As Principal Consultant, Catriona works with HiDef’s team of data scientists and environmental consultants to produce EIA chapters, HRA reports and technical appendices related to marine ornithology and marine mammal interests, most usually for offshore wind farm clients. Since starting at the company in March 2020, she has been HiDef’s project lead on numerous offshore wind applications in UK waters (North Sea and Celtic Sea) including Erebus, Pentland, Forthwind, Llŷr and Muir Mhòr.
Prior to joining HiDef, Catriona worked for over 20 years in NatureScot, with 15 years as a renewables’ casework lead – first in onshore wind (5 years), then moving offshore (10 years). She co-ordinated NatureScot’s application responses to the first offshore wind projects on the Scottish east coast – Beatrice, Moray East, Neart na Gaoithe, Inch Cape and Seagreen. She was a key member of the two regional advisory groups for these wind farms (MFRAG and FTRAG), advising on impact assessment processes and methods. She also provided key advice to Scottish Government on post-application matters – the licence conditions, personnel and plans necessary to achieve good environmental working practice at sea, during the construction phase of offshore wind development.
