Calum Davidson - tributes

Calum Davidson served as Director of Energy and Low Carbon at Highlands and Islands Enterprise until his retirement for health reasons last year.

He passed away on Tuesday.

Paying tribute;

Patricia Hawthorn, Chairman of Scottish Renewables, said:

“Calum Davidson’s passion, vision and enthusiasm for the renewable energy sector in the north of Scotland helped place the region on the global map.

“The key to his success was a combination of those things - a passion to see his native Cromarty succeed; a vision that green energy offered a way to use the area’s huge natural resource to help tackle climate change while attracting investment and generating jobs, and the enthusiasm to keep going through challenging times and inspire others to do the same.

“Calum was respected by those working in all our renewable energy sectors, but it was the steps he took to further the development of marine power which will stand as his most enduring legacy.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Charlotte Wright, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said:

“Calum’s many friends in Highlands and Islands Enterprise are deeply saddened at his passing.

“Calum was a real force of nature, highly energetic, creative and always bursting with ideas. He was passionate about the Highlands and Islands and put his heart and soul into developing the region in a wide variety of roles over more than 30 years, culminating in his appointment as HIE’s Director of Energy and Low Carbon.

“Following his retirement on health grounds last year, a tidal turbine was named in his honour, and it is generating energy from the Pentland Firth today. That is a unique tribute and a lasting legacy that shows the impact Calum had on the energy sector in particular, and the genuine respect and affection in which he was held.”

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Maf Smith said:

“Calum was a leader in the renewable energy sector for many years, and was responsible for so much of all the work which put the Highlands & Islands on the map as a renewable energy powerhouse.

“As an enterprise body HIE shows the very best of the public sector; always wanting to push things on, find ways to tackle problems and make a difference to communities and businesses across northern Scotland.

“HIE has delivered great work over many years and has been behind the renewables sector every step of the way as we’ve journeyed from challenger to mainstream
“ I hope that the achievements of our sector can be a fitting legacy to sit alongside Calum’s pride in his Cromarty roots and his verve and zest for life which will be sadly missed by all who know him.”