Success For The Highlands And Islands At The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2022
2nd December 2022

Organised by Scottish Renewables, the annual awards celebrate the achievements of a wide range of organisations and individuals involved in the renewable energy sector.
The winner of the Best Community Project was Aros an Rubha. The mixed renewables community hub in Point, Isle of Lewis is powered by renewables and offers resilience during power outages. The team behind the hub, Urras Stòras An Rubha (USAR), is working towards the goal to become entirely off-grid. Among the mix of its renewable energy sources are solar panels, which power the hub and is believed to be the largest community solar array in the UK.
The Sustainable Development Award was won by Distell International - a low carbon project, which is a model of good practice for sustainable whisky production in Scotland. Funded and owned by AMP Clean Energy and developed, built and operated by Dallol Energy, the energy centre will result in the first Net Zero distillation process on Islay.
The Outstanding Contribution Award, which is sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), went to Patricia Hawthorn, consultant at Shepherd & Wedderburn and Chair of Scottish Renewables.
Audrey MacIver, director of energy transition and net zero at HIE presented Patricia with her prize. Audrey said: "Patricia is very deserving of this prestigious award. She is always at the forefront of innovation in the renewables sector, Patricia has helped successfully deliver many cutting-edge projects. These have had a particular emphasis on those in the marine environment, notably advising on all aspects of offshore wind consenting.
"In her capacity as Chair of Scottish Renewables, she led the organisation through a particularly challenging time. Her relentless focus on diversity in all its forms has created a lasting legacy through her leadership and personal impact.
“These awards are a major highlight in the energy calendar. Seeing the fabulous showing from our region tonight in what has been the most difficult couple of years is truly testament to the spirit of the Highlands and Islands. Congratulations to everyone."
Read more about the winners of other categories on Scottish Renewables' website at https://www.scottishrenewables.com/news/1196-renewable-energy-industry-celebrates-the-scottish-green-energy-awards
Related Businesses
Related Articles
A family run agriculture company in Moray has embarked on a major growth project that will increase production and efficiency, improve product quality and create jobs. James Taylor & Son, operating at Kintessack near Forres, has secured up to £161,446 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total project costs of £403,616.
Businesses in the tourism sector and its supply chain in the Highland Council area are being encouraged to secure a place on the Digital Tourism Support Programme. The programme is offering support to eligible businesses and social enterprises of up to three days of free, personalised, one-to-one digital advice from industry experts.
Public investment is planned for a major redevelopment project at Port of Nigg in the Highlands. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved up to £10 million to support development of the port's Inner East Quay, which will result in the creation of a new heavy-duty quayside and the introduction of roll-on roll-off capability.
A further phase of development is getting under way at Wick Business Park in a move that will support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness. Park owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded a £1.8m contract to Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd to build a further four new business units.
The chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced plans to retire from the role in July. Alistair Dodds CBE has served on the HIE board for 11 years.
The funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain resort returned to service on Thursday 27 February 2025. Scotland's only funicular railway has been out of action since August 2023, while an extensive programme of remediation works has been carried out, led by contractor Balfour Beatty on behalf of estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a further £863,000 contribution to the Inverness Castle Experience project. Led by The Highland Council, the Inverness Castle Experience is a key project within the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Highland based food and drink producers have until 28 March to enquire about a new support programme aimed at helping businesses in the sector to cut carbon emissions. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is looking for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to take part in the food and drink TechHUB Net Zero Mobilisation programme.
Ambitious plans to create a major new renewables hub in Orkney have been accelerated with a £5m grant to help take the project to the next stage. The funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will further the development of a new harbour facility for the assembly of offshore wind turbines at Scapa Flow - the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed a new report into the economic potential of wave and tidal energy for Scotland. The study was carried out by the Policy and Innovation Group, part of the Institute for Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh (UoE).