Public appointment: Member appointed to the Scottish Water Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, today announced the appointment of Barry White as a Member of the Scottish Water Board. 

Member 

Barry White has more than 30 years’ experience in infrastructure delivery, investment and governance across both the public and private sectors. He has held senior leadership roles with major construction contractors and in the public sector, including as Chief Executive of Transport for the North and Chief Executive of the Scottish Futures Trust, leading the development and delivery of major infrastructure programmes. His work has focused on establishing strong governance, developing investment strategies and building effective project delivery partnerships to support long-term infrastructure investment. Barry has significant experience working with government, industry and civic partners to deliver complex projects and innovative programmes. He is currently Chair of Infrastructure Managers Limited, supporting the management of a multi-£billion infrastructure portfolio, while strengthening environmental and sustainability practices across the projects. Barry is also Co-Chair of the Scottish Government National Strategy for Economic Transformation Delivery Board. He brings to Scottish Water extensive experience of infrastructure investment, governance and strategic oversight. 

Appointment 

This appointment will be for 4 years and will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2030. 

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

Remuneration 

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £477 for a time commitment of 4 days per month. 

Other ministerial appointments 

Barry White does not hold any other regulated public appointments. 

Political activity  

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.    

Barry White has had no political activity within the last five years.  

Background 

Scottish Water is a public corporation established by the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.  It is accountable to the Scottish Government for the provision of all public water and sewerage services to more than 2.62 million households and around 153,000 businesses in Scotland.  It is the fourth largest provider of water and sewerage services in the UK, with an annual revenue of roughly £1.94 billion.  Its retail subsidiary Business Stream operates in the competitive retail market for non-household customers in Scotland and England.