Eibhlin Scoops Young Achiever Award for Wind Farm Project Work

Orkney Islands Council scooped an award at last night's Scottish Renewables Young Professionals Green Energy Awards in Glasgow.

The prize was awarded to Eibhlin Lee from the Council's Strategic Projects team, who are the team working on proposals for community wind farm projects in Orkney.

Eibhlin, who was born in Holm and now lives in Stromness, won the 'Achiever' Award, which recognises people who have achieved outstanding personal development and growth or promotion within their role.

The Scottish Renewables Young Professionals Green Energy Awards recognises the best young talent in the renewables and energy fields, celebrating those who will be driving the evolution of Scotland's energy system and recognising those who have achieved beyond all expectations, those who are pioneering new ideas and those who have the drive and ambition to change the renewable industry for the better.

According to the awards organisers, Eibhlin was recognised for her “natural intellect, logic, eye for detail and adaptability”.

The Council announced in April that through 'Orkney's Community Wind Farm Project' it was investigating an additional two sites for potential community wind farms in the county - to add to the project already under investigation on Hoy.

Three well-attended public drop-in information sessions were held in Kirkwall, Eday and Rendall last month with a fourth event  due to take place in Westray on Wednesday 19 June at the Hofn Centre.

Councillor Graham Sinclair is Chair of the Council's Development and Infrastructure Committee.  He said: "Eibhlin's award is well deserved. She's played a pivotal role in the development of the wind farm and other projects, with her diligence and attention to detail proving invaluable in assessing options for the Council to take forward.  She's also played a key role at the public information sessions, guiding attendees through the proposals and answering any questions or talking through any concerns with an extensive level of knowledge of the project and the wider renewables field."

Gavin Barr, Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, said “Eibhlin is an exceptional example of the talent that is being developed right here in Orkney in the energy field – in both the private and public sectors.  For Orkney to be so well represented in this national competition is quite remarkable and a testament to the capability of our community - as well as a great signal of what can be achieved in the years ahead.

“Working with Orkney Islands Council offers local young people some fantastic opportunities to develop their careers locally and I’m pleased to see Eibhlin recognised for the personal and career development she has achieved through her work with us.”

There was a definite Orkney flavour to the awards with Eibhlin up against Catrin Sutherland from EMEC in her category, Ryan Doull from Orbital Marine Power shortlisted in the ‘Project Development’ award and Craig Stout, from Kirkwall, shortlisted in the Engineer award for his work with Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

Over 100 nominations were received for the awards.