A long-serving member of the Edinburgh Trams team has received international recognition for his contributions to light rail safety and the delivery of major projects such as the launch of services to Newhaven.
With more than four decades of cross-disciplinary engineering experience, including 20 years in the rail industry, Colin Kerr has now helped the operator add to its already impressive collection of industry accolades after scooping a special Judges Award at an event in London this week.
The Head of Safety and Projects at Edinburgh Trams took to the stage at the Global Light Rail Awards to receive the honour from TV presenter Nicholas Owen.
He was nominated for the award after inspiring his team to new heights during a landmark project that is already proving a hit with residents, visitors and businesses across the city.
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, explained: “Over many years, Colin has played a pivotal role in our success, and his knowledge and expertise certainly came to the fore during the Trams to Newhaven Project.
“Together with his team, he protected the operator’s interests throughout the construction process, assisting significantly in the delivery of the new line on time and on budget.
“He also took the lead on a testing and commissioning process, ensuring the safe and successful launch of services to key locations along the new route, including Leith, Ocean Terminal and Newhaven itself.”
The award couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time for Colin, who has recently announced his semi-retirement from a career that has also seen him become a leading figure in light rail.
As a non-executive director of the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, his experience has been valued by colleagues across the sector who are working to reduce risks on what is already one of the safest forms of public transport.
On receiving the award, Colin said: “The accolade came as a huge surprise, and I feel honoured to be recognised in this way by colleagues in the sector.
“However, the award reflects the hard work of the entire Edinburgh Trams team and its efforts to deliver a world-class system that has already received widespread acclaim and a raft of prestigious awards.”