Public appointment: Member reappointed to the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, today announced the reappointment of Simon Watkins as a Member of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS).

Member

Simon Watkins began working with Cumbernauld Corporation before moving to the then Strathclyde Regional Council as a planner.  He was seconded for ten years to an EU Programme, assisting local authorities in Central and Eastern Europe, the last two years as Director.  Mr Watkins joined the newly-created Scottish Parliament as one of its Clerk Team Leaders and led teams supporting many of the main Committees of the Parliament.  He was first appointed to MACS in May 2021 and is the workstream lead for rail and Vice Convener.

Reappointment

The reappointment is for four years from 1 May 2025 until 30 April 2029.

The reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The reappointment attracts remuneration of £167.92 per day for a time commitment of between 30 - 48 days per year.

Other Ministerial appointments

Simon Watkins does not hold any other 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.

Simon Watkins has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) was established in 2002 and is an advisory non-departmental public body The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland Regulations 2002.  MACS was formally constituted under Section 72 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.

The Convener and Members with professional and lived experience of disability are appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport.

MACS works to ensure that disabled people can travel safely, independently, and with dignity.

As an independent advisory committee, MACS provides guidance to the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland on transport policy, accessibility improvements, and the impact of legislative changes. By engaging with ministers and stakeholders, MACS advocates for a transport system that removes barriers and enables full participation in all aspects of public life for disabled individuals.

More information about the work of MACS can be found on the Trasport Scotland website: Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) | Transport Scotland.