Mason Evans | Our Team

Patrick Barry BSc (Hons) MSc CGeol MIMMM FGS - Managing Director

Since graduating from Glasgow and Durham Universities (1990 and 1991 respectively) Patrick Barry has worked in the geo-environmental industry for companies in Edinburgh, Hong Kong and Glasgow.

Initially joining Mason Evans as a Project Manager (2003) Patrick is now Managing Director. Consequently, and due to the historic hard work of many others, he now leads an independent geo-environmental consultancy, with nearly 30 years of professional trading, alongside approximately 45 colleagues.

Patrick therefore leads a fantastic team with many years’ experience of geo-environmental ground investigations, remediation and validation works. He promotes early and close interaction with Clients, Design Teams and Regulators, with good on-going communication being of paramount importance.

Once the geo-environmental works has been actioned, Patrick will gladly talk all things sport, with football (YNWA), rugby and even cricket being particularly important in his daily life.

Ian Cochrane BA (Hons) AIEMA MSEE SGPV - Director

Ian is originally from Ottawa in Canada and following graduation with a first-class degree in Physical Geography, he followed his roots and moved to Scotland in 1998 to pursue doctoral studies in sub-glacial hydrology at the University of Glasgow.

His early career was spent with a number of large engineering firms, developing their contaminated land capabilities and building environmental teams that focused mainly on contaminated land risk assessment and groundwater issues associated with brownfield redevelopment, but has capability that spans waste and waste licencing as well as EIA project management among others.

Ian joined Mason Evans in early 2010, and currently heads up the environmental section of the firm. Outside of work Ian is a classic (American) car enthusiast, and both Ian and his wife are active in coaching American Football.

Neil Thomson BSc (Hons) FGS - Director

A graduate of Glasgow University with an Honours degree in Geology and Applied Geology, Neil joined the practice shortly after its inception in 1995, having previously worked in both geo-environmental consultancy and site investigation contracting.

As a geo-environmental specialist, Neil is particularly experienced in land quality and mineworking stability assessments and the remediation of contaminated land.

Andrew McGuire BSc (Hons) FGS - Associate

Following graduation from University of Glasgow with an Honours degree in Earth Sciences, Andrew spent time working as a geo-environmental consultant within the petrochemical industry, before moving to Mason Evans in 2014.

Since joining Mason Evans, he has been involved in a wide variety of site investigations, contaminated land sites, earthworks and mine stabilisation schemes, across a range of sectors.

Hugh O Leary BSc MSc FGS - Associate

Hugh studied Biological Sciences at the Munster Technology University in 2004 before attending University College Cork, graduating in 2010 with an Honours Degree in Geology and achieving a National Award from the Geological Survey of Ireland (GIS) for work undertaken in Scotland.

Following graduation, Hugh began his career in Australia as a Coal Exploration Geologist working for large mining houses including BHP and Anglo American. In 2013 he returned to University College Cork and achieved a Masters Degree in Exploration Geology with specialisms in gold exploration and geotechnical engineering. Hugh moved to the UK in 2015 and spent a year working as a Geo-technical Engineer within the transportation, construction, renewable energy and utilities sectors before moving to Scotland in 2016 and joining Mason Evans as a Geo-environmental Engineer.

While at Mason Evans Hugh has built upon his knowledge and work in the exploration and geo-technical sectors earning promotion to Project Manager in 2016 and Associate in 2023. Hugh is particularly interested in mining risk assessment, geotechnical assessment, environmental assessment, contaminated land risk assessment, waste management and soil remediation.

Lindsay Reid BSc (Hons) FGS - Associate

Lindsay joined us in 2013 after graduating from the University of Glasgow with an Honours degree in Earth Science. Since then, she has continued to progress through the company, earning the role of Principal Geo-Environmental Scientist in 2015 and then Associate in 2023.

Lindsay has extensive knowledge of the investigation and remediation of Greenfield and Brownfield sites for a wide variety of end uses, particularly housing and distillery developments.

Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys spin classes and regularly tries to get the team involved in her love of exercise, much to their dismay.

Peter Rourke BSc (Hons) MSc FGS – Associate

After graduating from the University of Glasgow in 2010 with an Honours degree in Earth Sciences, Peter carried on his studies with a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of Aberdeen.

After a number of years in a structural geology and software consultancy, Peter joined Mason Evans in 2016 with promotions to Senior and Principal Geo-Environmental Engineer. As an Associate, Peter is involved in a wide range of geo-environmental consultancy projects, with a particular interest in coal mining legacy issues and geo-environmental ground investigations for a wide Client base that includes distillers and housebuilders.

Outside of work, Peter can be found at his allotment, spending time with friends and family or supporting his favourite football team.

Pamela Hamilton, Finance & Administration Manager

Pamela Hamilton started her career with Mason Evans in 1996 as a Junior Secretary. Throughout her early years at Mason Evans, Pamela gained knowledge and experience in the administration department along with more advanced accounting and HR duties.

In 2005, Pamela was promoted to the role of Office Manager. During this time, she developed her working relationships with all staff and management, and in 2017 was promoted to Finance & Administration Manager. She now works closely with all Senior and Junior staff members equally and oversees all aspects of the company operations.

Paula Cameron, Engineering Technician Manager

Paula started her career with Mason Evans in 2001 as a Junior Cad Technician. Throughout her early years at Mason Evans, Paula gained knowledge and experience in the Cad department working on different project drawings from Site Investigation Drawings to cut & fill exercises. Whilst working along side the engineers, she also gained knowledge regarding verification.

Paula was promoted to the role of Engineering Technician Manager. During this time, she developed her team covering the cad department, gas technicians and the verification team. She now works closely with the site teams to ensure a smooth process when it comes to verification.

Away from work Paula enjoys family time as well as football and a few cocktails with friends.