Mrs Heather Anderson

After graduating from the University of Edinburgh with an honours degree in Biological Sciences, I worked at Scottish Water for 7 years. Initially I worked in the metals laboratory, testing potable and waste water samples for common metal contaminants, using mass and optical emission spectrometry. I was sponsored to complete a part-time masters in Water and Environmental Management at Heriot Watt University whilst in this position and graduated in 2017. Latterly, I was a strategic planner in the Water Resources team, responsible for managing water efficiency projects and leading Scottish Water’s water efficiency strategy. I was also responsible for compiling the Memorandum of Understanding with SEPA for Enabling Sustainable Economic Growth of water assets in Scotland.

In 2019 I was awarded a Scottish Graduate School for Social Science studentship to complete a 1+3 programme. I spent the first year at the University of Edinburgh, completing a research masters in Human Geography, where my research investigated water poverty in Scotland. In Autumn 2020, I started my interdisciplinary PhD at the University of Stirling, investigating the social and environmental implications of water quality regulations in Scotland.

I graduated from the 2050 Climate Group leadership programme in 2018 where I co-led an action group to deliver sustainable cross-boundary travel solutions, and currently serve on the board of Tactran. I also lead the Climate Action Group for the Scottish Freshwater Group.