says she always knew she was going to end up in Scotland and moved to Blairgowrie in 2022 with her husband, who comes from the Loch Lomond area.

What is it that you love or enjoy most about living or working (or both!) in Blairgowrie and Rattray?

The beautiful setting and friendly community.

What’s your professional background?

I spent 40 years as a retail and hospitality designer, in Toronto and then London. I created a retail design business which I ran for 25 years and sold it to a larger group, and then spent 10 years as one of their company directors. I worked with major UK landlords, town centre developers, retailers and hospitality, creating environments for people to enjoy, shop and work in. I served on the Revo (previously the British Council of Shopping Centres) judging panel for several years with a keen interest in improving industry standards. Among the many major projects I’ve worked on are Toronto’s Queens Quay Terminal, Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, the Centre Milton Keynes, while my last project was overseeing the retail and leisure design for the regeneration of London’s Elephant and Castle town centre.

What motivates you?

Lots! Life, family, friends, a challenge, making a difference, knowing if you want to do something you just give it a go and see what happens.

Who is your hero?

Young people and all those people who do a lot of good for our world.

How did you first get involved with BRDT?

I went to a BARBA (Blairgowrie and Rattray Business Association) meeting to see if I could help with the town enhancements and was asked if I would become a BRDT trustee.

What experience and qualities do you feel you bring to BRDT?

Placemaking, business expertise and lots of enthusiasm.

What are your areas of interest and particular roles and responsibilities as a trustee/member of the BRDT team?

Delivering on the Community Action Plan.

Are you involved in any other community group and organisations in the area?

Working with BARBA to help Blairgowrie businesses prosper, and working group that is looking at how and if we can save the public toilets in Blairgowrie from closing.

What do you do for fun or in your spare time (if you have any!)?

I love art and design, golf, hill walking, learning piano and getting to know the hidden gems of Scotland.

And what are your hopes and aspirations for Blairgowrie and Rattray as a town and as a community?

To realise its potential of being a vibrant, welcoming and attractive place where people can live, work and visit.

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