Public appointment: Member reappointed to the Scottish Water Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, today announced the reappointment of Catriona Schmolke CBE as a Member of the Scottish Water Board. 

Member 

Catriona Schmolke CBE, with over forty years’ experience, is a recognised authority in engineering hydrogeology and sustainability. Her career spans mining, nuclear decommissioning, utilities, petrochemicals and land and waste management. She has delivered complex capital programmes and environmental solutions for both public and private sectors. Catriona's expertise covers strategy, safety leadership, climate resilience and stakeholder engagement. She has influenced national policy and advanced safety standards, making significant contributions to energy transition and environmental stewardship. Catriona is also a non-executive director of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the National Physical Laboratory. 

Reappointment 

This reappointment will be for 4 years and will run from 1 November 2025 until 31 October 2029. 

This reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

Remuneration 

This reappointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £466 a day for a time commitment of 4 days per month. 

Other ministerial appointments 

Catriona Schmolke  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.    

Catriona Schmolke  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.