I am the third generation of the Birrell family to work in the plumbing trade. My grandfather started our family business, with a friend, in the 1930's trading as Birrell and Lawrence in Colinsburgh. When his sons joined the firm, it was registered as Alex C Birrell & Sons.

I joined the firm in 1978 after training and working as a civil engineer for a few years. Dad and I expanded the business in 1980 with the acquisition of St.Andrews firm, D Auchterlonie & Son. We also started a decorating department and employed several painters for the next 21 years. From 1987 I have run my business under the title of East Neuk Plumbers. My firm serves the domestic plumbing and heating market locally and I do some gas work on boats further afield (most of that is on the west coast).

I also do a bit of project management, from kitchen and bathroom refurbishments to house alterations.