Four businesses from Argyll & Bute have been successfully chosen to participate in the first-ever Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) Islands & Coastal Communities programme, a development warmly welcomed by ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind offshore windfarm team.

Following a competitive application process, MacLeod Construction Ltd from Lochgilphead, Ocean Ecology Ltd and SAMS Enterprise from Oban, and Shearwater Marines Services from Dunoon were selected for the prestigious industry support initiative.

The F4OR Islands & Coastal Communities programme, created by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult in partnership with Scottish offshore windfarm developers including MachairWind, offers bespoke supply chain mentoring. It is designed to equip island and coastal companies with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the burgeoning offshore wind industry, both domestically and internationally. This new initiative builds on the success of ORE Catapult’s broader award-winning F4OR programme, established in 2019, which has already supported over 150 companies.

A total of 12 companies were selected for this inaugural cohort, with a significant one-third hailing from Argyll & Bute.

Kiera Wilson, ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind Development Lead, said: "It’s great to see such a strong showing from Argyll & Bute businesses in this programme and our warmest congratulations to Macleod Construction, Ocean Ecology, SAMS Enterprise and Shearwater Marine Services. This is a brilliant chance for them to get bespoke business support to help them make the most of the opportunities presented by offshore wind projects not just in the region, but potentially taking their fantastic skills, capabilities and experience on to the global stage." She added, "The programme – which has a proven track record – will provide the tailored support to ensure these businesses are geared up and ready to take full advantage."

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Dr Davood Sabaei, ORE Catapult’s F4OR Project Manager, commented: "We’re pleased to welcome this new cohort of ambitious companies from Scottish island and coastal communities for the first time. The region has a wealth of innovation we’re eager to nurture and enable within the offshore wind supply chain. Over the next 18 months of this rigorous programme, the selected companies will work with our network of specialist advisers, receiving tailored support to help them enter the offshore renewable energy supply chain and win business."

Representatives from the selected Argyll & Bute companies expressed their enthusiasm:

Mairi Coleman, Construction Director at Macleod Construction Ltd, said: "Macleod Construction Ltd are delighted to be taking part in the F4OR programme. We are looking forward to exploring what this programme will bring for our organisation and for the communities across Argyll."

Dominic Waller, Head of Commercial for Ocean Ecology Ltd, stated: "We’re proud to be selected for the F4OR Islands & Coastal Communities programme and welcome the opportunity to further strengthen our contribution to the UK’s offshore wind sector. With dedicated laboratories and offices in Oban, and team members based in Stromness and Inverness, Ocean Ecology is well-positioned to support ScotWind and future projects with high-quality marine environmental services grounded in scientific excellence."

Daniel Carcajona, SAMS Enterprise Business Development Manager, added: "We are delighted to be included in the F4OR programme and see this as an opportunity to further enhance our expertise in environmental consultancy. In order for any industry to be sustainable it needs robust and quality science behind its decision making and we welcome the opportunity to play our part in that."

Tom Brannan, Director of Shearwater Marine Services, remarked: "We are delighted to have been successful in securing a place on this exciting programme. Shearwater is undergoing a period of sustained growth in the commercial and defence sectors and the Fit for Offshore Renewables programme will also allow us to increase our capability and grow our presence in the offshore wind sector."