It’s Happening in the Highlands.
The Highlands is Happening..
Over the past month, our co-founder David Reid has been leading Powering Futures’ efforts across the Highlands, and it’s safe to say the region is alive with energy, momentum, and some big questions. Not a new slogan (we promise), but “The Highlands is Happening” is the phrase that’s been echoing after a number of events, conversations, and collaborations centred on Scotland’s energy transition.
From boardrooms to conference halls, one message has been consistently loud and clear: the energy transition isn’t just a policy goal, it’s the opportunity of a generation. A chance to rewire the Highlands economy, empower communities, and shape a new legacy for the region. But with that opportunity comes a need for balance, between ambition and accountability, business and community, pace and inclusion.
One of the standout moments came during an insightful round table dinner hosted by Highland Renewables and chaired by the brilliant Yvonne Crook. The room brought together key players like Statkraft, Vattenfall, RES, and a range of local businesses. This wasn’t your usual echo chamber. Real debate, real challenge, and a refreshing focus on collaboration over competition.
It was clear that the future success of the Highlands hinges on genuine partnership – not just between developers and communities, but across sectors and leadership roles. We're delighted to share that David Reid has now been named an Ambassador for Highland Renewables, helping champion that spirit of cooperation and keeping the spotlight firmly on long-term, community-first thinking.
The takeaway? This is not a zero-sum game. We can – and must – align business outcomes with community benefit and economic growth. But it’s going to take coordination, communication, and a shared vision of success that includes everyone.
At The Scotsman Green Energy Series the following day, a brilliant panel line-up including Sumitomo Corporation, Highland Council, and AES Solar sparked thoughtful conversations around community wealth building. We’re moving beyond one-off grants or short-term community funds. The challenge now is creating lasting value – turning community benefit into community investment.
Can we transform passive income into legacy wealth? Support local businesses with long-term prospects? Invest in the kind of social infrastructure that not only attracts top talent but keeps it here?
This is about more than wind farms and solar panels – it’s about anchoring the new energy economy right here in the Highlands.
Of course, no transition can succeed without people. Concerns remain around long-term government commitment and ensuring we’re ready to deliver when the “go” button is hit. But we were heartened by the voices of the next generation.
Caitlin from Aurora Energy Services and Kiera from AES Solar – both Graduate Apprentices – stole the show. Their stories, insights, and passion for a green future gave us real confidence in the future workforce. Inspiring doesn’t even begin to cover it.
One final highlight: Heating the Highlands, a standout conference by HeatSource, reminded us that decarbonising buildings is a critical, and often overlooked, part of the energy transition. From river-source heat pumps at Glen Mhor Hotel to shared ground arrays and smart retrofit tech, the Highlands are leading in practical, people-focused solutions. With heat pump adoption rates among the highest in the UK, this is local innovation with national relevance, and another sign that the Highlands isn’t just happening, it’s heating up
So yes – the Highlands is happening. It’s vibrant, complex, and full of possibility. At Powering Futures, we’re proud to be a small part of the conversations shaping its direction. And we’re just getting started.