Two Fife businesses picked up top prizes at the Scottish Green Energy Awards 2014 for their excellence in renewables.
Tullis Russell of Glenrothes received the Renewing Scotland Award for its biomass renewable power plant.
Mines Rescue Service of Crossgates was given the Contribution to Skills Award for a new facility
They were honoured by industry representative body Scottish Renewables at a 1,250-guest ceremony in Edinburgh.
Paper and cartonboard producer Tullis Russell’s combined heat and power plant helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 250,000 tonnes a year, making a significant contribution to Scotland’s renewable energy targets, and helps safeguard 500 jobs at the site.
Since Scotland’s last deep mine closed in 2002, Mines Rescue Service diversified into specialised health and safety training.
Its wind-turbine training facility at Crossgates was created to serve the growing sector by offering training at height in accredited courses.
Niall Stuart, Scottish Renewables’ chief executive, said: “All our winners are genuine pioneers and innovators who are making a real difference to our environment, economy and society.
“There is no better way to recognise them than in front of more than 1,200 of their peers.
“I would like to congratulate Tullis Russell and the Mines Rescue Service for coming out on top against very strong competition.
“The Scottish Green Energy Awards ceremony is the biggest night of the year for the renewable energy industry, and it was particularly pleasing to celebrate 2014’s successes on the day our figures revealed green energy has become Scotland’s main source of power.”
The Mines Rescue Service was “a classic example” of how companies in Scotland employ creativity and innovation to reinvent themselves for the modern business world.
Tullis Russell’s success showed how a big company can help the environment and safeguard its business and workforce.
The biomass plant was built and is operated by RWE npower renewables.
Renewables consultancy Natural Power given the Business Growth Award opened new 100-employee offices in Stirling in January and boasted 46% revenue growth between 2012 and 2014.
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks was named Champion of Renewables, and was described by judges as “an outsider who makes people understand why renewables are so vital.”