Scottish Area Council Members

	Jim Gillies MIRO: Area Chairman E-mail: Jim.gillies@networkrail.co.uk Jim began his railway career in Fort William in 1984 as a guard on the West Highland Line. He has since held a number of operations posts in Scotland working for British Rail, Railtrack and now Network Rail. He is currently a Project Operations Interface Specialist based in Glasgow and has been a member of the IRO since its beginnings. Jim is also Chair of the IRO’s Scottish Area Council.
	Jim Douglas Msc, MIRO: Secretary E-mail: jim.douglas@scottwilson.com Jim first joined British Rail as a telegraph clerk at Edinburgh Waverley Station in 1980. After various operational roles, he was appointed Production Manager - Scotland, with responsibility for the safety, operational and performance functions within Railtrack/Network Rail’s Scotland region. After 29 years service, Jim left Network Rail and is now working with URS/Scott Wilson as the client’s operational representative on the Saudi Arabian high speed line, which is proposed between Mecca and Medina. Staying overseas, he has also been involved in Metro extension proposals in the Ukraine. In his railway operations career, Jim has managed all types of signalling systems, from the most basic, right through to the Integrated Electronic Control Centre and he is involved in the operational evaluation of ERTMS level 2 in Saudi Arabia. He has a wealth of experience in operational and safety management and is keen to share that experience with those working through the various IRO educational modules.
	Richard Shaw AIRO: Treasurer E-mail: richardshaw43@btinternet.com Richard joined British Rail in 1962 as a booking clerk in the Dover area, followed by roles as Relief Station Master and Assistant Station Manager at various stations in the South East. Following management training, he was appointed Station Manager at Gatwick Airport, where he presided over rapid development and growth of the rail air link, and then became Area Manager at Sutton. A move north of the border then beckoned, where Richard became Business Manager for ScotRail Express services, Retail Manager for the West of Scotland and Quality Manager for ScotRail. Following privatisation, Richard became a self employed consultant, working for companies across the UK and in Australia. He currently works for Glasgow Prestwick Airport supporting their rail operation interests as a licensed station operator.
	Donald MacPherson FIRO: Council Member E-mail: donaldmacpherson736@btinternet.com Donald’s career within the rail industry started in 1982 as an Operations Management Trainee with British Rail in Glasgow. He held a number of posts in Scotland, working in Dumbarton, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth and Glasgow, where he was Head of Operations and Operations Manager for ScotRail. In 2000, Donald became Head of Personnel for ScotRail and four years later, Human Resources Director for First ScotRail. Since 2006, he has been a self-employed consultant. Donald is on the membership committee of the IRO and is a tutor for railway modules on the IRO Certificate programme.
	Jim Summers MBE, MA (Hons), FIRO, FCILT: Council Member E-mail: JimSummers@btinternet.com Jim began his railway career with British Rail at Liverpool Street as a Traffic Apprentice in the old Kings Cross District. After spells in Whitemoor Yard in East Anglia and Harwich with Train Ferries and Containers, he returned to his native Scotland to become an Area Manager. Jim was Railway Liaison Officer when the Greater Glasgow Passenger Transport Executive was established and was involved with re-opening the Argyle Line and the integration of buses and trains. Later roles at headquarters included Train Planning, Total Quality and Safety and Regional Operations Manager for British Rail’s Scottish Region. Jim left BR just prior to privatisation, spending 13 years as a rail consultant working in Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Malaysia, as well as in the UK with London Underground. Jim was also involved with setting up the IRO and is currently a member of its Education Management Group and undertakes tutoring and lecturing.
	Stewart Barr BA, CMIOSH MIRO: Council Member E-mail: stewart.barr@firstgroup.com Stewart started his railway career as an apprentice with British Rail Engineering Ltd in 1977. A move to Shields Depot, working with the commissioning team for Class 318 introduction on the Ayrshire route, was his first exposure to the operational railway. He is currently the Head of Occupational Safety with ScotRail. Although he has a focus on Health & Safety legislation he is closely involved with operational issues such as change management, safety validation, fatigue and compliance with ROGs.
	Colin Weir MIRO: Council Member E-mail: colin.weir@networkrail.co.uk Colin Weir started his career with Scotrail in 1986 as a YTS trainee at Haymarket and was fortunate to land a full time role as a signaller covering various boxes and modes of signalling in central Scotland. From there he moved to the Control in a supervisory role in 1996 and on to Management Roles in Health and Safety from 1997 to 2002. After a brief Spell as a Safety Briefer he became Station Manger of Glasgow Central from 2002 to 2007. He is currently Local Operations Manager Highland Main Line. Colin has recently completed his Bsc in Railway Operations Management through the IRO and will be following on from this with further study at the University of Warwick in 2012.