Public appointment: Members appointed to the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland

The Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, today announced the appointment of Anne Macleod, Lynn Pilkington, Zara Todd and Nariese Whyte as Members of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland.

Members

Anne MacLeod, a native Gaelic speaker from the Isle of Lewis, graduated from Sabhal Mòr with an Honours degree in Gaelic and Communication.  As the Manager of Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, an award winning heritage centre in the north of Lewis she led on a recently launched project to provide an accessible transport solution for those unable to use public transport.  Anne has a passion for community development and a personal understanding of the challenges facing disabled people travelling to and from islands; she travels regularly with a family member with complex disabilities.

Lynn Pilkington is a consultant trainer and blogger combining expertise of equalities and engagement, to create content to support employers, facilitators, educators and HR professionals to build impactful and inclusive workplaces and learning experiences.  Lynn is also a childcare support worker/play practitioner.  Lynn was previously the Social Movement Support Officer for See Me and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for City of Glasgow College.

Zara Todd is a freelance trainer, facilitator and researcher who has been supporting organisations to be more inclusive and accessible to disabled people for nearly 20 years. She previously advised the UK Government and Transport for London on disability and accessibility.  Zara is a wheelchair user, neurodivergent and an active transport user.  Zara is also a trustee of Volunteering Matters, Disability Equality Scotland and a board member of Disabled People's International.

Nariese Whyte is a Casework Officer in the Scottish Parliament where they engage with constituents on a local level.  Nariese was an elected Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament from 2017-19, and an MYP for Central Scotland from 2018-19. Nariese is a wheelchair user and a disability rights activist being a co-founder of the Disabled Students Association of Stirling.

Appointments

The appointments are for four years and run from 1 October 2023 until 30 September 2027.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The appointments attract £163.92 per day.  Anne Macleod, Zara Todd and Nariese Whyte will take on Member roles with a time commitment of up to 18 days per year.  Lynn Pilkington will take on a Workstream Lead role with a time commitment of 36 – 48 days per year.

Other Ministerial appointments

Anne Macleod, Lynn Pilkington, Zara Todd and Nariese Whyte do 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.

Nariese Whyte was an elected Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament from 2017-19 and an MYP for Central Scotland from 2018-19. Nariese is an active party member and Co-Convener of the Disabled Greens.

Anne Macleod, Lynn Pilkington and Zara Todd have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland was set up under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to advise Scottish Ministers on the barriers and challenges for disabled people in relation to transport.  While supported by Transport Scotland, the Committee offers its views independently of government and it is expected to reflect the views of disabled people and organisations representing disabled people, however, it works independently of those individuals and organisations.