Speaking with S6 pupils as part of the Lecture Series, former pupil Scott Barnett returned to the College to share his journey from RGC to his current role as Chief Information Security Officer at NHS Scotland, where he leads information security and governance and oversees the NHS Scotland Cyber Centre of Excellence.

Having joined RGC in Primary 6 from Balmedie Primary School, Scott reflected on how the school helped him grow in confidence. He spoke fondly of his time at RGC, particularly his love of music and involvement in the debating society, experiences which encouraged him to step forward, find his voice and develop skills that would later prove invaluable in his professional life.

After leaving school in 1991, Scott’s career took a number of unexpected turns. He did not complete university and instead pursued a full-time career as a DJ, following his passion for music. At the age of 22, however, he decided to change direction and joined Grampian Police, finding his preferred role as Detective Constable. He worked in the drug squad, carrying out surveillance, before moving into intelligence work at a time when cyber crime was beginning to emerge as a significant threat.

Scott went on to become the first intelligence officer in the National High Tech Crime Unit and was involved in Scotland’s first reported hacking case, working alongside international partners including the US Secret Service. He explained to pupils how cyber crime has grown rapidly since those early days and now poses a major global challenge. In 2008, Scott moved into the financial sector, taking on cyber intelligence and security roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland and later TSB, where he became Chief Information Security Officer. He shared insights into the scale and complexity of modern cyber attacks, including those targeting major banks and critical national infrastructure.

In his current role with NHS National Services Scotland, Scott is responsible for protecting systems that support around 180,000 NHS staff and the wider population of Scotland. He spoke about the importance of risk management, collaboration and preparedness, particularly in healthcare, where cyber attacks can directly affect patient care.

Scott encouraged pupils to consider careers in cyber security and highlighted the wide range of opportunities available in the field. He also offered to support future engagement between RGC and the NHS Scotland Cyber Centre of Excellence in Dundee. Closing his talk, Scott emphasised the lasting impact of his time at RGC, noting that the school helped equip him with the confidence and skills needed to succeed. He encouraged pupils to be open to new experiences, to take advantage of opportunities presented to them and to be confident in forging their own paths.