Carole considers herself a "naturalised" Glaswegian having lived here for 25 years, although born and brought up in Fife, where she was a member of Fife Youth Orchestra. Having graduated MA Hons (Music) from the University of Aberdeen, she was fortunate to go straight into a position with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, where she was Orchestra Manager. She left to take up a post with the Scottish Development Agency as Liaison Officer when she was married, and, while bringing up her family, took on part time assignments such as Concerts Secretary with the Music Department of Glasgow University. She was a member of the school board at Douglas Academy and taught recorder groups at a local primary school.

In 1994 she became Administrator with the Chamber Group of Scotland, and arranged a succession of concert series in Glasgow and Edinburgh, taking part in various festivals including Mayfest , Edinburgh Festival and St Magnus Festival. She also had experience in orchestral consultancy, providing management services for outside engagements.
In 1996, she decided to try a change of career, and retrained in Horticulture. Working in a garden centre for a few years was the prelude to going into partnership in a small nursery, growing rare and unusual herbaceous perennials, and creating award winning displays at flower shows including Gardening Scotland at Ingliston. She wrote a weekly gardening column for a local newspaper.

She is pleased to be back in the arts world with her appointment to NYCoS, and is enjoying city life with the opportunity to go to more concerts and theatre performances. She is still an occasional "roadie" for her two sons, and might continue to be a David Bowie fan despite his pulling out of T in the Park.