Scotland’s Coastal Businesses Gear Up for Offshore Wind Boom

How a Mentorship Program Is Fueling Local Clean Energy Growth

Four Argyll and Bute businesses have secured a golden ticket to Scotland’s offshore wind revolution. Selected for the Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) Islands and Coastal Communities programme, these companies—MacLeod Construction Ltd, Ocean Ecology Ltd, SAMS Enterprise, and Shearwater Marine Services—are now poised to tap into the booming clean energy sector. The initiative, backed by ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind project, is bridging the gap between local expertise and global opportunities.

“This programme isn’t just about skills—it’s about unlocking potential in communities that are often overlooked,” says Kiera Wilson of MachairWind.

Launched in 2019 by ORE Catapult and Scottish offshore wind developers, F4OR has already supported over 150 companies. The latest cohort includes 12 businesses, with a striking third hailing from Argyll and Bute. For 18 months, participants receive tailored mentoring to sharpen their competitive edge in the offshore wind supply chain. From environmental consulting to marine logistics, the program’s focus is as diverse as the businesses it serves.

Dr. Davood Sabaei of ORE Catapult underscores the broader vision: “Scotland’s islands and coasts are innovation hubs. By nurturing local talent, we’re not just building turbines—we’re building resilience.” The sentiment resonates with Ocean Ecology Ltd and SAMS Enterprise, both eager to apply their scientific prowess to offshore wind’s unique challenges. Meanwhile, Dunoon-based Shearwater Marine Services brings critical maritime operational expertise to the table.

“Our coastal location gives us a front-row seat to the energy transition,” notes a representative from SAMS Enterprise.

With MachairWind’s 2 GW offshore wind farm on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be better. The project, slated to power over 2 million homes, is a cornerstone of Scotland’s net-zero ambitions. For the four Argyll and Bute businesses, the F4OR program isn’t just a training ground—it’s a launchpad. As Wilson puts it, “The clean energy wave is here. These companies are learning to ride it.”