Jim Mackinnon, Chief Planner at the Scottish Executive
Jim Mackinnon was born in Forres in 1952 and educated at Forres Academy. He graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Geography in 1974 followed by a Diploma in Town Planning with Distinction from the University of Strathclyde in 1977.
He joined the former Scottish Office from Motherwell District Council in 1979 and held a wide variety of posts and responsibilities. These include preparation of a wide range policy and advice, casework, research management and the establishment of the Planning Audit Unit. He was a member of the UK delegation to the Committee on Spatial Development and was appointed as an expert advisor on the National Spatial Strategy.
Following a year as Head of Planning Division in the Scottish Executive he was appointed Chief Planner and Head of Planning and Building Standards Group in November 2000.