John Elvidge

Sir John William Elvidge KCB, FRSE (born 9 February 1951) is the former Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government. He was appointed in July 2003, replacing Sir Muir Russell. He retired from the post in June 2010.[1]

Sir
John Elvidge
KCB
Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government
In office
July 2003 – June 2010
First MinisterJack McConnell
Alex Salmond
Preceded bySir Muir Russell
Succeeded bySir Peter Housden
Personal details
Born (1951-02-09) 9 February 1951
London, England
SpouseMaureen Margaret Ann McGinn
Alma materSt Catherine's College, Oxford
OccupationCivil Servant

Early life

He was born on 9 February 1951, son of Herbert William Elvidge and Irene Teresa Reynolds, and educated at Sir George Monoux School in Walthamstow, North- East London.[2] He studied English language and literature at St Catherine's College, Oxford, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree.[2][3] In 1973, he joined the Civil Service, working in the Scottish Office.

Civil service

While at the Scottish Office, Elvidge worked particularly in the fields of economic development, physical infrastructure and European Union relations.[3] He was seconded to Scottish Homes, from 1988 to 1989, and to the Cabinet Office, from 1998 to 1999, where he was involved in co-ordination of the Government's legislative programme and social policies.[3] In May 1999, he was appointed Head of the Scottish Government Education Department, and in March 2002 became Head of the Finance and Central Services Department.[2][3] In 2003, he became Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, succeeding Sir Muir Russell, who became Principal of the University of Glasgow.[4] He announced his retirement on 21 May 2010, to take effect in June, to enable his successor to prepare for the Scottish Parliament elections in May 2011.

Appointment as chairman of Edinburgh Airport

In May 2012 it was announced that Elvidge had been appointed by Global Infrastructure Partners as chairman of Edinburgh Airport. The appointment was effective from 1 June 2012, following completion of Global Infrastructure Partners' £807.2 million acquisition of the airport from BAA.[5]

Honours and awards

Elvidge was created a Knight Commander of the Bath (KCB) in the 2006 Birthday Honours.[4][6] He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2009.[7]

Personal life

He is married to Maureen McGinn (Lady Elvidge) who is a member of the Scotland Committee of the Big Lottery, chair of the Board of ASH Scotland, and was chief executive of the Laidlaw Youth Trust which funded effective interventions supporting children and vulnerable young people in Scotland. She was awarded a CBE in the 2021 New Year Honours.[8]

His interests include painting, film, theatre, music, modern novels, sport, the arts and food and wine.[2]

References
  1. "Sir John Elvidge quits as permanent secretary to the Scottish Government". Scotsman. 21 May 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  2. "ELVIDGE, Sir John (William)". Who's Who. Oxford University Press. December 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  3. "Sir John Elvidge, Permanent Secretary". Scottish Government. 24 July 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  4. "Top civil servant knighted". The Scotsman. 17 June 2006. Archived from the original on 19 March 2009. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  5. Neuwirth, Suzie (14 May 2012). "Former civil servant Sir John Elvidge in Edinburgh Airport role - Telegraph". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 14 May 2012.
  6. UK list: "No. 58014". The London Gazette (1st supplement). 17 June 2006. p. 2.
  7. "Sir John William Elvidge KCB FRSE" (Press release). The Royal Society of Edinburgh. Retrieved 14 March 2018.
  8. "The New Year Honours 2021". GOV.UK. 30 December 2020. Archived from the original on 30 December 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
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