Alastair worked and studied as a marine engineer in Scotland and Canada. He also has a degree and research experience in environmental science (climatology). He has served in non-profit organizations and political positions including as a founding member of the Victoria Cycling Coalition, former Victoria City Councillor, former CRD Board Member and former BC Transit Board Member. He chaired the Advisory Committee for the Victoria Light Rail Transit Alignment Evaluation Study which advised the province on the future route for LRT in the Capital Region. He received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.