Elspeth began her studies in Mathematics at Glasgow University in 1988 combining it in the first year with Physics and Computing Science. She carried Computing Science and Mathematics on into the second year and finally concentrated purely on the Mathematics for the final two years, graduating in 1992 with a BSc hons.

She then went on to study Operational Research at neighbouring Strathclyde University, graduating with and MSc in OR in 1993. Operational Research combines logical and mathematical solutions with other, less analytical approaches to problem solving.

In October 1993 Elspeth joined the Royal Bank of Scotland Operation Research Department, working as an OR analyst, providing analysis and advice to other business areas of the Retail Bank. Projects ranged from development of Mortgage Management Information to Customer Segmentation & Targeting Models.

After 3 years, Elspeth moved on to the position of Senior Analyst in another area of the Royal Bank; Style Financial Services who provide and run store cards for many retailers in the UK. Here she worked on customer profiling for retail partners and laterally went on to develop the GIS (Geodemographic Information System) analysis within the company.

In May 1999, Elspeth moved positions within Style FS, moving away from analysis into Account Management. This involves liaising with some of Style's Retail Partners and building the relationship between the two parties. Her analysis background helps in many aspects of this work from assisting with marketing campaigns and customer segmentation to constructing staff incentive schemes.

In 2001, Elspeth took 6 months off to have her daughter, Anna, and has now returned to Style on a part time basis, working just 3 days a week but in the same position. Elspeth spends one day a week in the office, one day with her clients and one day working from home. This combination works very well and is a good balance between her career and motherhood.

Elspeth says, "my time at Glasgow University really was invaluable and set me up for a good career in the finance sector. While not all the mathematics learned in the degree course has been directly applicable in my various jobs, much of it has been. However more importantly the analytical and logical skills learned have been the basis on which many aspects of my career have depended