Our people

Sharyn Emslie

Sharyn Emslie is an award–winning multimedia designer and producer. She has many years of experience working on cultural projects that depend on new technologies to improve access and understanding.

‘It’s great to work with such a creative team. There is a valuable mix of skills within the group that combine to ensure the very best solutions for our clients’ needs.’

Sharyn Emslie

Alison Thomson

Alison Thomson is a programmer, videographer and photographer with extensive experience in the multimedia industry. Her sharp programming skills and analytical abilities mean she always finds good, working solutions for CMC’s IT projects.

‘I have enjoyed working with the team for over twenty years now — every project brings new challenges and technology never stays still!’

Alison at Belle Plagne, France

Robin MacTaggart

Robin MacTaggart is an experienced exhibition designer and AV producer, specialising in intuitive, relevant design that adds real value to a site, collection or story by engaging visitors and audiences. His production work ranges from high quality audio soundscapes and 3D reconstructions, to movies, apps and website development. He has worked with museums, galleries and exhibitions throughout Europe, providing design solutions that make visitors really interact with content.

‘My key skill is to create new media solutions that are cleverly integrated into an exhibition space or site. I am enthusiastic about original ideas and will make sure that from initial concept to final installation the client is more than happy with the solution CMC provide.’

Rob MacTaggart

Dr Mike Spearman

Dr Mike Spearman is the founding director of CMC Associates. An archaeologist and curator by trade; he has vast experience in innovative uses of information technology to improve visitor experiences in the museum and heritage sector. Mike was the founding CEO of the £15m lottery project, SCRAN (Scottish Cultural Resource Access Network), and also established ‘The Multimedia Team’ for the National Museums Scotland.

‘CMC Associates combine a deep appreciation of content and interpretation, with a practical knowledge for how best to communicate our clients’ objectives through traditional and innovative media.’

Mike canoeing on Loch Etive

Jo Anthony

Josephine has worked in the heritage sector for over 20 years delivering projects for castles, museums, gardens and natural places. As well as being part part of the team that delivered Glasgow’s award-winning Riverside Museum she is a former Interpretation Project Manager for the National Trust for Scotland.

‘I thrive on the challenge of seeking out the memorable stories about a place or object; of finding ‘the spark’. If I can bring out the voices of people past and present along the way, all the better. I like to feel proud not just of a final product but of the creative and collaborative journey taken to get there.’

Jo at Kilmartin

Elaine Clark

Elaine Clark is an interpretation professional with 20 years experience in the heritage sector. She has worked on a wide range and variety of projects from small-scale trails and panels to multi-million pound visitor experiences. Her key strengths include strategic planning, research, creative concept and content development and scriptwriting.

‘I have a particular interest in creating engaging experiences and communicating new or complex subjects in simple and creative ways.’

Elaine at Culloden

Stephen Allen

Stephen Allen has over 25 years of working at senior levels in independent, local and national museums, including at National Museums Scotland (NMS) from 2005 to 2020. At NMS he was involved in the major redevelopment of the National Museum of Scotland (2006-19), leading on developing interpretation and programme planning. In 2018 Stephen curated a major temporary exhibition Rip It Up: The Story of Scottish Pop Music, which utilised multimedia interpretation and an extensive programme of events and outreach activities. 

Stephen Allen

Jill Harden

Jill Harden is an associate of the Museums Association and has worked in the cultural heritage sector for over 25 years. She is a researcher and content developer, with specialist understanding of archaeology, interpretation and cultural heritage management.

‘Helping people to explore their own and other’s perceptions of place and cultures, is always a great challenge. I really enjoy working with the team and our clients to develop on–site experiences.’

Jill Harden

Dr Jim Hemsley

Dr Jim Hemsley is a highly experienced consultant, lecturer and researcher providing specialist knowledge of European culture and technology funding opportunities. In 1990 Jim founded the on–going global EVA Conferences for people interested in the application of information technology to the cultural and visual arts, and as such has helped to broaden CMC’s remit across Europe.

‘Working with CMC Associates to bring alive our common European heritage has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of my working life.’

Jim at Pistoia

Sian Lewis

Sian Lewis is a 3D animator, artist and illustrator. Her understanding of the human form and 3D spaces are key to the realism in her illustrations, and in her animations for 3D VR projects, games, and other interactives.

‘The range of media that our work is presented to the public on is always changing — but the need for first rate visual communication remains constant.’

Sian Lewis

Barry Sweeney

Barry Sweeney has extensive experience in business development and innovative applications of digital content to improve visitor experiences in the fine art museum and gallery sector. He has led specialist project teams from conceptualization through implementation to commissioning of retail concepts utilizing leading edge multi-media systems.

As client representative for the National Gallery of Victoria, Barry conceived of a new AUD 10Mil multimedia strategy that established the NGV’s Multimedia & Information Technology Team. Associates from CMC worked with Barry to help implement the multimedia program as part of the NGV’s AUD 450Mil redevelopment project.

‘CMC works closely alongside clients to deliver rich, innovative cultural and educational content to the public. Their work has informed audiences in Australia and throughout the world.’

Barry Sweeney

Dr Margaret Nieke

Dr Margaret Nieke has some 35 years experience in archaeology and monument management and is a long standing Member of the Institute of Field Archaeologists. After completing her PhD on Early Historic Scotland at the University of Glasgow in 1984, she has worked extensively with English national agencies leading on monument protection and management.

‘As a long standing heritage professional I find the vitality and innovation of the CMC team an inspiring breath of fresh air.’

Margaret on Colonsay
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