He succeeds Michael Kilpatrick, who has served as chair since 2019. 

Founded in 1908, originally as the Concrete Institute, IStructE, as it was renamed in 1922, is the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to structural engineering, and aims to uphold standards, share knowledge and promote and provide a voice for the profession. 

Andy joined the Scottish branch of IStructE as a student at the University of Strathclyde in 1994 and became a Chartered member in 2004. In early 2021, he joined the SRG committee, and was named as regional vice chair soon after. Along with new vice chair, Ruth Crewe, Andy played a key part in the organisation of the IStructE Sustainable Design seminars in Glasgow last November, which coincided with COP26. 

As chair, Andy will lead the SRG committee in planning a programme of CPD seminars and presentations, as well as events for networking and celebrating excellence in structural engineering. He will also represent Scotland at UK-wide IStructE meetings and play a leading role in raising the profile of the Institution in the region.

Andy said he is looking forward to the challenge: “I really enjoy being a structural engineer and am passionate about knowledge sharing and developing future talent within our profession, so being elected as the new Chair by the committee is something I’m really proud of. I can’t wait to get started in the role and am looking forward to building on the work Michael has done to raise our profile and develop greater recognition within the industry.”

Rebecca Carey, head of membership and education at IStructE, said: “We are delighted that Andy Gotts has been appointed the new chair of IStructE in Scotland. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, which will prove invaluable to the development of the CPD seminars and presentations programme, and more broadly in engaging with members and raising the profile of the Institution in Scotland.”