Ministerial visit highlights Heriot-Watt's role in Orkney's green energy future
Stephen Gethins MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy, visited Heriot-Watt’s Orkney campus Thursday, 13 August to learn more about the University's contribution to Scotland's energy transition and support for the islands’ renewable energy sector.
The Minister met representatives from the University's International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) to hear about Heriot-Watt's role in research, innovation and skills development across the islands.
By giving students the skills needed by businesses in Orkney’s renewable energy sector, the Islands Scholarship programme is a great example of the approach we are taking to ensure our islands have a vibrant future.
Discussions focused on the recently launched Island Scholarship programme, supported by the Scottish Government as part of its new National Islands Plan. The programme has supported the recruitment of postgraduate students to Heriot-Watt University’s Orkney campus from September, enabling them to study specialist clean energy and marine science while helping to build the skilled workforce needed to support the islands’ expanding green energy sector.
Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said: “I welcomed the chance to visit Heriot-Watt University’s Orkney campus, which has been at the heart of the islands' renewable energy and marine science community for more than four decades.
“Scotland’s islands are home to so much talent and innovation, and through our National Islands Plan we are delivering targeted support so they continue to thrive. By giving students the skills needed by businesses in Orkney’s renewable energy sector, the Islands Scholarship programme is a great example of the approach we are taking to ensure our islands have a vibrant future.”
The Minister also heard how Heriot-Watt has helped establish Orkney's renewable energy and marine science cluster for more than 40 years. Through the ICIT, the University works closely with a wide range of local partners from across the public and private sectors to support innovation and industry collaboration.
Professor Sandy Kerr, Director of Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Island Technology on Orkney, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister to our Orkney campus and share how Heriot-Watt has helped shape the islands' renewable energy and marine science community.
"Our researchers, students and partners continue to develop solutions that support Scotland's net-zero ambitions while delivering benefits for local communities. And, our Island Scholarship programme is already helping attract talented students to Orkney and build the workforce needed to sustain and grow the island economy."
The visit also highlighted the benefits of studying in Orkney, including direct access to industry partners, world-leading renewable energy projects and hands-on research opportunities.
Among the other initiatives discussed was the University's Blue Robotarium, which is advancing innovation in marine robotics and autonomous systems.
The meeting reinforced Heriot-Watt's commitment to working with the Scottish Government, industry and local communities to support innovation, skills and sustainable economic development across Scotland's island regions.