The people behind Scotland 2050
Scotland 2050 brings together people from politics, business, economics, law and civic life. Meet the team making that conversation happen.
Barrie Cunning
Scotland 2050 Founder
Passionate about Scotland's potential at home and abroad, Barrie recognised the lack of a forum to ask the big questions about Scotland and where we want Scotland to be by 2050. Barrie's curiosity and ambition to explore a new kind of thinking about Scotland's future led to the creation of the Scotland 2050 conference.
Barrie is the founding director of Pentland Communications, established in 2018, working across housebuilding, renewables and the third sector. With a vast political network, Barrie stood for the Scottish Parliament in 2016 and regularly writes for The Scotsman, The Herald, the New Statesman and the I paper.
Dan Coleman
Programme Content and Economic Policy
A professional economist with 17 years' experience in the public and private sectors, including Whitehall Departments, competition regulators and Deloitte. Dan led analysis of around 20 mergers for the Competition and Markets Authority and has advised big tech firms on regulation.
Sarah Boyack
Strategic Advisor
First elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, Sarah has served as Minister for Transport and the Environment, Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Net Zero, and Deputy Minister for the Environment. Prior to politics she was a town planner and lecturer.
Martin Whitfield
Strategic Advisor
A former UK and Scottish Parliamentarian with extensive experience in legislative scrutiny, governance and policy. With a professional background in law and education, Martin advises organisations on parliamentary engagement, governance and children's rights.
Sam Airey
Programme Content and Strategy
A decade's experience across research, policy and politics with expertise in environmental science, conservation and energy policy. Sam has worked at Chatham House, advised UK Members of Parliament, and was Founding Director of the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre.
Emilija Morrison
Strategy, Content and Youth Co-ordinator
A graduate of the University of Glasgow and former Editor of The Tab Glasgow. Emilija reported from COP26, was selected for the Bloomberg Journalism Diversity Programme in 2024, and brings hands-on experience in social video content to Scotland 2050's youth engagement work.
Fiona Wood
Graphic Design and Creative Content
A design specialist with over 20 years of experience working in agency and in-house design departments across the private and public sector, Fiona also runs her own design business.