The CIHT Scotland Awards aim to celebrate the very best the region offers across the key areas of highways and transportation.
CIHT Scotland is delighted to announce the winners of the CIHT Scotland Awards 2025.
On Thursday 2 October 2025, nearly 200 guests gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow for the CIHT Scotland Annual Dinner, a highlight of the calendar that brought together professionals from across the transport and infrastructure sector to celebrate this year’s CIHT Scotland Awards.
The judging panel praised the exceptionally high standard of entries, noting that the competition across all categories was very close. The committee would like to thank AtkinsRéalis, Mott MacDonald, Stantec, SYSTRA, Waterman Aspen, Tracsis, and RPS for sponsoring the awards this year.
Photos from the evening: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipM2c7J8c8LK-zLF5-nkvRI0Pmdtzre4CP-6GVaAxYWuadZ9cLqz8Znj7eQF1ZcZaA?key=dE5nSjByUHlSUWpKcTRtU1NCd3JQa1EyLW5pZ19n
The new CIHT Scotland National Transport Project of the Year award recognises a national transport project, strategy, policy or behaviour change initiative that aligns strongly with CIHT’s values – Professional, Inclusive, Collaborative and Progressive.
Winner – Clyde Metro Case for Investment Stage 1a – Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Glasgow City Council representing Glasgow City Region, Mott MacDonald, and Transport Scotland
The new CIHT Scotland Local Transport Project of the Year award recognises a local transport project, strategy, policy or behaviour change initiative that aligns strongly with CIHT’s values – Professional, Inclusive, Collaborative and Progressive.
Winner: Bell Street Green Transport Hub – Dundee City Council
Runner-up: Borders Greenway – Borders Greenway Steering Group and AtkinsRéalis
The CIHT Scotland Career Achievement Award, sponsored by Sweco, is designed to recognise those who are more advanced in their career. The Award is therefore intended to celebrate the exceptional success of candidates over their careers.
Winner – Neil Johnstone
With over 40 years’ experience in the highways and transportation sector, Neil Johnstone has made an exceptional and sustained contribution through his leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to professional and community service.
Neil began his career with Balfour Beatty and Lothian Regional Council before joining Halcrow (later H2M), where he spent 25 years in senior roles. As Regional Managing Director, he oversaw major multidisciplinary programmes across Scotland, the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe, covering transport, energy, and water. He is a strong advocate for university partnerships and transport education, supporting the development of future professionals.
In 2015, Neil joined SYSTRA, where he played a key role in integrating the acquisitions of JMP and SIAS. Two years later, he established CONSULT-NJ Ltd, providing consultancy in transport and business change. He has also worked closely with Transport Scotland on strategic programmes, including the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) and the national modelling and appraisal framework LATIS.
Neil has been a committed supporter of CIHT throughout his career. He chaired the (old) Central & Southern Scotland Branch in 1998–99, established the Scottish Policy Forum, and has held senior governance roles including Trustee, Chair of the Appian Board, and Chair of the Learned Society & Technical Strategy Board. In 2022–23 he served as CIHT President, championing climate action, resilience, and professional development.
Beyond his professional work, Neil is a trustee of the Vine Trust, contributing to international community projects, and is active in Balerno Parish Church and Currie Chieftains rugby club. Highly respected for his professionalism, integrity, and inclusive leadership, Neil’s career demonstrates technical excellence, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to both the transport profession and wider society.
The CIHT Scotland Emerging Professional of the Year Award aims to celebrate individual excellence in Transport Planning and /or Civil Engineering within Scottish highways and transportation sector.
Winner: Ewen Campbell
Runner-up: Kelda Lyons
The CIHT Scotland Apprentice of the Year Award is designed to recognise and celebrate an apprentice who is making an impactful difference in the Scottish highways and transportation industry.
Winner: Sam Morrow
Runner-up: John Thomson
Our confirmed winners for 2024 were:
Emerging Professional Award
Winner – Ross Agnew
Runner-up – Meg Scott
Apprentice Award Winner
Winner – Lewis Murren
Runner-up – John Thomson
Career Achievement Award 2024
Winner - Gordon Baker, Chair of CIHT Board of Trustees
More information: https://www.ciht.org.uk/news/ciht-scotland-awards-2024-winners-announced/
If you have a question please contact regions@ciht.org.uk
