The much-anticipated return of the flagship annual dinner of the Energy Institute (EI) Aberdeen, Highlands and Islands branch has raised £10,000 for good causes.

After a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Aberdeen’s Marcliffe Hotel & Spa was the setting for the evening which is widely regarded as one of the industry’s premier evenings in North East Scotland, and a highlight of the local branch calendar.  

In keeping with the occasion’s well-established reputation for attracting high-profile speakers and delegates, this year’s line-up included keynote speaker Clara Altobell FEI (VP ESG & Business Innovation, Serica Energy plc), plus Nick Wayth CEng FEI FIMechE (Chief Executive, Energy Institute) and Steve Holliday FREng FEI (President, Energy Institute).  Also appearing was leading impressionist and star of popular BBC Radio 4 show Dead Ringers, Kevin Connelly.

The raffle and auction which took place during the evening raised around £10,000 for branch activities, and the Pound for Piper Memorial Trust’s recently-launched project to redesign the North Sea Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen’s Hazlehead Park. The plans aim to ensure that the gardens remain a special of solace, comfort and contemplation befitting of those who lost their lives on Piper Alpha, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice whilst working in the North Sea.

Reflecting on the evening, keynote speaker Clara Altobell said:
“The Energy Institute dinner was a gathering of people who have helped the energy industry in North East Scotland thrive.  

“Hosting companies whose businesses include operating assets, engineering, asset integrity, safety, technology and drilling clearly demonstrates how the Energy Institute brings these skillsets together to manage both the challenges the industry faces now and those that will take us through the energy transition to Net Zero."

Pound for Piper Trust Chairman, Steve Rae commented:
“We would like to thank the Energy Institute Aberdeen Highlands & Islands branch for choosing us as the nominated charity and are extremely grateful for being given the opportunity to share our plans for the gardens at this prestigious event.  The personal donations received from those in attendance are also very much appreciated as was the positive response to our plans for the re-design.”

Energy Institute Aberdeen, Highlands & Islands Branch chair Rebecca Allison added: “It was a proud moment for me to be involved in last night’s annual dinner. Raising funds for two worthwhile causes was at the heart of the dinner and, due to the generosity of our guests, we managed to raise a significant amount. 

“Of course, any event is about people and last night’s dinner provided the opportunity for those attending to continue building strong, mutually-beneficial relationships with organisations in the energy sector. 

“I believe it will be impossible to meet our net zero targets unless we create a very clear vision of the future and work together to achieve it. Events such as the dinner only goes to cement the relationships needed to deliver this vision.”

To find out more about the Energy Institute (EI) Aberdeen, Highlands and Islands branch, email aberdeen@energyinst.org or call Katrina on (01224) 900035.

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