Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) has appointed three industry leaders to its board in a bid to help drive innovation across Scotland’s built environment and support the sector’s sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CSIC says Ainslie McLaughlin, Michaela Sullivan, and Karyn Watt bring valuable infrastructure, planning, and policy expertise to its governance team.
Ainslie McLaughlin
McLaughlin has a wealth of public sector experience, having delivered major infrastructure and transformation programmes.
As the Scottish government’s director of procurement and property, he led the procurement reform programme that focused on innovation and sustainable economic growth.
His work for Transport Scotland included projects such as the development of Glasgow’s motorway network and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
Michaela Sullivan
Sullivan currently serves as the head of development at East Lothian Council, following a previous role in the housebuilding sector with UK-wide responsibility for land and planning.
Earlier in her career, Sullivan worked on urban regeneration and energy-related developments for Forth Ports.
She also served as assistant chief planner for Scotland, overseeing policy for the 2006 Planning Act.
Karyn Watt
As a construction law specialist, Watt brings more than 30 years’ experience to the board.
She is the head of infrastructure at Anderson Strathern and is a Law Society of Scotland Accredited Specialist in her field.
Watt is vice chair of Women in Property Scotland, playing an active role in supporting female professionals in the sector.
In recognition of her contribution to the industry, in 2013, Watt received an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland.
‘Valuable perspectives’
Commenting on the appointments, Andy Outram, chair of CSIC, said: “The construction sector is going through a crucial period of transformation, simultaneously navigating recovery from the pandemic and the drive to achieve net-zero.
“Ainslie, Michaela, and Karyn will bring a wealth of valuable expertise and experience to CSIC during this time of change, as we help to shape the future of the sector.
“CSIC has an important role to play in enabling the sustainable growth of Scotland’s built environment, supporting the industry to reach environmental goals, while encouraging innovation, digital adoption and focusing on new green skills.
“Collaboration and strong leadership are central to making the most of the opportunities and tackling some of the challenges we face.
“Our new board members bring valuable perspectives and a diverse range of knowledge and opinions to not only drive CSIC’s agenda for the future, but support the growth and development of the entire sector.”
Image: (L-R) Ainslie McLaughlin, Michaela Sullivan, and Karyn Watt. Credit: Construction Scotland Innovation Centre
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