Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards return to Inverness for a second year
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THE call is out for businesses and individuals involved in the north’s pioneering renewable energy sector to share the stories of their success at the second annual Scottish Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards.
Last year’s inaugural event gave a clear indication of the interest and excitement surrounding the sector, with more than 200 guests in attendance at the glittering black-tie event at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness.
This year the event will return to the same venue on Thursday, April 30, as a cross section of the most influential figures in the north of Scotland gather to reward the achievements of the industry over the last 12 months and recognise its wider contribution to the region as a whole.
Eight categories, as well as the top award for outstanding achievement – chosen by the judges, reflect the diversity of the sector, covering on and off-shore developments, community projects, marine operators and supply chain and services companies, as well as recognising new talent with the most promising individual award.
The awards will follow on from the Scottish Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Conference (SHREC), which will again highlight the ways in which our region is pioneering new world-leading technology.
Both events are organised by Highland News and Media (HNM) in association with law practice Harper Macleod.
HNM group advertising director Steve Barron said: "The north of Scotland has become a world leader in renewable energy and in turn, the green energy sector has been a key sector for our economy.
"At a time when concerns about the impact of fossil fuels on our climate have become such an important issue, the achievements and impact of the sector in the north of Scotland and the businesses at its heart are well worth celebrating.
"That is why we are delighted to join with Harper Macleod once again in bringing the second Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards back to Inverness.
"We look forward to building on the success of last year's event and seeing the event go from strength to strength in the years to come."
David Bone, head of energy and natural resources at headline sponsor, law firm Harper Macleod, said: “Following the success of last year’s inaugural awards we’re really excited about this year’s event. The first awards turned out to be a fantastic celebration of the renewables sector right across the Highlands, Islands and Moray and I’m sure even more great businesses and people will want to get involved this time around, having seen what a terrific occasion it was.
“Renewable energy is important for our economy, our environment and our communities. We have so much to be proud of and, while everyone knows the scale of opportunity that exists for the sector and that there is a lot of hard work to be done to make those opportunities a reality, it’s great to be able to take a moment to recognise what has been achieved.
“Once again we’ll also be hosting the Scottish Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Conference on the afternoon of the awards, our 11th SHREC, and that will give us a chance to focus on what can be done to drive the sector forward.”
The awards will be open to any individuals, businesses or other organisations either based in, operating within, or with a link to the Highlands and Islands.
For the purpose of these awards, the Highlands and Islands is defined by the area covered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which stretches from Argyll and the Islands in the south to Shetland in the north, and from the Outer Hebrides in the west to Moray in the east.
To enter the Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards, or purchase tickets for the black-tie event, visit: hnmedia.co.uk/renewable-energy-day
The closing date for entries is midnight on Saturday, March 28.
The nine awards categories
Best supply chain/service company – sponsored by Port of Cromarty Firth
Best on-shore renewable energy project – sponsored by Everard Insurance Brokers
Best community energy project – sponsored by Atmos Consulting
Best public sector collaboration – sponsored by Fred Olsen Renewables
Best off-shore renewable energy project – sponsored by Aspect Land and Hydrographic Surveys
Most promising individual – sponsored by Brook Street and Manpower
Best smart energy/carbon reduction project – sponsored by Nevis Environmental
Best marine operator supporting or supplying off-shore renewables – sponsored by Robert Gordon University Aberdeen
Outstanding achievement award (chosen by the judges) – sponsored by Harper Macleod
