Institute Director Professor Mairi Spowage speaks with Claire Mack (CEO of Scottish Renewables) and Susan McDonald (Energy Transition Lead at Deloitte) about Scotland’s renewables economy—where it is, what’s working, and what needs to change. They discuss headline growth in jobs (around 47,000) and sector output (about £15.5bn), the shift from onshore to offshore wind, and why policy certainty and investor confidence matter as much as funding. The conversation explores place-based opportunities from Inverness and Ardrishaig to Shetland’s Viking wind project, the centrality of grids and supply chains, and the importance of bringing communities—and their skills—along on the journey.
This episode is the fourth in a series partnering Deloitte with the Fraser of Allander Institute. In this series expect lively debate, expert insights, and thought-provoking discussions that will reshape the conversation around Scottish economic growth. Culminating in a landmark event in March 2026, this collaboration will unveil ground-breaking insights and provide a platform for action. This Scottish-focused initiative builds upon Deloitte’s UK-wide Growth 35 programme, painting a bold vision for a thriving UK economy by 2035.
(06:25) Setting the Scene: Sector Snapshot & Data Challenges – Opening context, series aims, and the recurring measurement/data issues in the sector.
(11:43) — Jobs & Output: 47k Roles and £15.5bn Activity – Headline figures and what they signal about deployment and momentum.
(17:02) — Beyond Either/Or: Oil & Gas and Renewables Together – Why “one rises as the other falls” is a false dichotomy; the supply-chain reality.
(22:20) — Grid, Supply Chain & Investor Confidence – Electrification, grid buildout, portfolio procurement, and the need to secure volume.(27:39) — Communities & Skills: Place-Based Opportunities – Thriving industries mean thriving communities; skills pathways and careers.
(32:57) — Regional Tour: Inverness, Ardrishaig & the ‘Electric Highway’ – Examples of local investments and EV-enabled connectivity.
(38:15) — Shetland & Viking Wind: Community Stakes and Lessons -Decarbonisation at Sullom Voe and community participation challenges around Viking.
(48:52) — Reality Check Since 2022: Costs, Pace and What’s Next – How rising input costs and programme pace shape near-term priorities and delivery.
FULL TRANSCRIPT available at this link.
Authors
Mairi is the Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute. Previously, she was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Head of National Accounts at the Scottish Government and has over a decade of experience working in different areas of statistics and analysis.
Susan McDonald
Susan is the UK Energy Transition Lead in Deloitte’s Net Zero Transformation team. She is an award winning Electrical and Mechanical Engineer and has over 11 years’ experience in designing and delivering strategic transformation programmes for clients from the power, utilities and renewables sectors. Susan supports her clients to shape their net zero strategies, transform their business, and guide them through the energy transition.
Claire Mack
As Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables since 2017, Claire has led the organisation’s work to support the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy industry through a momentous decade for energy policy.
Prior to Scottish Renewables, Claire was Director of Policy and Place at Scottish Council for Development and Industry – now Prosper. This built on a career working at Ofcom through various roles across regulation of broadcasting, telecoms and mail.
Most recently, Claire was appointed as the Co-Chair of the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) which complements her membership of the First Minister’s Energy Advisory Board.