In 2005, Barbour graduated from the University of Stirling, having studied Film and Media Studies, with an emphasis on audio and video production. She then moved to South Korea for a year to teach English, before returning to Scotland with the intention of finding a job within broadcasting. Her persistence paid off, as six months later, she got a job with STV, primarily editing their football and rugby highlights. She later took various reporting jobs, before becoming the presenter of "STV Rugby" for the 2011–12 season, which focused on the Scottish rugby teams in the Pro12. Barbour has occasionally presented the results and international highlights on BBC Scotland's Sportscene.