Two green energy projects in the Highlands and Islands have been recognised at Scottish Renewables annual Scottish Green Energy Awards.

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. 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."