Transform Scotland

Who We Are

Working with us is a leading group of researchers and experts - the thought-leaders on sustainable travel in Scotland.

As well as the Transform Scotland core team we work with a network of associates, notably:

Sustainable Transport Consultant: John Pinkard

John Pinkard helps clients improve their financial and environmental performance and deliver positive social and policy outcomes by identifying and delivering more sustainable, lower-carbon travel and transport solutions.

His work draws on expertise in transport planning, research, climate change, sustainability, public policy, consultation and engagement, facilitation, training, behaviour change and business strategy.

John has over 20 years of consultancy experience, including 2 years working as a self-employed transport consultant, nearly a decade working for a small handful of respected Australian and UK transport consultancies, around 3 years working for local and regional government bodies and approximately 8 years as a self-employed management consultant. Over this time John has successfully managed and directed hundreds of projects.

A skilled communicator, John is regularly invited to give lectures, provide training and speak at a range of local, national and international events.

Rail and Sustainable Transport Consultant: David Spaven

David Spaven has an extensive track record of transport feasibility studies and market research work. He has spent his working life in and around the rail industry, with a particular emphasis on freight modal switch, but also more recently on the development of rural and regional railways for both passengers and freight.

David has an unusual breadth of transport experience, over more than 40 years as a campaigner and practitioner. His work as a multi-modal consultant, rail marketing manager, sustainable transport advocate, rail passenger watchdog member, and now as a specialist railway author, has given him many special insights from both a policy and practical perspective.

As a non car-owner who gets around by bus, foot and train, David has a strong user perspective and a particular eye for detail and for qualitative issues. He has a wide range of communication skills, from authoritative report writing to assured public speaking and persuasive radio and television appearances.

Communications and Public Affairs Advisor: Stan Blackley

Stan Blackley has spent the last 25 years working in public affairs and communications. For the last 15 years, he has provided public, media and political relations advice and services on environmental issues on a consultancy or advisory basis to a wide range of organisations. He has advised government departments and public bodies, charities, pressure groups and voluntary organisations, and businesses, social enterprises and community groups. More recently, he has been a senior policy and media advisor to the Green MSPs in the Scottish Parliament and a Director of Yes Scotland. He is currently a Director of a public relations consultancy and a political and media monitoring agency.

Stan has played a leading role in a large number of successful campaigns, such as the groundbreaking community-led buy-out of the Isle of Eigg, the establishment of Scotland’s first community-led No Take Zone for fisheries, and the inception of the largest dam removal and river restoration project in history by four tribes of Native American Indians. He has helped a wide variety of organisations influence political activity, public policy and legislation on a broad range of issues, from transport infrastructure, renewable energy and climate change, to wildlife protection, child safety and cancer treatment.

Stan is a regular contributor to the Scottish media. He is well connected within media, political and parliamentary circles and is a well-known and respected campaigner. Stan has contributed to the work of Transform Scotland for the last 5 years.