Gavin Barr, BSc Hons, MSc, MRTPI

Expert Consultant

Gavin joined Aquatera in August 2021, moving from the position of Executive Director with Orkney Islands Council, a unitary Local Government Authority with responsibility for the Orkney Islands archipelago in Northern Scotland. In addition to senior management governance and public finance responsibilities, Gavin had specific Service accountability for a diverse portfolio of public services including roads and municipal services, quarry services, economic development and regeneration, environmental health, planning, trading standards, EU Liaison and BREXIT preparations, building standards, burial grounds, property services, engineering services, capital programme, marine services, transportation and ferry services, procurement, civil contingencies and IT.

Gavin was also senior responsible officer in relation to the delivery of a number of key projects and programmes including the Islands Regional Growth Deal, Ferry Funding, Community Wind Project (80MW wind farm) and the Local Development Plan. Gavin was also involved in representing the Council’s position in numerous key policy agendas including the Marine Scotland Act, The Islands Act, The National Plan for Scotland’s Islands, the Arctic Strategy for Scotland, Special Protection Areas and the National Planning Framework. Gavin also had the Executive Leadership role within the Council’s Marine Services development team which included lead engagement with the Flotta Oil Terminal Operators, Crown Estates Scotland, wind developers and developer contacts with interests in new harbour infrastructure and regeneration sites.

Gavin is an expert team leader, with substantial political and diplomatic expertise and organisational Governance experience. Gavin has spent significant effort over many years engaging with communities across Orkney as well as travelling across Scotland, the UK and internationally.