Caithness organisation wins national renewables award

A Thurso-based organisation has been recognised for its contribution to the renewables industry in a national awards ceremony.

The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) won the Contribution to Skills and Training award at the 2011 Scottish Renewables Green Energy Awards. The ceremony, which took place in Edinburgh last week, celebrated successes and achievements in the renewable energy sector. The annual event is organised by industry body, Scottish Renewables.

ERI was chosen because the judging panel felt the organisation had made the greatest contribution to the development of today’s and tomorrow’s workforce.

Opened in 2000, the Environmental Research Institute is part of North Highland College UHI, a partner in the new University of the Highlands and Islands. As well as being a centre for collaborative environmental research which engages public and private sector partners from around world, it also offers internships, Masters degrees and PhDs.

Speaking about the award, ERI director Professor Stuart Gibb said: “We are all very proud of this achievement. The award is a tribute to our fantastic team and the support of our colleagues and funders. Being part of Scotland’s newest University and being situated on the shores of the Pentland Firth, it is natural that we should address education and training needs for the Scottish renewables industry. We aim to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to make a real contribution to the sector.”

Niall Stuart, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The winners reflect the huge strength in Scotland's renewable energy industry and the range of different types of projects from new community wind developments to cutting edge wave and tidal devices. All of them will make their own important contribution to Scotland’s ambitions for renewables and in creating jobs, promoting investment and in cutting carbon emissions over the coming years.”

Dr Gordon Jenkins, principal of North Highland College UHI, added: “I’m pleased that the fantastic team Professor Gibb has assembled at the ERI has had their work acknowledged in this way. The staff make a massive contribution to the skills and training offered by North Highland College UHI. The whole college is very proud of them and their achievements.”

Other winners at the Green Energy Awards included first minister Alex Salmond who was named Best Politician.


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