MIEMA CEnv

Laura has accumulated more than 20 years' experience in the environmental sector spanning across scientific, regulatory, consultancy and project development roles. Following completion of her BSc in Tropical Environmental Science at Aberdeen University she worked as a Research Assistant in Bolivia where she authored and contributed to a number of scientific papers. She completed a MSc in Marine Resource Development and Protection at Heriot-Watt University in addition to training as a commercial SCUBA diver.

Her early professional career included a period as an Assistant Marine Biologist and Environmental Protection Officer at SEPA, which later evolved into a consultancy and project developer role for the onshore wind sector. She transitioned into marine renewables in 2010 where she led and supported the full range of project development processes for the development of offshore renewables projects and novel technologies.

Following a move to the Hebrides, she established as a self-employed consultant in 2015 supporting a range of aquaculture, space and renewables projects, and in 2018 the business was formally incorporated as a limited company.

As Director of Atlantic58 she has overseen projects spanning small, local conservation inititatives to EIAs for major developments in addition to providing regulatory support to the emerging Scottish space sector. Laura has a wide knowledge of a range of environmental topics derived from a diverse environmental career, however, she has a specialist interest in marine benthic ecology and continues to develop her knowledge of peatland biology and vegetation of the Hebrides.

MSc, IEMA

Sarah is an experienced EIA practitioner with ten years’ working in EIA consultancy and project management. Sarah has a BSc in Sustainable Environmental Management, an MSc in Marine Resource Management and is an Associate member of IEMA.

Sarah has led and contributed to numerous EIA projects, including wave and tidal arrays, floating offshore wind, aquaculture, onshore wind and spaceport development throughout Scotland. This includes site selection and optioneering to de-risk route to consent; project design support; coordination of Scoping, EIA and HRA; stakeholder engagement and consultation; and survey management.

Sarah utilises extensive experience of consenting for marine and terrestrial projects to ensure EIAs are robust, proportionate and fit-for-purpose for novel technologies and complex developments, in compliance with a number of different regimes. Working with Atlantic58 Sarah supports a diverse range of projects to positively influence development for the benefit of the environmental and communities.

PhD

Ruth joined Atlantic58 in 2022, bringing ten years' experience in the conservation sector and associated ecological surveying. Through completion of a PhD in seabird behaviour and movement ecology, Ruth has developed expertise in animal tracking systems, deployment, productivity monitoring, data processing and statistical analyses. She has a high standard of academic rigor for desk-based studies, with extensive experience of synthesising and evaluating scientific literature.

Ruth has acquired specialist knowledge in ornithology, crofting and the habitats of the Hebrides. She has hands-on experience of managing livestock and habitats in line with the requirements for government rural payment schemes for crofting (Agri-Environment Climate Scheme, AECS) in addition to undertaking protected species surveys and Phase 1 Vegetation surveys.

Barney joined Atlantic58 in 2021 after making a career change to ecology. He completed his Masters in Ecology and Conservation at Aberdeen University in 2019 with a Commendation, and a Distinction for his thesis on the impact of differing land management regimes on moorland bird abundance and diversity.

Barney is experienced in ornithological work, delivering vantage point and breeding bird surveys across Lewis and Harris. In addition to survey capabilities, Barney is competent in QGIS and has supported a range of projects including otter survey reports, rocket launch facilities, aquaculture developments and fisheries assessments. After enjoying success across a range of business roles, Barney also has extensive experience of stakeholder engagement and working with clients across multiple sectors.

BSc, QCIEM

Angus joined Atlantic58 in 2023, bringing along a varied experience within the consultancy, NGO and voluntary sector. Angus joined the Scottish Rural College in 2017 to gain a BSc in Environmental Resource Management. During his time at SRUC he mixed with specialists and industry professionals, and benefited from his work on his honours project where he discussed consumer relationships with eco-labels, developing his skills in synthesising scientific literature for desk based studies.

Prior to graduating in 2021 he was invited to join David Dodds Associates where he developed expertise in carrying out bat surveys—Emergence and Bat Roost Potential Assessments. Later, he joined global multi-disciplinary consultancy firm, RPS, where he built upon his bat surveying experience, gaining experience in badger and otter surveying and monitoring, as well peat-probing and dip well monitoring. Angus also worked within the data management team where he processed and managed survey data, producing maps and figures using GIS.

Angus also carried out vital work with leading nature conservation charity RSPB during the height of the HPAI (Highly Parthenogenic Avian Influenza) outbreak in the Outer Hebrides in 2022. He monitored the effects of the virus on local seabird populations, with a focus on great and Arctic skua.

He has also been involved in voluntary work for several years, predominantly in the field of conservation. He worked with RSPB surveying corncrake and managing crofts on the Corncrake Calling project, carried out habitat management for Friends of Braidburn Valley Park in Edinburgh and INNS control for Lothian Conservation Volunteers.

MSc

Gareth joined Atlantic58 in 2023 bringing 18 years’ experience in various environmental and multi-disciplinary consultancy roles and a degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Liverpool. Gareth has experience from feasibility studies to survey work, site assessments and contributing to EIA chapters and data analysis. Through his previous roles he has also gained experience in contaminated land investigation and remediation, asbestos remediation, radon remediation and testing and air quality monitoring.

Gareth also has experience in biodiversity enhancement gained through running his own croft where he has implemented sustainable crofting practices, low-intensity grazing using Hebridean sheep and undertaken crop trials in novel species.

Rebecca joined Atlantic58 in 2022 bringing 20 years' diverse administrative experience, 15 of those years working at Director and Executive Director level in both public and private sectors. As a qualified proofreader (through the Publishing Qualifications Board), Rebecca is responsible for quality assurance of many of our project outputs.

Rebecca's wide remit includes management of our IT service, company website, social media and marketing. In addition to wider business support services she is also responsible for developing and implementing office policies and procedures and is the Atlantic58 nominated data representative.