With over 20 years of experience in senior management roles within education and skills, Stephen has a proven track record of fostering partnerships and has extensive experience working across the Highlands and Islands.
In his current role at UHI, Stephen is at the forefront of initiatives aimed at driving economic growth and innovation. His responsibilities include cultivating strategic alliances with businesses, government agencies, research institutions and philanthropic organisations to enhance regional prosperity.
I started my career with a modern apprenticeship in oil and gas support services, after completing a PEO in Mechanical Maintenance where I had the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects and departments and build a broad knowledge base and skillset which I still draw from today. Partway through my apprenticeship I decided to expand into Mechatronics (combined mechanical, electrical, & electronic engineering) by doing an HNC, with a view towards moving into renewables support services. I started my current role with Aurora last autumn and since then I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in an extensive range of projects, such as inspection and remediation work for Hitachi, remote access work for a variety of clients, and some work for SSE on hydro-dam maintenance involving rope access – a skillset I’ve been aiming to develop since the start of my career - and hopefully becoming involved in the wind part of the business. I’m passionate about inspiring more people to get involved in the energy transition, and hopefully inspiring the big players in renewables to invest in young people so they can become the foundation the renewable energy industry needs to be successful, both here in Scotland and to lead the way globally.
Specialist in community shared ownership in renewable energy generation projects, with 30 years' experience in the community development sector. Experienced in community land and renewable energy development projects working for communities, government, and private sector organisations. Current role is to provide expert guidance and support to community shared ownership stakeholders, including communities, developers, advisors, funders, government, and its agencies.
Neil Osborne is the Climate and Energy Manager at Highland Council, where he leads the Council’s strategic approach to achieving net zero. His remit spans energy efficiency across the non-domestic estate, fleet decarbonisation, and tackling fuel poverty across the Highlands. Neil plays a key role in developing innovative funding models that unite public and private sector investment to support a just and sustainable transition. He was instrumental in shaping the Council’s Net Zero, Energy, Investment and Innovation portfolio, and now serves as the Senior Responsible Officer for its delivery within the Our Future Highlands plan.
I work at AES Solar as a Graduate Apprentice Engineer currently at the very end of my 4-year BEng Instrumentation, Measurement and Control. I have worked with AES Solar since August 2021 and began my studies at Robert Gordon University in September 2021. Since this time, I have been working with the company full time allowing me to gain work experience helping to complete my coursework. My main tasks within the company include PV system design, dealing with system maintenance enquiries, discussing system G99 compliance with DNO’s such as SSE and assisting installers queries on site. I started by career by obtaining various engineering qualifications at NESCOL Fraserburgh as well as completing a HNC in engineering systems at Moray UHI. Since beginning my career, I have become very passionate about encouraging young people towards a career within renewable energy as opposed to traditional oil and gas careers with a keen focus on encouraging young women into engineering. At AES Solar I am currently a ‘STEM Champion’ which allows me to regularly visit primary schools and high schools to discuss renewables as a whole and its careers.
Jamie Di Sotto is the Commercial Director at AES Solar who deliver Solar projects of all sizes throughout Scotland. AES Solar have a multi megawatt pipeline of projects and Jamie has first had experience of the challenges clients face to deploy solar energy projects. AES Solar were established in 1979 and are one of the oldest solar energy companies in Europe and have seen the rise and development of the Scottish solar market.
Thomas Mccormack leads a team of power systems engineers in assessing grid connections and planning the transmission network in northern Scotland. With over a decade of experience in the energy industry, Thomas and his team are pivotal in advancing the region's energy infrastructure through strategic network planning and innovative solutions.
Martin has spend over 30 years working in economic development at a local, national, and international roles, and for the past 5 years in a regional role as HIE’s Director of Strategy and Regional Economy.
Peter MacDonald has been a valuable member of WestGlen’s reinforced Project Management Team since 2019. With nearly 20 years of experience in engineering project management, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His experience encompasses all aspects of high-value engineering projects, including coordinating, tendering, design, supply, manufacture, testing, and commissioning.
Peter’s role involves maintaining a holistic view of the project and ensuring that each team member is focused on delivering to the project requirements. His strong technical grasp of project requirements, coupled with his Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with the IMechE, makes him a valuable asset to the team. Peter also has a strong understanding of community and land matters.
Jenna spent over 10 years working for the Scottish Government in both a legal and policy capacity, with a focus on the energy sector. As part of the programme team that set up the Scottish National Investment Bank, Jenna has worked for the Bank since its inception and now leads market creation activity in connection with the Bank's net-zero mission - working with partners across the public and private sector to catalyse investment at scale and generate meaningful impact within areas of strategic importance.
Engineering & Commercial professional with 14 years of energy sector experience, 12 years focused on offshore and subsea engineering, and 8 years in international strategy, business development, and account management. Has experience driving floating offshore wind strategies developing the supply chain, including the design, application and fabrication of floating substructures. Recently has worked for Tier 1 engineering companies (Wood and now Costain) focusing on markets such as oil and gas decarbonisation, hydrogen, carbon capture, offshore wind, and transmission and distribution. Resides in Inverness, and is on the board of Highland CIC, which is aligned with his passion to support the enhancement of local benefits from renewables.
Sector Manager, Energy Transition - Skills Development Scotland Amy is a Sector Manager (Energy Transition) at Skills Development Scotland (SDS). Working nationally with a focus on the north/north east, Amy re-established the Scottish Hydrogen Skills Group. Amy liaises with Scottish Government, industry and educators who are all working towards delivering a just transition. Previously, Amy worked for 12 years in a higher education careers service.
Pamela Reid is a Director at ekosgen, leading their Scottish team. With nearly 30 years’ experience in economic and social consultancy, she specialises in skills planning, workforce development, and impact assessment.
Pamela co-authored the UHI Skills Report commissioned by Statkraft, highlighting the skills gaps, opportunities, and challenges facing the Highlands as renewable energy construction rapidly expands over the next decade.
Morven Fancey is Head of Housing, Skills & Population at Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) where she has over 30 years’ experience of economic and regional development.
Her current focus is on addressing depopulation and the related housing shortages, alongside her work in ensuring that the skills and workforce requirements are available to match the region’s growing economy.
Scott Gilbert is Project Director for Statkraft’s Loch na Cathrach Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme. Based in Inverness, he is a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 25 years’ experience across the renewables sector, in project development, construction, and operations.
Malcolm is the Assistant Chief Executive for Highland Council responsible for Place. His responsibilities cover Property and Assets; Planning and Economic Development; Facilities and Fleet Management; Housing and Communities and Operations and Maintenance.
Recently, he has been responsible for driving forward significant economic development and transformational projects such as the Green Freeport, the £315m Highland City Region Deal (including Inverness Castle project), the Council’s in-house bus operations and its continued expansion, the Corran Ferry Replacement Programme, Active Travel and Bus Partnership schemes and the Levelling Up Fund project delivery.
Malcolm is a graduate of Glasgow University (MA Geography Hons, 1993), and Strathclyde University (MSc Urban and Regional Planning 1995).
Originally from Stornoway in the Western Isles, he started his career with Kyle and Carrick District Council in 1995, before going on to work with East Ayrshire Council as part of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan team.
He was appointed as a Planner at the Highland Council in November 1998 and has worked in several roles including Development Plans Manager, Head of Planning and Environment, the Council’s Lead on Organisational Redesign and Executive Chief Officer for Infrastructure, Environment and Economy before assuming his current role in May 2024.
Rachel has been leading Foundation Scotland’s place-based work since 2012. Her team provide specialist support to 100+ community benefit arrangements across Scotland, applying a range of approaches to support the distribution of about a third of community benefit funding currently provided through renewables and net zero businesses into Scotland’s communities.
This includes designing and setting up community benefit funds, administering funds or supporting others to, and troubleshooting where arrangements are working less well. Rachel’s has contributed regularly to various Scottish Government’s Advisory Groups on Community Benefit. The Scottish Government’s Toolkit on Community Benefit (2020) was written by Foundation Scotland, informed by the team’s community benefit practice that continues to evolve under Rachel’s leadership. Most recently Rachel teamed up with the University of Strathclyde’s Institute for Sustainable Communities to co-author the Guiding Principles and Actions for Enhancing Community Benefits from Community Benefit Funds.
Morag is Director of Onshore for Scottish Renewables, Scotland’s renewable energy trade body. Since 2019, Morag has led Scottish Renewables’ engagement with the Scottish and UK Governments to grow Scotland’s renewable energy sector and sustain its position at the forefront of the global clean energy industry. Morag leads a team of policy experts covering onshore wind, hydro, solar and low-carbon heat, in addition to planning and grid issues. Morag is also the industry lead for the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal.
Mike joined Japan’s Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) in 2022 and has been appointed as Vice President and Director of SEUK-CL (a wholly owned subsidiary of SEI) based in Inverness, Scotland.
Prior to SEI, Mike held the positions of CEO Ducab-HV (a new build Middle Eastern based power cable company in Dubai) and CEO Ducab Cables Division. He also served as a director of a joint venture company between Sumitomo Electric Industries and Ducab-HV, assuming the Chair between 2019 and 2022.
Mike commenced his career in cables for a South African company (CBi Electric: African Cables) where he honed his skills in various technical and commercial positions, culminating in appointment to GM of the Power Installations Division.
Mike brings a wealth of experience in the cable industry, possessing both technical and commercial expertise. His strategic business acumen and management of multi-cultural teams are key to his leadership style and will be instrumental as SEUK-CL looks to complete its factory build and commence with commercial offshore cable supply, in support of UK and Scottish offshore renewable and grid expansion activities.
Willie Cameron: Host of the Highlands and Islands Green Energy Conference.
Willie Cameron is a prominent business leader and advocate for sustainable development in the Highlands. Renowned for his passion for green energy development across the Highlands, Willie was also awarded the prestigious Silver Thistle Award, recognising his contributions to tourism in the region.
An ambassador for Scottish international trade, Willie has played a key role in promoting the Highlands as a hub for green energy. His profound knowledge of the area’s history and heritage of hydroelectric power informs his vision for its future. He has spearheaded initiatives embracing sustainable development, ensuring the Highlands thrive alongside its stunning natural landscapes.
As the host of the Highlands and Islands Green Energy Conference, Willie is set to inspire attendees with his expertise and passion for green energy, encouraging collaboration toward a sustainable future rooted in the rich history of the Highlands
Yvonne Crook is a force in sustainable development. As a founding member and Chair of Highland CIC, which comprises Highland Tourism and Highland Renewables, Yvonne is committed to a vision and collaboration that transforms the Highlands into a global leader in sustainable development. With a career spanning over 30 years in destination development, her expertise has left a mark on tourism in the Highlands, the UK, and Europe.
Yvonne’s outlook is driven by her belief in the Highlands' untapped potential as a beacon of sustainability. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded critical branding and repositioning efforts that have changed perceptions and markets.
Kateryna McKinnon is Development Manager in the Offshore Wind Development team at Crown Estate Scotland. She joined Crown Estate Scotland in 2022, having previously worked with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Educated in Ukraine as an Economist, Kateryna has worked in economic development in Scotland for 17 years. Her experience spans across research and economics, energy and supply chain development, European and International policy, engagement and funding (with a particular focus on the Arctic region).
She currently focuses on managing a portfolio of seabed option to lease agreements for offshore wind, including pre-ScotWind, ScotWind and INTOG Innovation projects.
Christianna is the Director of Customers and Stakeholders at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission. Christianna and her team work to deliver a net zero future by connecting low carbon generators across the north of Scotland and supporting those already connected. They also work with Stakeholders to deliver best outcomes for customers and society from the energy system. Christianna has spent over fourteen years in the energy industry working on strategy and business development, futures and innovation. She moved into electricity transmission in 2016 to help deliver a smart sustainable system.
Megan Amundson is the Head of Onshore Wind and Consenting for Scottish Renewables, the trade body for the renewable industry in Scotland. She works with the UK Government, Scottish Government, and local planning authorities to put policies in place that grow Scotland’s renewables industry and support reaching Scotland’s net-zero targets.
Simon is an economist with 14 years of experience in assessing the economic impact of the energy transition, the relationship between the energy transition and the wider economy. He has worked on policy development for both public and private sector organisations to maximise the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition.
