One of the UK’s leading specialist infrastructure communication consultancies has joined Highland CIC’s group of sponsors, which include SSEN Transmission, Vattenfall, Statkraft, Haventus, RES and Planit Scotland, to support the delivery of transformational community, environmental and business initiatives for the region.

Copper, part of RSK Group, has over 30 years’ experience working in infrastructure communication across the UK and has a deep understanding of challenges and opportunities in major projects from a complex multi-stakeholder perspective, including developers, communities, local government and Scottish Government. The consultancy’s support will help maximise the opportunity for Highland Renewables’ strategic investment in the Highlands, given the large volume of renewable energy and transmission development in the region.

Yvonne Crook, chair of Highland Renewables, said: “Highland CIC has made incredible progress over the past few years in supporting a collective business and community vision for the Highlands to become a world leader in sustainability. Now, as the organisation is on the cusp of delivering transformational initiatives, it is critical that our communication is effective. By working together we can have the greatest impact and leave the greatest legacy for future generations.”

“The strategic focus on infrastructure and sustainability that Copper brings is extremely important for Highland CIC. We welcome the support they can offer our region and look forward to exciting conversations ahead.”

Laura Sutherland, Copper’s lead in Scotland, said: “Supporting Highland Renewables allows us to extend our support to developers and communities in the Highlands, a region which will have major impacts from development. In addition, as experts in relationship building and infrastructure projects, we can help advise on strategic issues, policy and be a trusted partner to the Community Interest Company, helping achieve its ambition of ensuring everyone who works, lives, visits and invests in the Highlands benefits from energy transformation projects.”

As part of the effort to be inclusive and transparent, Highland CIC will host a series of virtual events the first of which Copper will be a part.

The first event, “Sustainable Transformation in the Highlands”, will take place on Thursday, 3 April 2025 at 10.30am-11am. The panel will include Yvonne Crook of Highland CIC, Laura Sutherland of Copper, Alison Hood of Statkraft, Tom Brinicombe of Vattenfall and Willie Cameron of Highland CIC. Those who would like to attend can register here.