About Blyton & Scott

Coastal Roots

Blyton & Scott was founded on a lifetime connection to both the built environment and the sea.

My family background spans commercial fishing, civil engineering, construction and property. Half of my father's family came from the fishing port of Portavogie on the east coast of Northern Ireland, where generations worked in the fishing industry. As a young man, my father spent his summers aboard local trawlers before building a career in civil engineering, marine construction and house building.

Through his work, he was involved in the construction of marine structures around Belfast Lough and residential developments across Northern Ireland. From an early age, he introduced me to both the sea and the world of construction. Fishing, boats, surfing and building became part of everyday life.

Although I did not grow up directly on the coast, the sea has always been a constant presence. Today I live on the Causeway Coast in the village of Castlerock, where the Atlantic and the built environment continue to shape both my personal and professional interests.

Construction, Property & Development

Following my father's passing, I became increasingly involved in the family construction and property business. Over the years I have worked across a broad range of residential and development projects, from individual homes and small private developments to housing schemes of more than fifty properties.

My experience includes residential construction, refurbishment, project management, property development, contract administration and maintenance planning. I have been involved in new-build housing developments, apartment refurbishments, holiday accommodation projects and the ongoing management of residential property portfolios.

Alongside this work, I have accompanied homeowners, buyers and investors on property acquisitions, helping to identify defects, assess opportunities and understand the practical realities of building ownership.

This experience has provided a detailed understanding of how buildings are designed, constructed, altered, maintained and repaired throughout their life cycle. While my professional life has spanned both construction and the sea, the common thread throughout has been an interest in how structures are designed, built, maintained and perform in challenging environments.

I have a particular interest in coastal properties, the materials used within marine environments, and the unique challenges faced by buildings exposed to weather, salt and time.

The Sea

Alongside my work in property and construction, the sea has remained a constant throughout my life.

I have travelled extensively as a professional surfer and have been involved in the exploration and development of some of Ireland's best-known big wave locations, including Mullaghmore Head, as well as Nazaré, Portugal, which has since become one of the world's most recognised big wave surfing destinations.

My contribution to the development of big wave surfing has been recognised through permanent displays at both the Nazaré Lighthouse Museum in Portugal and the Ulster Museum, reflecting a lifelong connection to the ocean and coastal environments. I have also been included within the Linen Hall Library's Digital Sporting Archive.

Time spent around boats, harbours, coastal communities and marine industries has provided a practical understanding of the challenges faced by vessels and coastal structures operating in demanding environments.

I continue to maintain a strong connection with traditional maritime skills, including the hand-building of Irish curraghs.

Education & Professional Development

My practical experience is supported by formal study through the University of Ulster and the University of Plymouth, together with ongoing professional development in construction, property and marine surveying disciplines.

I believe effective surveying requires both technical knowledge and practical understanding. The combination of education, construction experience, development work and a lifelong connection to the sea informs every inspection and survey undertaken today.

Blyton & Scott Today

After more than two decades working across construction, property, development and coastal environments, I established Blyton & Scott to provide straightforward, independent surveying advice without unnecessary complexity or jargon.

Whether inspecting a family home, a development opportunity, a coastal property or a vessel, my approach remains the same: provide clear, honest and practical information that helps clients make informed decisions.