York, England, United Kingdom
I am a Scottish railway engineer, policy strategist and writer who lives in York in the north of England. I have a decade and a half of experience in railway design, including major projects across the UK and beyond. My experience runs across disciplines and from early scoping and feasibility right through to detailed engineering and construction. As a cross-domain policy expert I have given evidence in parliament to the Transport Select Committee and UK2070 Commission, as well as advising various national and local politicians and civil servants. I host #Railnatter, the world’s leading independent railway podcast, and am a regular on other shows, radio, television and in print making the case for railways at the heart of a sustainable future. My bestselling book How The Railways Will Fix The Future is a staple for transport professionals and activists and as co-founder of the Campaign for Level Boarding I have pushed forwards accessible transport policy nationally. I’ve written for the Independent, New Internationalist, Progressive Review and regularly for RAIL. I’m also a proud RMT and ACORN member.
As well as public facing policy communication, I've acted as a transport policy advisor for local and national government, for political parties, for think tanks and for campaign groups. I have a proven track record in converting ideas into outcomes, and apply a unique breadth and depth of knowledge, experience and a diverse contacts book.
#Railnatter is the world's leading independent railway podcast, going out every Wednesday evening and running for 300+ episodes and counting. We talk all things transport, often feature guests and are regularly topical. A spin-off podcast, Trainsatlantic, launched in 2026 hosted by me and regular collaborator Justin Roczniak of Well There's Your Problem fame.
I have supported my professional institution for many years, but this role expanded when I was appointed as secretary, vice-chair and most recently chair of my local section. Further to this, I have helped organise various events and am a regular paid lecturer for the courses the institution delivers. Connected with my PWI role is my position as chair and host of the North eastern railway engineers’ forum (NEREF), which is an annual evening conference bringing together all of the professional railway institutions.
Developed and now delivering the long term strategy for Network Rail's now-renamed Test Tracks (ex RIDC), maximising utilisation of the incredible facilities we have, preparing our team and sites so that we can deliver the railway of the future, and ensuring that everyone knows about who we are and what we can do.