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Michelle McAnally

With two decades of expertise as a freelance editor, journalist and content creator, I transform words into compelling narratives that engage audiences and drive results. Whether crafting SEO-optimised web copy, polishing press releases or designing dynamic social media campaigns, I bring clarity, strategy and impact to every project.

My work has supported global brands, governments and niche publications—proving that outstanding content thrives on both zero-budget ingenuity and high-stakes professionalism.

 

As the founder of Imagine Alba, I’ve built a Scottish travel brand from scratch, mastering multimedia storytelling as a writer, photographer and videographer.

I specialise in making complex ideas accessible, growing brands with crisp editorial precision and maximising engagement across digital and print.

 

Let’s collaborate to tell your story with words that inspire, persuade and resonate. Ready to amplify your message? Let’s create something remarkable!

Contact:
imaginealba@yahoo.co.uk
(44) 07918814581

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Education
  • ​Masters of Arts, Anthropology. University of Mississippi​

  • Bachelor of Science, Broadcast Journalism. Mississippi University for Women​

Freelance editor, journalist and content creator

2018- present

 

Create and edit sparkling editorial, photographic and video content for social, digital and print. SEO whiz with a record of growth in engagement and sales. 

 

Expert in social media content, newsletters, press releases, web design and management, various audio & video software, as well as accessibility requirements and GDPR. Established press contacts with a strong background in business journalism. Skilled at getting the most out of low or zero PR budgets. Current and most recent clients include:

  • Editor and Quality Assurance, Jigsaw Learning. Help produce digital learning materials for blue chip companies, NGOs and governmental organisations.  

  • Content creator including social media, newsletters, web copy and press releases.

  • Clients I have worked with include:

    • DHL

    • Mowi

    • The Scottish Government

    • The UK Government

    • The US Government

    • The United Nations

    • Aurora, official Sony Outlander partner

    • The Oban Times Group

    • Scottish Field

    • Holiday West Highland

    • West Coast Review

    • Roseisle Campervans

    • Oban & Lorn Tourism Alliance

Imagine Alba, Founder & Co-owner 

2018-present

  • Scottish travel brand featuring digital magazine, podcast, social media, videos and website with thousands of organic followers

  • Generate all media in-house as copywriter, photographer, videographer, drone pilot and musician

  • Offer guided tours and itineraries of Oban, rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor

  • Nominated for Scottish Rural Awards in Best Tourism Initiative and Best Start Up categories

Food Editor, PMQ Pizza Magazine

2011- 2013

 

  • Wrote and edited news and feature stories on the restaurant industry for one of the world’s foremost international restaurant trade publications 

  • Helped manage website using WordPress 

  • Created content for and helped to manage social media accounts using Hootsuite

  • Hosted, wrote and co produced weekly YouTube programme

  • Left position to move to Scotland

Writer/Editor, US Forest Service

1997-2005

  • Prepared press releases, newsletters, social media and all written & digital materials for public and internal audiences

  • Organised and facilitated public events and education programmes 

  • Produced legal documents, maps, interpretational signage and internal district communications 

  • Level 1 Wildland Firefighter Qualification

  • Garnered regional Best Improved Public Relations award, several other cash awards for outstanding service and wrote £130K in grants

  • Left position to pursue freelance opportunities

Folklorist, Smithsonian Institution

October 2004- July 2005

 

  • Collected oral histories for the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and 2005 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on culture and foodways 

  • Served as a presenter and moderator at the Festival in Washington D.C. 

Volunteer Work
  • Trustee. Friends of Kilbride

  • On air personality, Oban FM

  • Executive Fundraiser, United Way

  • ESL Tutor, Good Shepherd Community Centre

Offering Oban walking tours with a Scottish Tourist Guides Association yellow badge guide. Our private walking tours in Oban are private and at your pace, so get in touch today.

Scottish Tourist Guides Association
Yellow Badge Certified & Insured Guide for Oban

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