History
HighWater was established in 1999 when Warwick Samuel responded to an advert in a local paper, the Nairnshire Telegraph, from a householder seeking assistance with a private water supply. No one else responded to the advert and so Warwick, although a forester by training with limited previous experience of working on private water supplies, embarked upon a fascinating journey that would provide an outlet for his love of engineering, problem solving, and the people and places of the Highlands of Scotland.
The expansion of HighWater to serve an ever-growing number of clients over an ever greater geographic spread has been driven by the same ethos. It recognises the uniqueness of every client’s individual requirements and the need to provide a personal tailored solution, delivered professionally in a cost-effective manner.
We have been joined on this journey by more than 30 colleagues, based in both Nairn and Stirling, whose historic and ongoing contributions have enabled our growth and placed us in an excellent position - as the foremost comprehensive private water supply company in Scotland, the North of England and the Isle of Man.
Warwick Samuel
Warwick is the founding director of HighWater.
After a short-lived and varied career in Forestry and Engineering both at home and abroad, Warwick found contentment in the evolving opportunities created by HighWater.
All that hard work has resulted in the thriving business we see today. Warwick is now semi-retired, acting as a consultant as required. When not working, he enjoys his late forays into both parenthood and motorcycling.
Mike Ayres
Mike graduated with a degree in geology from Edinburgh University and went on to complete a PhD in Himalayan geology at the Open University. He joined HighWater in 2006, having met Warwick at a party a few weeks previously. Prior to joining HighWater he worked for a software company for five years, as an environmental geologist at UKAEA Dounreay in the north of Scotland.
Mike enjoys spending time with his family or going up hills.
Jeff Gray
Jeff grew up in Forres before spending five years studying and working in Edinburgh. After returning north Jeff worked in timber building fabrication. He started working with HighWater in 2007 initially as a field engineer and assistant driller. Over the years he progressed to drilling manager and is now Operations Director.
In his limited spare time Jeff enjoys outdoor pursuits, travelling and thinking about motorcycles and drill rigs.
Richard Innes
Richard originally trained as an accountant and joined HighWater in 2011 after a successful career in the renewable energy sector, bringing with him his experience in operational management, health and safety and financial systems.
Richard moved from Glasgow to the Highlands and now lives in Inverness, has a young family, and used to enjoy golfing when he had time.
Craig Forster
Craig graduated from Harper Adams University with a degree in Land Management and practiced as a rural chartered surveyor in the Scottish Borders for two years. He then moved to Moray and worked with a regional surveying firm for a further 11 years before joining HighWater in 2014.
Craig enjoys spending time with his family and playing squash badly. The older he gets, the better he used to be at rugby.
Private Client
"Thank you for a good job and very efficient service."