Smarts founder finds new role with Tayburn

Tayburn McIlroy Coates has appointed Neil Haston – a founder of Smarts Advertising and Design – as creative director. Haston helped start up Edinburgh-based Smarts in 1990.

Tayburn McIlroy Coates has appointed Neil Haston – a founder of Smarts Advertising and Design – as creative director.

Haston helped start up Edinburgh-based Smarts in 1990. He claims he was head of art, but Smarts managing principal Rob Morrice denies this.

“Neil was not head of anything, he was an art director. He will be replaced by a 23-year-old designer who will be paid an annual salary of 14 000,” says Morrice.

Haston admits he had no official title except art director, but says his “day to day role” was head of art.

“I’m flabbergasted by this replacement. Perhaps they don’t have a requirement for someone of my level,” he says.

Haston is now based at Tayburn McIlroy Coates’ Aberdeen office. “I’ll be working on an annual report for oil company Ramco and internal communications for Shell,” explains Haston.

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