About Us
Boat moored on rural Scottish canal

Board Meetings

Our Board will meet regularly throughout the year, and copies of their meeting minutes will be published.

Board meeting minutes

Meet the Board

Following the approval of The British Waterways Board (Transfer of Functions) Order 2012 ("the BW Order") the British Waterways Board, operating as Scottish Canals, became a public body in the Scottish public sector wholly accountable to Scottish Ministers with effect from 2nd July 2012.

On behalf of the Scottish Ministers, the Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown MSP has formalised appointments for the chair and members to the Board of Scottish Canals, including the Chief Executive of Scottish Canals, as follows:

Dr Jon Hargreaves (Chair)
Geoff Aitkenhead (Vice Chair)
Tanya Castell
Steve Dunlop (Chief Executive)
Martin Latimer
Duncan Sutherland

The Board has responsibility and accountability for Scottish Canals in accordance with the Transport Act 1962 Part 1 and Schedule 1, as amended by the BW Order for a three year term. The quorum for meetings of the Board shall be three.

The Board of Scottish Canals closely follows the model Code of Conduct approved by the Scottish Parliament. This code ensures high standards are maintained in Scottish public life.

Find out more about this Code of Conduct.

  • Jon Hargreaves, Scottish Canals Board member
  • Geoff Aitkenhead, Scottish Canals Board member
  • Duncan Sutherland, member of the Scottish Canals Board
  • Tanya Castell, Scottish Canals Board member
  • Martin Latimer, Scottish Canals Board member
  • Steve Dunlop
  • Jon Hargreaves, Scottish Canals Board member
  • Geoff Aitkenhead, Scottish Canals Board member
  • Duncan Sutherland, member of the Scottish Canals Board
  • Tanya Castell, Scottish Canals Board member
  • Martin Latimer, Scottish Canals Board member
  • Steve Dunlop
  • Dr. Jon Hargreaves - ChairDr Jon Hargreaves has represented Scottish interests on the British Waterways Board over recent years, and is now Chair of the Board of Scottish Canals. He brings with him over 35 years experience of the water industry, most recently as Chief Executive of Scottish Water. He is also a non-executive of Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, Gateshead, and The Port of Tyne Trust.
    Geoff Aitkenhead - Vice ChairGeoff, a Chartered Engineer, has been Asset Management Director of Scottish Water for ten years and his strengths lie in risk management, procurement and health and safety. "This is a great opportunity to be in at the beginning of a new organisation, to play a part in shaping the future direction of Scottish Canals. I am looking forward to learning about the organisation, meeting the people who make it work and playing my part in making the organisation a success." Geoff is a member of the Audit & Risk Committee.
    Duncan SutherlandDuncan, who has been the other Scottish Government appointed British Waterways Board member for the past six years, is currently managing director of Inpartnership, has achieved many city centre projects including Coventry Canal Basin. He has also been involved in national organisations such as Historic Burghs Association of Scotland Advisory Council and was an Executive Committee Member of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry. Altogether, he brings considerable strengths and experience in property development and regeneration to the new Board.
    Tanya CastellTanya is a risk and regulatory expert with over 25 years' experience in financial services. Her expertise also extends to pensions. "Last year I rode along the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals on the first leg of a 200 mile charity cycle ride. The experience opened my eyes to the amazing heritage our canals represent and the role they can play in regeneration of some of the areas they pass through." Tanya is chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
    Martin LatimerMartin has held senior positions within the Scottish marine leisure industry for over 25 years and brings with him a wealth of experience in commerce, marketing and customer relations. "Having lived and sailed in Scotland for over 30 years, I believe there is still enormous potential to increase the transits, tourism and extended use of each of the major waterways. The canals also have an important role to play in increasing East / West boating tourism in Scotland. I look forward to visiting each of the canals again over coming months." Martin is a member of the Audit & Risk Committee.
    Steve Dunlop - Chief ExecutiveSteve joined British Waterways in 2006 as Director Scotland. Formerly, he was Director of Regeneration for Newcastle City Council and, prior to that, held a Directorship at Falkirk Council. Steve is regarded as a ‘regeneration specialist’ and is a director of a range of joint venture property companies looking after Scottish Canals' interests. He has a wide variety of hobbies, including cycling and photography.
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