Sheila is a self-employed engineer and Director of Edinburgh-based consultancy, Perfect Dimensions Ltd. As well as writing procedures for multi-utility infrastructure works and adopting the role of Technical Advisor for companies operating on the Gas Industry Registration Scheme, Sheila works on complex high pressure gas pipeline projects.
She was born in Edinburgh and attended school there before moving to Perthshire where she excelled in engineering science and art at Blairgowrie High School, winning prizes in both subjects. She graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Industrial Design (Technology) and has worked within the gas industry since 2000.
Starting her gas career as an Administrative Assistant with Transco Connections, Sheila quickly progressed to become a Business Development Manager ahead of National Grid’s network sale in 2005, then on to become Design Manager for an Edinburgh-based design house with 30 engineers. She founded Perfect Dimensions in 2011.
In 2017 Sheila became President of the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), the fourth oldest professional Engineering Institution in the UK, and the first female to hold this post in their 158-year history.
A former Chairperson for the Scottish section of IGEM, she remains an active member of the section’s Management Committee. Sheila is also Vice Chair of IGEM’s Membership Committee, a Member Auditor and member of IGEM’s Audit and Risk Committee and currently sits on two technical panels – IGEM/TD/1 Steel pipelines for high pressure gas transmission and IGEM/SR/28 Trenchless Techniques. She is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution.
In May 2018, Sheila received Edinburgh Napier University’s prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award from Andrea Nolan at a private reception at the University’s Craiglockhart campus.
Sheila is a STEM Ambassador and volunteers to promote engineering in schools. She is delighted to have been a judge for the schools competition, Solutions for the Planet, three times, including one at the national final held at the Palace of Westminster.
Passionate about helping others progress in their careers, Sheila is a trained IGEM mentor and has and continues to help individuals in their pursuit of becoming professionally registered engineers.
Sheila is a keen sailor, a qualified Yachtmaster, commercial Skipper and part-time yacht Cruising Instructor. She is also a registered Zumba and fitness instructor.