The Founder of Celtic Renewables, Professor Martin Tangney, received his OBE at a private Investiture in the splendid surrounds of Edinburgh City Chambers. The medal was presented at the ceremony by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, who, in his capacity as the Lord Lieutenant, is the Queen’s representative in Scotland. Professor Tangney, who hails from County Cork in the Republic of Ireland, was awarded an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) on the New Years Honours list for non-British citizens and he joins a very select group of Irish nationals to receive the accolade – a group that includes F1’s Eddie Jordan and the Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan.
Speaking about his award Professor Tangney said: “This is an immense honour that I am both proud and humbled to accept. I am particularly delighted to be presented this award in Edinburgh, as this is where I have made my career and if I in anyway at all deserve an OBE it is only because of my work in Scotland. I hope that I represent the strong Irish diaspora here who have been contributing to Scottish society in so many ways for so many years in our shared heritage and I will continue to do my best to remain worthy of this tremendous accolade.”
The international award-winning innovator and entrepreneur, who is best known for developing a process to convert the residues of the whisky industry into an advanced sustainable biofuel, was awarded his OBE for services to engineering and energy.
Speaking at the Investiture Lord Lieutenant Frank Ross said: “It is my honour and privilege, on the Queen’s behalf, to present Martin with his honorary OBE. His innovative approach to biofuel production – using by-products of whisky to create a viable alternative to petrol – has made industry ripples around the world. This medal recognises the lasting and meaningful impact on engineering and technology he has made. My congratulations on behalf of everyone in Edinburgh.”
The Investiture took place on 27 October 2018 with friends, family and business leaders in attendance.