At Pentland Communications, our team has years of experience in public affairs and political engagement at senior level. Our team can be trusted to deliver a professional service for your business or political interests.
Barrie cunning, Managing Director
Prior to establishing Pentland, Barrie worked in communications in London and stood as a Labour candidate for the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire constituency. An effective communicator, Barrie has a thorough understanding of property and planning communications and has an extensive network of political contacts at devolved, national and local levels across the UK. barriecunning@pentlandcomms.co.uk.
MARTIN WHITFIELD, SENIOR Associate
Martin Whitfield is a former Member of the UK Parliament and Member of the Scottish Parliament. Most recently as Chief Whip to the Scottish Labour Party, Martin has extensive experience in legislative scrutiny, parliamentary standards, public appointments and democratic governance.
A professional background in law and education, Martin will provide strategic counsel support.
OWEN THOMPSON, Associate
A distinguished career in politics spanning two decades serving as the former Member of Parliament for Midlothian and as the Chief Whip of the SNP Westminster Group, Owen brings an unrivalled depth of political understanding and reach at both a national and local level having served as the leader of Midlothian Council prior to being elected to Westminster.
Owen comes with a vast network that is across the political spectrum at both a national and local level and has a thorough understanding of planning and planning related issues.
Daniel Coleman, Associate
With nearly two decades of experience of working in both the private and public sector as a regulatory economist at Deloitte, Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority,
Daniel has also stood twice for both the UK Labour Party in the 2024 general election for the Westminster constituency of Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale and as the Scottish Labour candidate for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale.
Daniel will support Pentland with economic analysis and economic sector impact assessments as well as stakeholder engagement.
MAURICE CORRY, ASSOCIATE
Elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2010 to represent the West Scotland regional list, Maurice served as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party's deputy spokesperson for veterans. Prior to being elected to the Scottish Parliament, Maurice served as a councillor for Argyll and Bute representing the Lomond North ward.
A thorough understanding of the planning system and after a decade of being in front line politics, Maurice brings an extensive network of political contacts throughout local and national government in Scotland.
FIONA WOOD, DESIGN ASSOCIATE
Fiona is a design specialist with over 20 years of experience working in both the agency and in-house design departments in the private and public sector and also runs her own business. A valued, reliable and experienced associate and collaborator. Fiona can help solve your design problems and come up with creative solutions.