Our team

Robert Scott was appointed as HM Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in April 2021. Robert joined the fire service in 1989 and served as an Assistant Chief Officer within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service until his retirement in 2017. He formed part of a small team that helped lead the reform of the fire and rescue services in Scotland. This process led to the creation of the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in 2013.

Brian joined HMFSI in 2003 after a career in the fire and rescue service.  He has been involved in fire safety work throughout his career.  With HMFSI this has included: the introduction of Integrated Risk Management Planning in Scotland, fire safety advisor to the Bill team that introduced the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, development of fire safety regulations, member of team representing interests of Scottish Ministers at the Rosepark FAI, authorising fire safety guidance, lead inspector for a number of thematic and local area inspections.

Graeme joined HMFSI in 2013 having previously been seconded to HMFSI from the Scottish Government’s Fire and Rescue Unit.  Where, over a ten year period, he had a leading role in fire service governance, fire safety and operational guidance matters.  Graeme has a background in the development and co-ordination of fire and water safety interventions, the production of sector fire safety guidance, reporting on the restructuring of fire control rooms in England, the consideration and development of national operational guidance, fire service structural reform and lead inspector of thematic and local area inspections.

John Joyce joined HMFSI in 2022 after a career in the Fire and Rescue Service in Scotland. John served as a strategic level manager in a wide range of posts and functions and as Operational Commander at a diverse range of complex incidents. He achieved excellent outcomes in Project Management roles within the SFRS and following his retirement, within NHS Scotland Assure.

David Young joined HMFSI in April 2023 after a 31-year career in the Fire and Rescue Service in Scotland. David served as a Strategic Manager in a wide range of posts and functions and as Operational Commander at a diverse range of complex incidents. He achieved excellent outcomes in Project Management, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity planning.

Calum joined HMFSI in May 2024 following careers in the British Army and the Fire and Rescue Service, where he served as a Group Commander including operational roles at a diverse range of complex incidents. 

His Fire and Rescue background includes periods working within Prevention and Protection, Resilience Management, Service Delivery and Training.

Dorothy is Personal Assistant to the Chief Inspector and provides business management support to the inspection team. She is involved in the publication process for HMFSI reports and contributes to the scrutiny of draft inspection reports. She is also involved in ensuring the website is relevant and up to date.  Dorothy joined HMFSI in June 2003.

Lynn joined the Inspectorate in 2006. Her role includes inspection support and the support of the business and financial management of HMFSI. Alongside having an administrative role, Lynn’s remit includes coordinating press and media enquiries and is our team’s representative on the disability network.

Lynne Gow is a Group Commander with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and joined the Inspectorate as a secondee in February 2024. Lynne has 26 years operational experience in a variety of service delivery and project management roles such as; Training, Equalities, Operations and Prevention & Protection. Lynne is providing assistance on our Organisational Culture thematic inspection and the North SDA Inspection. 

Shirley Hartridge joined the Inspectorate as a secondee from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in April 2024.  Shirley has over 20 years leading and managing teams across both private and public sector organisations concentrating on customer experience and delivering benefits.  Shirley has worked for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for the last 13 years in various roles and directorates. In her substantive role as ICT Project Manager, she works with colleagues to deliver projects that support the ICT Digital Strategy.