'Major achievement' as Caithness company Blargoans is named among winners in Scottish Green Energy Awards
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Caithness-based industrial supplier Blargoans was praised for its "major achievement" after being named among the winners at the Scottish Green Energy Awards.
The company triumphed in the outstanding service accolade at Thursday's event in Edinburgh organised by Scottish Renewables. More than 1000 people gathered to see winners in 13 categories receive trophies recognising their work in the green energy sector.
Blargoans' success came about after it was nominated by renewable energy company Statkraft, a fellow member of Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
This was the company's first shortlisting for the award. It has a number of customers in different areas of the energy sector.
Martin Nicolson, managing director of Blargoans, said: “We are extremely happy to have won such a notable award at a major event in the renewable energy calendar.
"To be recognised for outstanding service is what most companies surely aim for. We have a quality relationship with Statkraft that has been built up over many years of working together and we thank them for their support.
"I would also like to congratulate all of our staff. As a team they have delivered and the quality of their work has been recognised at a high level with this award.”
Iain Robertson, senior commercial manager at Statkraft, said: “We would like to congratulate the team at Blargoans on this fantastic news. The competition for the award was exceptional, so this is a major achievement.
"The company really has delivered outstanding service for a number of our projects and this is an excellent example of how working together at local levels can bring about success.”
Orkney's European Marine Energy Centre received the champion of renewables award for its world-first ocean energy test facility.
The award for outstanding contribution went to John Robertson of Crown Estate Scotland.
Michael Matheson, Scotland's net-zero, energy and transport secretary, gave a keynote address highlighting the role renewable energy will play in Scotland’s journey to net-zero.
The winners were selected by a panel of 14 judges from a shortlist of 43.
Morag Watson, director of policy at Scottish Renewables, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that our industry has been able to reunite in-person to celebrate this year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards – and it feels more special than ever in the year of COP26.
“It’s truly astounding to see the leaps of innovation and phenomenal talent of our industry on the shortlist and it really does highlight why Scotland is a world leader in renewable energy.
“The next decade is going to need everyone and everything we’ve got as we work towards net-zero by 2045, and the skillset, hard work and commitment of those recognised tonight absolutely shows we have what it takes.
“The Scottish Green Energy Awards are an incredible celebration of the inspirational organisations, people and projects going above and beyond to make a real difference to the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland. My congratulations go to all of this year’s nominees and, of course, winners.”
The event was headline-sponsored by EDF Renewables.
EDF Renewables’ CEO for UK and Ireland, Matthieu Hue, said: “It fills me with hope for the future when I see how dedicated, innovative and determined people are to really make renewables something Scotland can be very proud of.”
Full list of winners:
- Best engagement award, sponsored by SmartestEnergy: Muirhall Energy Ltd for Crossdykes Wind Farm
- Best community project award, sponsored by Scottish National Investment Bank: Bespoke Community Development Company for Greencraig Community Wind Turbine
- Young and inspiring award, sponsored by WSP: Fraser Stewart, University of Strathclyde
- Best innovation award, sponsored by Red Rock Power Limited: Gravitricity
- Contribution to skills award, sponsored by SSE Renewables: ESP for Energy Efficiency Training Network
- Outstanding project award, sponsored by RWE Renewables: Dumfries and Galloway College
- Positive improvement award, sponsored by Natural Power: Pegasus Welfare Solutions for in-tower turbine toilet
- Champion of renewables award, sponsored by Crown Estate Scotland: European Marine Energy Centre
- Outstanding service award, sponsored by Green Investment Group: Blargoans
- Sustainable development award, sponsored by Hitachi Energy: Allt an Lagain Hydro Scheme
- Carbon reduction award, sponsored by Statkraft: West Dunbartonshire Council and Vital Energi
- Judges' award, sponsored by Ocean Winds: Natural Power
- Outstanding contribution award, sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise: John Robertson, Crown Estate Scotland
