The full agenda has been unveiled for The Scotsman Highlands & Islands Green Energy Conference 2026, a premier event bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, educators and innovators to explore the future of sustainable energy in Scotland.
Hosted in partnership with SSEN Transmission, the conference will take place at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Thursday, 11 June 2026, and will examine how the Highlands and Islands can maximise the economic, social and environmental opportunities presented by the energy transition.
The event will open with a panel discussion exploring economic growth and opportunities created by the region's rapidly evolving renewable energy sector. The session will feature Christianna Logan, Director of Customers and Stakeholders at SSEN Transmission; Melanie MacRae, Deputy Director in Mission Control at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ); Malcolm Macleod, Assistant Chief Executive (Place) at Highland Council; and Iain Sinclair, Chief Strategy Officer at Maraen.
A dedicated Green Skills panel will bring together leading voices from education, training and industry to discuss workforce development, attracting talent and ensuring the region has the skills required to support long-term growth. Speakers include Stephen Sheridan, Director of Economic Development and Advancement at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI); Mark Lamont, Skills Policy Manager at OPITO; Hayley Strachan, Director at Deloitte LLP; Claire Sim, Regional Skills Planning Lead for the Highlands and Islands at Skills Development Scotland; and Callum Mackintosh, Director of Highlands & Islands Skills CIC.
Guy Arnold, Deputy Director of Supply Chain (Strategy and Delivery) at Great British Energy, will deliver a keynote address examining how the organisation can support supply chain development, investment and business growth as Scotland accelerates towards its net-zero ambitions.
Community engagement and local benefit will also take centre stage during a panel discussion chaired by Stephen Emerson, Scotland Editor at Insider Media. The session will feature Maggie Cunningham, Chair of Kyle and Lochalsh Community Development Trust; Yvonne Crook, Chair of Highland CIC; Cris Thacker, Communications Manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables; and Chris Bruce, Chair of East Lammermuir Community Council, who will discuss how communities can play a meaningful role in shaping the energy transition.
Councillor Raymond Bremner, Leader of Highland Council, will deliver an afternoon keynote exploring the council's socio-economic vision for the region and how renewable energy investment can help address challenges around housing, infrastructure, transport and long-term sustainability.
The conference will also feature a major panel examining the investments and partnerships required to unlock Scotland's green energy potential. Panellists include Greg Clarke, Head of Corporate Affairs at SSEN Transmission; Alison Wilson, Investment and Development Manager at Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport; Mike Hay, Commercial Director at RIDG; and Eileen Linklater, Corporate Affairs Director at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).
Hosted by presenter Nicky Marr, the conference will provide delegates with opportunities to network, share insights and explore solutions to some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Scotland's green energy sector.
Key themes throughout the day will include renewable energy solutions, infrastructure and grid development, the economic potential of renewables, community engagement and politics, and the development of green skills and education pathways.
The Highlands & Islands Green Energy Conference 2026 is proudly supported by headline partner SSEN Transmission, alongside sponsors Fred. Olsen Renewables, Highland CIC, Nordex UK & Ireland, The Highland Council and Vattenfall.
Tickets are available now. View the full agenda and register to attend at www.higreenenergy.co.uk