Former Orkney Islands Council leader receives honorary degree

A former leader of Orkney Islands Council is being awarded an honorary degree from Heriot-Watt University.

James Stockan is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to local government in Scotland and his work championing renewable energy and small island communities around the UK.

He will be presented with the academic title of Doctor of Letters during the Winter Graduation Ceremonies being held next week on Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Campus.

Born and raised in Stromness, Orkney’s second biggest town, Mr Stockan has a lifelong passion for Orkney and has been an influential leader for the islands in both business and politics.

After school, Mr Stockan joined the family bakery business, where he became Managing Director in 1981 and is credited with building the Stockan’s Oatcakes brand into a household name.

Stepping back from business in the early 2000’s, Mr Stockan then began a 20-year career in local politics, culminating in his election in 2017 as the first political leader of Orkney Islands Council.

Among his proudest achievements was securing the £100 million Islands Growth Deal from the Scottish Government – a 10-year investment package to promote economic growth and job creation in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.

Mr Stockan has also helped to establish Orkney as a world leading centre for energy innovation. This has included championing renewable energy development in wind, tidal and wave energy and also hydrogen – a type of gas that is used to make zero-emission fuel.

Outside Orkney, Mr Stockan demonstrated leadership for the wider community of UK islands. He was instrumental in establishing the UK Islands Forum (UKIF), which influences island relevant policy decisions at Westminster and Holyrood.

Mr Stockan was awarded an MBE for services to Local Government in 2023.

During his time in local government, he was a strong advocate for the development of Heriot-Watt’s research and innovation campus in Stromness. This houses the University’s International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), which is recognised globally for its expertise in marine renewable energy.

Mr Stockan will receive his award at the University’s James Watt Centre in front of fellow graduands. He said: “To be honoured by such a prestigious university is truly humbling. I have always appreciated what Heriot-Watt has contributed to the Orkney community and have been greatly enriched by its presence in Stromness. I wish them every success with their future endeavours.”

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “James has been a tireless supporter of Heriot-Watt’s Orkney campus and has made many business and political connections on our behalf.

“His dedication to the Orkney Islands and commitment to sustainability has also helped to establish Orkney as a world leader in renewable energy.

“This award recognises James’s unstinting work to improve the lives of island communities, not just in Orkney, but also across the UK.

“I am exceptionally proud to welcome James to our illustrious group of honorary graduates.”

An honorary degree is the highest accolade that Heriot-Watt University can bestow and recognises outstanding achievement and distinction in spheres of activity that align with the University’s mission and ambition.

Mr Stockan will be presented with his award on Monday 2 December 2024.