Peter Elliot attended Aberdeen Grammar School then went to Aberdeen University where he studied for an Honours degree in Engineering Science/Civil Engineering. He also undertook a Masters in Civil Engineering/Geotechnics at Glasgow University. He started his engineering career with Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick in Glasgow, designing and constructing major international projects, including Heathrow Terminal 4, Tuen Muen (Hong Kong) Central Interchange, Trident Project infrastructure and development of industrial estates.
He joined BP in 1985 as an Offshore/Onshore Civil Engineer and in a 27-year career held numerous Senior Level Leader Roles including BP Director HSE Policy, BP Group Head of Integrity Management, Engineering Authority for BP Chemicals and BP Refining as well as HSE Director for BP’s Major Projects worldwide. He has always been passionate about Safety in Operations.
He advised 10 Downing Street on National Rail Safety and was Chairman of Judges for the SET “Younger Engineers at the House of Commons” Engineering Competition. As a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, he is currently undertaking Professional Reviews of prospective Chartered Civil Engineers at the Institution of Civil Engineers.
In 2016, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London through the Worshipful Company of Engineers (as a ‘Citizen and Engineer’ of London) and since 2017 is now a Liveryman of the Engineers’ Company. Living in Virginia Water, Peter is married to Beverley and they have four children David, James, Emily and Gregor. He is Chief Engineer on Beverley’s allotment and continuing his musical journey from boy soprano to bass, singing with Windsor and Eton Choral Society. He also played first flute for the Glasgow Symphony Orchestra and has a collection of 30 vintage flutes. (Having nearly given up flute playing at the Grammar when he was 12, so he could play cricket for the school team). He is a keen philatelist (or gatherer of stamps as Beverley would say!) Retirement from BP enabled him to spend valuable time with his mother, back in Aberdeen, helping her as she battled with severe dementia.