A Warm Welcome to our New Convener

I am really pleased to say hello as the new Convener of MACS. I stepped into the role at the end of January, and it’s been a busy, brilliant few months getting to know the team, our work, and our partners. I’ve completed the Convener induction, had great one-to-one chats with committee members, and established weekly catch-ups with our Head of Secretariat to help keep everything running smoothly. I’ve also set up regular fortnightly meetings with our sponsor team at Transport Scotland to ensure strong communication and alignment. In addition, I’ve begun representing MACS at key meetings from free rail companion travel to discussions on the Accessible Travel Framework and have had the privilege of chairing our April Board meeting and attending the Four Nations Forum. I’ve also met with the CEO of Transport Scotland, Motability Foundation, and Motability Operations. It’s been a fast-paced start, and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead as we continue pushing for accessible and inclusive transport across Scotland.

As we look ahead, MACS finds itself at a point of transition and renewal. We extend our sincere thanks to Linda Bamford, whose tenure as Convener concluded on January 1st, 2025. Linda’s leadership, commitment, and passionate advocacy have been instrumental in shaping MACS’ voice and advancing accessible transport across Scotland.

Looking to the year ahead, we do so with both reflection and purpose. Several long-serving members Joanne Devitt and Michael Tornow, whose terms end in September 2025, and Naghat Ahmed, due to finish in March 2026 will be concluding their service. Their contributions have helped define MACS’ impact and their presence will be greatly missed.

We are pleased to confirm Simon Watkins’ reappointment as Vice Convener, offering stability and experienced leadership as we navigate this period of change.

Recruiting new members will be a central focus as we work to ensure the committee continues to represent a broad range of lived experiences and expert perspectives. While we bid farewell to valued colleagues, we are energised by the opportunity to welcome new voices who will help shape the future of accessible transport in Scotland. Our mission remains clear: to ensure that disabled people’s transport needs are not only recognised, but prioritised in the vision for a more inclusive Scotland.

Anya Kettles

Convener of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland