Two New Members Appointed to the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan MSP, has announced the appointment of two new members to the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel:

Bryan Leask and Dr Olivia Swan

The new appointees bring significant frontline experience in two of the most acute aspects of fuel poverty: the disproportionate impact on rural and island communities, and the serious consequences for health.

About the new members

Bryan Leask, Chief Executive of Hjaltland Housing Association in Shetland, brings extensive expertise in rural and island fuel poverty. He currently chairs the Scottish Rural and Islands Fuel Poverty Action Group and sits on several Scottish Government working groups, including the Zero Energy Social Housing Taskforce, the New Build Heat Standard Working Group, and the Energy Standard Review Working Group.

Dr Olivia Swann, a consultant paediatrician, brings deep professional insight into the health impacts of fuel poverty. She leads the Homes, Heat and Healthy Kids programme, which uses health, housing, and energy data to identify where improvements can make the biggest difference for families.

Chair’s welcome

Matthew Cole, Chair of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel, welcomed the appointments:

“Bryan and Olivia offer unique insights into two key areas of fuel poverty concern: rural fuel poverty and the impact of fuel poverty on health. We are very lucky to have them both joining our other members on the Panel.”

Re-appointments

The Panel has also recently confirmed the reappointment of its Chair, Matthew Cole, until 31 December 2029, alongside continued appointments of panel members Dr Fraser Stewart, Dr Kirsten Jenkins, and Mr Alister Steele.

Read the Scottish Government’s official announcement