MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN.

Geoff’s strategic vision and tactical insight is valued at the highest level of business and politics. Between 2015 and 2021, he was Global Head of Public Affairs, Policy and Campaigns at abrdn plc, overseeing the company’s strategic communications and engagement. Prior to this, Geoff spent seven years as a special advisor to the First Minister of Scotland – including overseeing the SNP’s 2011 Scottish Parliament election victory – with four years as Chief of Staff. In addition to his work with True North, Geoff currently co-hosts Times Radio’s ‘Holyrood Sources’ podcast. He is a lifelong fan of Aberdeen Football Club, a board member of the club’s Community Trust and a keen golfer.

Specialisms:  

• Strategic Advice and Campaigns 
• Public Affairs and Government Relations 
• Financial Services 
• Energy and Net Zero 
• Inward Investment 

Fergus is a renowned expert in campaigns, media relations and policy analysis. Between 2015 and 2020, he was the SNP’s Head of Communications and Research, leading on media strategy and policy research across five election victories and the EU referendum. As well as being a regular commentator on Scottish politics and economics, Fergus is recognised as an expert authority on energy and net zero policy. Fergus studied law at the University of Glasgow and University College London. When he is not working he enjoys music, fishing and hill walking in the Cairngorms.  

Specialisms: 

• Strategic Advice and Campaigns 
• Media Relations 
• Crisis Communications 
• Policy Analysis and Research 
• Energy and Net Zero

Ryan Crighton is a respected marketing and communication expert who builds bespoke campaigns for clients, focussed on delivering tangible financial results.

He joined True North Advisors in 2024 after two years at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, where his passionate advocacy and disruptive strategies helped transform the perception and financial performance of the organisation.

Prior to the Chamber, Ryan was Director of Marketing at UK law firm Aberdein Considine, and led its PR, marketing, communication strategy throughout a period of rapid growth between 2014 and 2021.

He is also an established writer, commentator and columnist across the Scottish and UK media, and previously spent a decade working as a journalist. He was Scotland’s Business Journalist of the Year in 2014.

He is a founding director of the Our Union Street community group which was set-up to arrest the decline of the Aberdeen City Centre. Since the group’s formation, the number of vacant units on Union Street has fallen from a high of 52 down to under 30, and more than £1million has been raised to re-energise the Granite Mile.

He is also vice chairman of Aberdeen Inspired, the city’s Business Improvement District, and runs his own high street SME business in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Having worked at a senior level in consumer journalism and the civil service, Aileen is experienced at delivering media campaigns, solving complex communications challenges and advising on reputational issues. Aileen began her career in journalism where she led feature desks at major national newspapers and launched UK consumer magazines. Having joined the Scottish Government in 2007, she rose to be Head of News and Deputy Director of Communications.  

Specialisms: 

• Business and Consumer PR 
• Reputation Management 
• Tourism and Sport 
• Event Management  
• Product Launches

Andrew is an award-winning writer and former political advisor. He currently writes a weekly column for The Courier, and previously served as Political Correspondent for Scotland’s best-selling quality newspaper, The Press and Journal. He is also the author of two books on Scottish history and politics, and has worked as an advisor to the Scottish Labour Party and the US Consulate General in Edinburgh.   

Specialisms: 

• Thought Leadership 
• Speechwriting  
• Political Analysis 
• Labour Party Relations 
• Media Relations
• Financial Services

Having served as MP for Banff and Buchan for almost a decade, Eilidh offers invaluable experience and knowledge of Scottish and UK politics. As well as holding the Environment and Rural Affairs, and Work and Pensions portfolios, Eilidh also sat on the Scottish Affairs Select Committee. Prior to her election, Eilidh built a successful career in the third sector, working in senior roles, where she honed her reputation as a strategic thinker and political analyst.  

Specialisms: 

• Strategic Advice  
• Political Analysis 
• In-depth Policy Research 
• Select Committee Training  
• Public Affairs and Government Relations
• Agriculture and Food and Drink