Reflections from the Work Stream Leads

Lynn Pilkington – Planning, Strategy and Engagement Lead

“It has been a rewarding and growth-filled year for me personally and the workstream. We have delivered on external engagements, a relationship-building strategy and internal/external communication improvements. We are all adapting to new ways of coming together as a team and I look forward to seeing the benefits through increased accessible transport for all.”

Susan Fulton – Active Travel and Infrastructure Lead

"It’s been a busy and rewarding year for the Active Travel and Infrastructure Workstream. We’ve contributed to a wide range of projects—from input into SEStran’s People and Place Plan, kerb height research, and updates to Cycling by Design, to advising on Pavement Parking Legislation and participating in groups on Continuous Footways and Floating Bus Stops.

Our collaboration with the Active Travel team helped strengthen connections and share insights across workstreams. Highlights included our Development Day, where we explored new funding models and heard directly from those delivering projects on the ground.

Site visits with the Roadworks Commissioner’s team gave powerful insight into how people navigate temporary roadworks, offering a deeper understanding of the lived experiences we represent."

Anne Macleod – Ferries and Aviation Lead

"This year, we’ve strengthened our engagement with island communities, particularly around ferry accessibility and the emerging aviation issues in the Western Isles. We’ve built strong working relationships with operators and pushed for clearer commitments to inclusive design across terminals and vessels. There’s more to do, but we’re making sure disabled people’s voices are at the heart of future transport planning."

Simon Watkins – MACS Vice Convener and Rail Lead

"It has been another steady year of accessibility improvements on the railways without any major stand-out moments. We are glad that we have been able to assure ourselves that the Glasgow metro, however constituted, will be fully accessible and that Scotland continues to lead the way in the UK in station accessibility improvements under the Access for All scheme. We are continuing to try and ensure, along with other Disabled People’s Organisations, that the newly-formed Great British Railways has accessibility at its core."

Lesley Macinnes – Public and Community Transport Lead

“As we look ahead, there are real opportunities to shape more accessible and inclusive public transport across Scotland. With upcoming changes through the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill, improvements in open data, and ongoing developments in Traveline’s accessibility, MACS will be engaging closely to make sure these systems reflect the needs and experiences of disabled people. It’s an important time to get things right and we’re ready to contribute.”