Scotland needs a vibrant, joined-up, reliable transport system to fuel economic success and nurture thriving, stable communities. However transport provision and future development now face threats from post-COVID adjustment, new work patterns, outcomes of war-driven economic uncertainty, global inflation and the likely spending consequences of high public debt. So what really lies ahead for transport and where and how should we plan and invest for resilience, reliability and growth in our transport systems and services? How does Scottish transport deliver on demand, affordability and net zero when faced with both a climate of global uncertainty and global uncertainty on climate?
This conference will examine how Scottish transport can engage with three core themes. Firstly it discusses the current strategic transport policy and projects picture. Secondly it addresses the wider economic challenges ahead for transport in key modalities. Finally it reflects upon the evolving nature, use and purpose of transport in Scotland following the upheavals presented by pandemic, Brexit and the global economic consequences of ongoing war in Ukraine.
All transport stakeholders - operators, users, policy makers and those in the transport supply chain - have roles to play in meeting the challenges facing transport. This year we invite our speakers to reflect upon both domestic delivery and the need to factor in resilience to wider economic uncertainty.
Transport has experienced unprecedented challenge during the past two years - perhaps more so than most other service areas or sectors of the economy. Work and lifestyle patterns were altered. People experienced a world where the nature and purpose of travel was disrupted, perhaps permanently, for many. The long term implications of this experience on revenue, development, safety and climate sustainability are difficult to predict.
This conference examines the core challenges - and perhaps opportunities - transport in Scotland faces in meeting the demand for stable and reliable transport in these unstable circumstances. Against this backdrop the conference will focus on three broad themes:
Topics to be discussed
Who should attend
This conference will be relevant for anyone involved in the planning, building, maintenance or delivery of transport and transport services and infrastructure in Scotland. This includes transport companies, engineering and infrastructure companies, regulators, transport lawyers, academics and managers, project managers and professional advisors, smart mobility and data specialists, those working in transport and data systems and services supply, freight and passenger companies and bodies, partners in the transport supply chain, associated transport systems and services and transport representative bodies.
Minister for Transport
Scottish Government
Head of Behaviour Change
Cycling Scotland
Head of Digital Products
LNER
Managing Director, West of Scotland
Stagecoach Bus UK
Jenny Gilruth MSP
Minister for Transport
Scottish Government
Jenny Gilruth MSP was appointed as the Minister for Transport in January 2022.
Brought up and educated in Fife, Jenny Gilruth is a graduate of Glasgow University, where she studied Politics and Sociology, and of Strathclyde University where she studied for her Postgraduate in Secondary Education (Modern Studies).
Prior to being elected in 2016, Jenny worked for over a decade in education, most recently as a Head of Department in a Fife secondary school.
Prior to that, Jenny worked at Education Scotland as NQ lead for Modern Studies, supporting the development of the new qualifications and also as a Modern Studies teacher.
Ms Gilruth was elected to represent the Mid Fife and Glenrothes Constituency at the 2016 election.
She was previously the Minister for Europe and International Development and Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.
Katharine Brough
Head of Behaviour Change
Cycling Scotland
Katharine Brough is Head of Behaviour Change with Cycling Scotland and has responsibility for the Cycling Friendly Awards and Development Grant funding programme, promoting cycling in Workplaces, Education, Social Housing and Communities across Scotland. Katharine previously worked as Travel Planning & Systems Manager for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde with responsibility for behavioural change programme promoting sustainable and active travel. Katharine is a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Trustee of Glasgow Eco Trust.
Rebecca Dartnall
Head of Digital Products
LNER
Becky’s career in digital has spanned 15 years and covered a range of industries, including telecommunications (Orange/EE), fintech, AI technology and, since joining Virgin Trains East Coast in 2017, rail. She became LNER’s Head of Digital Products in 2019.
Fiona Doherty
Managing Director, West of Scotland
Stagecoach Bus UK
Fiona Doherty was appointed to the role of of Managing Director in April 2019.
She has more than 31 years experience in the Oil & Gas, Transport & Logistics and Manufacturing sectors for UK wide and global corporations. She began her career as a Technologist with BP Chemicals in 1990, going on to hold a number of positions within the company before joining INEOS Manufacturing Ltd as Commercial Manager in 2006. She later took on the role of Head of Security Operations at BAA Glasgow Airport before being appointed Port Manager East Coast Scotland with Forth Ports Ltd in 2010.
Sponsor: London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is on a mission to transform rail travel for the customers and communities we serve. Our modern Azuma fleet of trains are continuing the LNER tradition of setting new, higher standards in comfort, reliability and customer experience. LNER calls at more than 50 stations along the East Coast route, totalling 956 miles including major towns and cities between London, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, North East of England and Scotland.?
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