We were delighted to present RSGS Honorary Fellowship to Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, for overseeing significant growth in the renewable energy sector, and showcasing her dedication to implementing renewable energy across Scotland.  By working closely with Scottish Government, leading NGO’s, and the public, Claire has effectively campaigned for new developments, communicated the potential of renewables, and played an important role in strengthening Scotland’s position as a global leader in renewable energy.

Scottish Renewables Chief Executive Claire Mack with RSGS Honorary Fellowship

Not long after becoming Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables in 2017, Claire helped lead the inauguration of the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm, which at the time was the largest renewable energy project in the UK, and the largest private sector investment ever in Scotland. Beatrice Windfarm remains the second largest offshore windfarm in Scotland, providing enough electricity to power over 450,000 homes. She has also been central in the development of proposals for new offshore wind projects, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and promoting collaboration across the sector.

RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson with Claire Mack

RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson commented: “Thanks to the hard work of leaders like Claire, renewable energy has become Scotland's cheapest and most significant source of electricity, with installed capacity growing by 250% since 2009, allowing us to play a leading role in tackling climate change, and helping Scotland become more self-reliant for electricity as a nation, and make the most of our natural resources. It is then a great honour to include Claire as an RSGS Honorary Fellow.”

On receiving her Honorary Fellowship Claire commented: “I am tremendously proud to have been invited to become an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society – a body whose mission is increasingly important in Scotland and beyond. The Society’s work to promote understanding of environmental issues is crucial not just to the fight against climate change, but to the wider protection of our society and planet.

“The renewable energy industry exists to reduce the carbon emissions which cause climate change, and my industry has benefitted enormously from wider public awareness of climate science and the impact of global heating on all our lives – issues the RSGS works hard to promote. It is impossible to overestimate the value of education in enriching the lives of people and the health of our planet, and I look forward to contributing to the Society’s aims as an Honorary Fellow as we move towards net-zero in Scotland.”