Some careers unfold according to a plan. Others take a few unexpected turns along the way. Ian Cochrane's story is firmly in the second category. Starting out with academic research on glaciers before finding his place in land contamination and risk assessment, Ian has built a career defined by curiosity, problem-solving, and a willingness to embrace change. Today, as Managing Director of Mason Evans, he's using that experience to shape the company's next chapter. We sat down with Ian to learn more about his path, his passions, and what excites him about the future of the industry.
Ian's Journey
Can you tell us about your background and journey?
"I'm originally from Canada, where I studied before moving to Glasgow. At first, I wasn't entirely sure which direction to take. I had dabbled in academia and even considered pursuing physiotherapy at the start of it all. But a friend introduced me to the world of land contamination, and it clicked. I started out working on contaminated land and haven't looked back since. It wasn't a grand plan; it was more about discovering what I wanted to do as I went along."
What is your role at Mason Evans, and what does it involve?
"I officially became Managing Director six months ago, but I had been carrying out the role before that. My focus has been on building a strong team, consolidating our strengths, and strengthening client relationships. Recruitment has been a big part of the job, as well as shaping the culture of Mason Evans in a way that reflects the values and vision I believe in."
Technical and Industry Expertise
What is your specific area of expertise, and why is it essential to the industries you serve?
"I joined Mason Evans in 2010 as a risk assessor, specialising in groundwater modelling and site-specific risk assessments covering both human health and water. Over the years, I've also developed expertise in ground gas protection and remediation verification. I was among the first to be accredited under CL:AIRE's SGPV scheme and continue to act as an assessor. While my core expertise lies in human health, groundwater, and ground gas, I've built broader experience across multiple disciplines as the industry has evolved."
Are there any current challenges or innovations in your field?
"Recruitment has been the biggest challenge recently as there's a limited pool of specialists with the right technical skills, and on top of that, Scottish legislation requires people to adapt their experience. That said, it's also an exciting time. At Mason Evans, we're bringing more geophysical options in-house, like Tromino passive seismic instruments, which open up new ways of working. We're also working with universities to develop new remediation techniques, and we're increasingly using non-destructive options to make investigations more efficient. It's about combining innovation with practicality."
Company Profile
Tell us a bit about Mason Evans Partnership and the services you provide.
"Mason Evans Partnership is a Scotland-based consultancy specialising in land contamination, geotechnical investigation, environmental risk assessment, and remediation design. The team supports clients from the earliest stages of site investigation right through to delivering practical solutions that meet both regulatory and commercial requirements."
What industries or sectors do you typically serve?
"The firm works across construction, mining, infrastructure, energy, local government, and environmental consultancy sectors. Whether it's a new housing development, a renewable energy project, or an industrial redevelopment, Mason Evans provides the expertise to ensure projects move forward safely, sustainably, and with confidence in the ground beneath them."
What makes Mason Evans stand out?
"Mason Evans is proud to be ISO-accredited and a Living Wage Provider, underlining its commitment to quality and people. The business takes a client-focused approach, combining technical depth with an ability to innovate. By reviewing project performance and profitability, and securing positions on larger frameworks, Mason Evans has positioned itself as a trusted partner with the scale and agility to deliver."
Collaboration and Integration
How does being part of Phenna Group benefit your clients and your team?
"Being part of Phenna Group allows us to deliver a truly end-to-end service. We can collaborate with sister companies for specialist services, which keeps more of the work in-house and streamlines delivery for our clients."
Have you had any notable collaborations with other Phenna Group companies?
"Yes, absolutely. We've worked with CTS for chemical testing and PSL for geotechnical testing. We've also collaborated with CGL on consulting projects. These partnerships allow us to offer a wider range of services without compromising on quality."
Personal Insight
Tell us what you enjoy most about your work?
"The biggest thing for me is that every day is completely different. I love treating challenging sites, they are like puzzles. How do I design a remediation that ticks the regulatory boxes, makes financial sense, and is sustainable? That challenge is what drives me."
What's one hobby or passion you pursue outside of your professional life?
"I've played and coached American football for more than 40 years, both in Canada and in Scotland. I coached at Glasgow University for over 15 years and have been involved in various roles with the East Kilbride Pirates Organisation, which my wife is also part of. On top of that, I'm a classic car enthusiast with a 1966 Mustang in the garage at home."
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
"I have spent over a year living in a tent on a glacier in Switzerland, across three separate stints. One of those was during the winter months. It wasn't glamorous, but it was an incredible experience and a testament to my dedication to knowledge."
From glacier camps to boardrooms, Ian Cochrane's journey reflects a rare mix of perseverance, adaptability, and genuine passion for solving puzzles, whether that puzzle is a contaminated land site or a defensive playbook on the football field. With Mason Evans under his leadership, the business is poised to embrace new technologies, tackle industry challenges head-on, and continue to build a reputation for innovation and integrity. The future, much like Ian's career, promises to be bold, surprising, and full of possibilities.