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Our People

Celtic Renewables Ltd is an innovative start-up company formed to commercialise a process for producing a superior next generation biofuel and other high value sustainable products, from the by-products of biological industries.

Management

Brett Simpson

Executive Chairman

Brett is an accomplished executive leader with over 35 years of global business experience and a proven track record of driving business growth in technology…

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Mark Simmers

Chief Executive Officer

Mark is an entrepreneurial leader and commercialisation specialist with almost 30 years of international experience in sales, marketing and…

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martin tangney

Prof. Martin Tangney OBE

CSO and President

An international award-winning innovator, Professor Martin Tangney OBE established the first biofuel centre in the UK and…

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Claire Treacy

Chief Financial Officer

Claire is an experienced finance leader with a proven track record in providing strong governance in periods of significant corporate change. She has over…

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The Team

Jim Purves

Head of Corporate Operations

Jim has 30 years of international experience in operations and engineering management working for small, innovative companies…

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Dr Eve Bird

Dr Eve Bird

Head of Research & Innovation

Dr Eve Bird is an industrial biotechnologist who heads up research and innovation at Celtic Renewables. Eve has worked in…

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Duncan McLachlan

Commercial Manager

Duncan is a chemical engineer by background and brings over 15 years of international commercial experience to the Celtic Renewables team…

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Daniel Borisewitz

Head of Engineering & Projects

Daniel is a Process Engineer with 12 years’ experience working in the sustainable development and energy sectors. A passionate believer in low carbon…

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Julie Watson

Dr Julie Hawkins

Senior Process Microbiology Specialist

A microbiologist by training, Julie is an expert in bacteria known as solventogenic clostridia – the organisms that underpin…

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Sharon Foley

Financial Controller

Sharon is an accountant with over 20 years of experience in both industry and accounting practice, working on internal and external audits. After a short…

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Jim Small

Senior Projects Manager

Jim has gained more than 30 years of engineering management experience. He has strong practical knowledge and has professional recognition as a Chartered…

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David Stewart

Senior Process Engineer

David was the first person to join Celtic Renewables after the Covid-19 lockdown.  An experienced and motivated Project Engineer, he brings over 20 years…

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Craig King

Compliance Manager

Craig joined Celtic Renewables from William Grant & Sons, where he worked internationally including time in the USA, Canada, Ireland and the United…

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Dr Annie Cheung

Microbiologist

Annie is a microbiologist by training, achieving her MRes and PhD degree with studies focusing on yeast fermentation for the production of bioethanol…

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Dr Derek Elsby

Microbiologist

Derek is a microbiologist with an extensive background in environmental science. He studied and worked as a freshwater ecologist before being engulfed…

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Alison McGill

Process Engineer

Alison is a Process Engineer with over 12 years of experience in chemicals, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. She has worked in a variety…

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Kenneth Leiper

Dr Kenneth Leiper

Fermentation Specialist

Kenneth is a biochemist with over 20 years’ experience of research, development and quality control in the brewing, distilling and renewable chemicals sectors…

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Lorna Woodcock

Head of Technical

Lorna has vast experience in a variety of technical functions all within a production environment. Her “colourful” career started in the world of organic pigments…

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Dr Leslie Howarth

Applied Chemist

Les is a chemist with over 30 years’ experience of research, development and process improvement in a wide range of industrial applications…

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Shelagh Duguid

Office Manager

Shelagh has been working as an operations and office manager in the energy industry for the last 8 years, latterly in domestic renewable installations. She has…

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Anna Hyde

Anna Hyde

Events Administrator

Anna was involved in the founding team and has been with Celtic Renewables since it began back in 2011, serving a diversity of roles as the company evolved…

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Katia Shahoud

Laboratory Technician

Katia studied chemistry at the University of Science. After graduating she worked in a pharmaceutical company as a chemist and then went…

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Eve Hamilton

Laboratory Technician

Eve has an undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Pharmacology from the University of Strathclyde, where she was also part of the Drug Discovery Vertically…

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Tammy Farrington

Laboratory Technician

Tammy started her academic career at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen studying an undergraduate degree in Forensic and Analytical Science, as…

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Aga Mroczko

Laboratory Technician

Aga holds a BA degree in Public Administration from Zielonogorski University in Poland. Moving to Scotland she completely changed her academic route to…

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Arianna Schneier

Research Assistant

Arianna studied Molecular Biology at the University of Edinburgh, where she received the Molecular Biology 4 Top Student Prize. However, Arianna’s interest lies in…

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Susana Woitzik

Marketing Assistant

Susana joined Celtic Renewables through the Saltire Scholar Internship Programme while studying Marketing and Business at Abertay University, which…

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ekko

Ekko

Medical Alert Dog / Chief Morale Officer

Ekko started out as a street dog in Romania and moved to Scotland in 2017 where he studied Obedience. Ekko went on to advanced…

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Caledon Green Biorefinery Team

John Quail

Head of Manufacturing

John is a chartered Chemical Engineer with 20 years of manufacturing experience, having held a variety of roles from design and engineering through to…

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Kyle Stevenson

Process Operations Engineer

Kyle is a time served vehicle builder with experience with both automotive industry and whisky industry. He has spent time within manufacturing and supply chain…

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Iain Catto

Process Lead

Iain started his career as a process operator in a distillery, working in both the mashing/fermentation and distillation sides. He then joined the Merchant Navy, where he…

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Nikolina Zhelyazkova

Technical Operator

Nikki initially studied Microbiology and Biotechnology at Edinburgh Napier University, where her passion for bacteria began, working on projects ranging from bacterial…

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Steven McKeown

Process Operator

Steven studied Applied Biosciences and Zoology and has held technical roles within the food and medical laboratory testing industries, as well as an international…

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William Maclean

Process Operator

William started his career in the Royal Navy as a marine engineer. In his time in the Navy William worked on type 23  frigates to minesweepers….

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Callum Watson

Callum Watson

Process Operator

Callum joins Celtic Renewables following several years working in a range of industries from oil & gas, water & utilities, to more recently chemical process manufacturing…

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Finn Slattery

Technical Operator

Finn is originally from London. He went on to study his Marine Science bachelor’s degree in Tampa, Florida where he swam competitively at collegiate level. Afterwards…

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Michael Slater

Technical Operator

Michael moved to Scotland in 2014 to study Biochemistry, where he chose to branch out into a variety of fields including microbiology and genetics. He remained…

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Kieran Ginda

Technical Operator

Kieran is a former bar manager and finance graduate who was inspired to pursue a STEM-related degree and vocation by his niece who suffers from…

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Aidan Thomson

Process Operator

Aidan started his career as an Instrument Electrical Technician and has experience in a variety of industries from petrochemicals to civil aviation. He is extremely…

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Sean Simpson

Process Operator

Sean is a welder to trade and has worked in the oil and gas sector as well as the marine sector. He has worked in various locations around the world including the Bahamas…

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Brett Simpson

Executive Chairman

Brett is an accomplished executive leader with over 35 years of global business experience and a proven track record of driving business growth in technology and manufacturing companies. He was Chief Executive of PE-owned LBC Tank Terminals Limited, 2009-2014, Group CEO of London-listed Low & Bonar Plc, 2014-2018 and then CEO of Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group, 2018-2019.

Since 2019 Brett has held a variety of advisory and Board roles. He is currently non-Exec Chair of St Andrews Applied Research Limited at the University of St Andrews, Chair of Bladon Micro Turbines, Executive Chair of Celtic Renewables and non-Executive Director of Wilkie Group. He is also a volunteer and Trustee of The Wave Project, a UK-wide mental health charity and Chairs RemCom.

Brett is a chemical engineering graduate from Monash University, Melbourne, holds an MBA from Columbia University, New York and is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. He has lived and worked in Australia, Hong Kong, China, the USA, Switzerland, Belgium and the UK.

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Mark Simmers

Chief Executive Officer

Mark is an entrepreneurial leader and commercialisation specialist with almost 30 years of international experience in sales, marketing and business development. Mark graduated from Bristol University in Economics and Accounting and started out his career with the IMG in London commercialising and managing global professional golf events. In 2011 Mark graduated from the highly prestigious Saltire Foundation Global Entrepreneurial Fellowship Programme, which included a fast-track MBA programme at Babson College, Boston, USA. Mark helped to co-found Celtic Renewables in late 2011, and has been the company’s CEO since its inception leading the growth of the company and securing over £30m of investment finance to fund that growth and the construction of the company’s first bio-refinery. Mark has won numerous investment pitching and business presentation awards on behalf of Celtic Renewables, and has built a strong and dynamic team at the company.

Did you know?

Mark’s Great-Grandmother was a five-time Wimbledon Ladies Singles Champion, and won 2 Olympic Gold Medals in Paris (1900), becoming the first British woman to win an individual Olympic title

martin tangney

Prof. Martin Tangney OBE

CSO & President

An international award winning innovator, Professor Martin Tangney OBE established the first biofuel centre in the UK and made global headlines for his process for producing biobutanol, a sustainable advanced biofuel and renewable chemical, from the by-products of the malt Whisky industry – a process he is commercialising as the Founder of Celtic Renewables. A microbiologist by training, Martin brings decades of experience to the company as an expert in biotechnology and sustainability. As a recognised thought leader in his field (and a TEDx speaker in Hong Kong), Martin has featured on TV stations all over the world and in publications from National Geographic to Time Magazine, focusing worldwide media attention onto innovation in sustainability in Scotland. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded an honorary OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list – one of the very few Irish citizens to receive the accolade.

Did you know?

Martin appears regularly in the media as a scientist and entrepreneur, but his first TV appearance was as a guitar player on Irish station RTE when he was just 15…a very long time ago!

Claire Treacy

Chief Financial Officer

Claire is an experienced finance leader with a proven track record in providing strong governance in periods of significant corporate change.  She has over 25 years of finance and funding experience in organisations ranging from owner managed businesses to listed corporations.  She brings together a unique blend of commercial thinking with specialist understanding of technical areas such as tax and risk management.   Claire graduated from Trinity College, Dublin in Economics and Mathematics and started out her career with KPMG.  In 2005 Claire moved into industry where she has worked within global businesses where she has financed, structured and managed large real estate portfolios and prepared businesses for acquisition or disposal.  Claire is Board Member and Risk Committee Chair of Social Investment Scotland, a leading impact investor in charities, social enterprises and purpose driven businesses.

Did you know?

Claire is an enthusiastic hill runner/walker – though her in-run chats and frequent photo stops will keep her well away from any podiums!

Jim Purves

Head of Corporate Operations

Jim has 30 years of international experience in operations and engineering management working for small, innovative companies bringing new technologies to market. An engineer by training, he has developed products, built manufacturing facilities and managed operations in the UK, USA and SE Asia. Jim directed operations for a leading commercial laboratory in the USA and more recently managed university-based innovation programmes providing applied research, technology development and commercialisation services, before joining Celtic Renewables. Jim leads the Compliance and Operations team at Celtic Renewables, delivering the shared systems and processes required for effective operations and ensuring the company meets its commitment to environmental sustainability, protecting health and safety and compliance with legal and statutory obligations.

Did you know?

Jim spent much of his early career in California but is happy to be back home in Scotland where he prefers the weather! The same is not true of his daughter.

Dr Eve Bird

Dr Eve Bird

Head of Research and Innovation

Dr Eve Bird is an industrial biotechnologist who heads up research and innovation at Celtic Renewables. Eve has worked in the Biobased Chemicals Industry for over a decade and is an international expert in the industrial ABE fermentation process, where her work ranges from genomes to bioreactors. Eve has risen to the top of her field and leads a highly skilled multi-disciplinary innovation team behind the world’s first ABE facility run on sustainable distillery by-products. An award winning and passionate scientist, Eve has been invited to present her research and share her expertise on the global stage, from Helsinki to Hong Kong.

Did you know?

Apart from being an award winning scientist, Eve is a fully qualified dog trainer who has dealt with everything from attack dogs to medical alert dogs

Duncan McLachlan

Commercial Manager

Duncan is a chemical engineer by background and brings over 15 years of international commercial experience to the Celtic Renewables team. His previous experience is predominantly in the downstream oil sector where he worked in a number of roles including feedstock procurement, product trading and sales. Through these roles Duncan has developed a strong commercial focus and understanding of commercial risk as well as having experience of building a sales team from the ground up.

Did you know?

A few years ago Duncan decided at relatively short notice to compete in the London to Brighton ultra-marathon. However, due to his poor map reading skills he ended up covering 69 miles rather than the actual 59 mile course and completed the race in darkness over the South Down Hills!

Daniel Borisewitz

Head of Engineering & Projects

Daniel is a Process Engineer with 12 years’ experience working in the sustainable development and energy sectors. A passionate believer in low carbon development he has worked in a broad range of roles including project delivery, process design, technical team leader, technical development support and policy development. The experience he has gained has provided him with a detailed understanding of the requirements for successful delivery at each stage of the project development cycle.

Did you know?

Daniel is a keen cook which must be a genetic thing as his Dad used to have his own cooking programme on Grampian TV in the late 70’s early 80’s

Julie Watson

Dr Julie Hawkins

Senior Process Microbiology Specialist

A microbiologist by training, Julie is an expert in bacteria known as solventogenic clostridia – the organisms that underpin Celtic Renewables’ process. Before joining Celtic Renewables Julie spent her career working in an academic institution, but her focus has always been business-led with an emphasis on sustainability. Julie carried out her PhD in an industrial programme with biobutanol pioneers Green Biologics and she was part of the team that established the first centre in the UK to develop sustainable biofuel – the Biofuel Research Centre (BfRC). As the senior scientist in the BfRC Julie has supported hundreds of companies across Scotland, including Celtic Renewables, to develop innovative ways of converting wastes and residues into higher value products through a variety of collaborative R&D programmes. Julie brings a unique combination of industry knowledge and scientific expertise to the Celtic Renewables research and innovation team.

Did you know?

A genetic test revealed Julie has the genetic muscle composition common in elite power athletes. However, Julie has yet to discover what this genetic muscle composition can actually do!

Sharon Foley

Financial Controller

Sharon is an accountant with over 20 years of experience in both industry and accounting practice, working on both internal and external audits. After a short secondment from practice, she moved into the whisky industry for 13 years playing a crucial role in developing the company’s systems and controls, subsequently growing the accounting team after the company was acquired by a large drinks group.
Sharon will utilise these skills in her role with Celtic Renewables to assist the company with its growth going forward.

Did you know?

Sharon’s nickname is Judith Chalmers as she likes to travel, her favourite places are Cyprus for some sun and New York for shopping. If she can she likes to squeeze in a trip away to visit family and is hoping to attend concerts abroad soon.

Jim Small

Senior Projects Manager

Jim has gained more than 30 years of engineering management experience. He has a strong practical knowledge and has professional recognition as a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Having started his career within an operational and production background, he developed into the field of Project Management delivering key projects for Public and Private Sector Clients. Spending the last 10 years leading a national Design and Project Management Consultancy, his role as the Senior Project Manager within Celtic Renewables will be key to the construction and development of the site operations.

Did you know?

Jim loves Winter Sports; a keen skier, he has ski jumped over a car.

David Stewart

Senior Process Engineer

David was the first person to join Celtic Renewables after the Covid-19 lockdown.  An experienced and motivated Project Engineer, he brings over 20 years of project design and management experience to the team.  His background in engineering design and construction, has provided him with experience throughout the full project lifecycle.  David has a proven track record in delivering a wide ranging portfolio of projects within the Oil and Gas, petrochemical, defence and pharmaceutical sectors.

Did you know?

When he was at school David was the 100 meter champion for the county…he also says he had hair back then !

Craig King

Compliance Manager

Craig joined Celtic Renewables from William Grant & Sons, where he worked internationally including time in the USA, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. He worked in several operational support roles including Quality, Food Safety and Feed safety – while supporting the businesses management systems inc. H&S, Environmental and Asset Management. From this, Craig has previous experience working within the fermentation and distillation sector.

Craig started his career working within several laboratories and supported teaching and research specialising in forensic and analytical chemistry. He then moved on to working within the public analyst sector responsible for completing the regulatory/legislative chemical and microbiological inspections.

Did you know?

In his mid 20's, Craig went to over 100 concerts in one year!

Annie Cheung

Microbiologist

Annie is a microbiologist by training, achieving her MRes and PhD degree with studies focusing on yeast fermentation for the production of bioethanol and Scotch whisky. She started her postgraduate career working in R&D for an international beer production company, and later entered into academia with a research focus on sustainability and biofuel production. Before joining Celtic Renewables, Annie was a member of the Biofuel Research Centre (BfRC) at Edinburgh Napier University, working with the Research and Innovation team from Celtic Renewables on projects that focused on ABE fermentation with Clostridium species.

Did you know?

Annie likes to knit and crochet whilst listening to film scores. She once knitted an octopus bigger than herself.

Dr Derek Elsby

Microbiologist

Derek is a microbiologist with an extensive background in environmental science. He studied and worked as a freshwater ecologist before being engulfed by the world of microbiology, and his PhD research spanned both realms by focusing on antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in Scottish wildlife. His previous roles include water sampler and scientist for Scottish Water and QC scientist at a medical device company. This experience has versed him in both the adaptive practicality necessary for scientific research and the stringent requirements of regulatory operations.

Did you know?

Derek initially dropped out of university to run off and become an actor. He has performed at the National Theatre in London and been a troupe member for the UK’s biggest burlesque club, and Alan Rickman once called him “a stunning actor”.

Alison McGill

Process Engineer

Alison is a Process Engineer with over 12 years of experience in chemicals, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. She has worked in a variety of project engineering roles where she has developed expertise in project management, materials, process equipment, and thermal fluids; and has extensive experience in documentation control, health and safety, and compliance with industry standards. She enjoys working in a team environment and achieving both team and personal goals.

Did you know?

Alison represented Scotland this year in the British 100k Roads Champs, and in June completed her first 100mile race in the West Highland Way Race.

Kenneth Leiper

Dr Kenneth Leiper

Fermentation Specialist

Kenneth is a biochemist with over 20 years’ experience of research, development and quality control in the brewing, distilling and renewable chemicals sectors. Kenneth was a researcher on the whisky co-products to biofuel Proof of Concept project at Edinburgh Napier that led to the establishment of Celtic Renewables. His current role is to lead laboratory and pilot-scale work covering optimisation of the ABE fermentation process as the company moves towards full-scale production. The main areas of focus in this role are the assessment of novel raw materials, testing of enzymes, monitoring of fermentation performance, production of animal feed and the responsible disposal of effluent. Kenneth is a keen scientific writer and has published several original research papers and book chapters.

Did you know?

Kenneth enjoys outdoor conservation work and volunteers with a number of environmental organisations

Lorna Woodcock

Head of Technical

Lorna has vast experience in a variety of technical functions all within a production environment. Her “colourful” career started in the world of organic pigments studying their application in the ink, paint and plastic industry until 2010 when she moved to Speyside to take up a position working for Diageo as a Laboratory Technician in their malt distilling headquarters in Elgin. The whisky bug bit and Lorna went on to complete a Diploma in Distilling whilst moving to an Environmental Chemist role with Wm. Grant & Sons, from there, her whisky journey took me to Edrington and a position at Macallan Distillery before a move back south brought the opportunity to join CRL.

Did you know?

Lorna is a huge rugby fan and a season ticket holder at Murrayfield but if she's not cheering on our national team, chances are you’ll find her dooking in local inland water or along the Moray Coast.

Dr Leslie Howarth

Applied Chemist

Les is a chemist with over 30 years’ experience of research, development and process improvement in a wide range of industrial applications. Les has worked with colloids, clays, dental cement, aluminium, ink, coatings, fabrics, soda-lime, oxygen “candles” for submarines, fuel fraud detection and food starch in England, Scotland and the USA before joining Celtic Renewables. During his career he has also developed skills in statistics, patent analysis and knowledge management. His current role is to assist in commissioning and troubleshooting Caledon Green whilst networking with the activities of all Celtic Renewables teams. When Caledon Green is in production, he will also develop its products to add further value to the organisation. and investigate the rheological control of the carbohydrate raw materials.

Did you know?

Les enjoys brewing his own beers and has written a book (currently in its 3rd edition) that provides recipe information for thousands of commercial and historical beers.

Shelagh Duguid

Office Manager

Shelagh has been working as an operations and office manager in the energy industry for the last 8 years, latterly in domestic renewable installations. She has project-managed installations of new and upgrading gas and electric supplies to industrial estate units on behalf of property managers. Her passion for renewable technology can be seen throughout Shelagh’s own home, where she has a Solar PV and an Air Source Heat Pump. Previously, she has especially enjoyed supporting customers through the installation of these technologies, walking them through the available funding in Scotland.

Did you know?

Shelagh is currently working towards her degree in Business at The Open University while working, findings new places to travel to and looking after her family including two boys and one very needy German Shepherd.

Anna Hyde

Anna Hyde

Events Administrator

Anna was involved in the founding team and has been with Celtic Renewables since it began back in 2011, serving a diversity of roles as the company evolved. Along with providing part-time general administrative and development support, Anna organises networking and conference events for Celtic Renewables. Anna has hosted visiting international media and trade missions, as well as Government Ministerial delegations from across Europe, the US, China, Japan and India. A trademark and highly popular feature at these events is her whisky tastings, which she has also held in countries across Europe, as well as in the US and Canada, promoting Celtic Renewables as a global brand.

Did you know?

Anna speaks Danish, which is useful in Scotland if you want to have a private conversation in public…if you can find anyone else who speaks Danish.

Katia Shahoud

Laboratory Technician

Katia studied chemistry at the University of Science. After graduating she worked in a pharmaceutical company as a chemist, and then went to the field of education where she worked as a chemistry teacher for several years.
After moving to Shetland Island she wanted to return to laboratories and the field of science, so she started working as an analyst in a microbiology lab.

Did you know?

Katia used to make wine and arak (a popular alcoholic drink in Syria) with her grandfather, and now her dream for the future is to live in the Scottish countryside, owning a farm and making wine and arak.

Eve Hamilton

Laboratory Assistant

Eve has an undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Pharmacology from the University of Strathclyde, where she was also part of the Drug Discovery Vertically Integrated Project for Sustainable Development. Her team aimed to develop new techniques for discovering novel antibiotic-producing organisms, mainly from the genus Streptomyces, by using hyperspectral imaging. Her continued interest in microbiology led her to complete a master’s degree in Industrial Biotechnology at the University of Strathclyde, where she learned more about microbiology applications in industry, sustainability, and circular economy models. She even had the opportunity to complete a work placement at a gene therapy company before joining Celtic Renewables.

Did you know?

Eve loves music and has been playing the piano for 14 years now. She especially likes musicals and has seen the musical Wicked three times!

Tammy Farrington

Laboratory Technician

Tammy started her academic career at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen studying an undergraduate degree in Forensic and Analytical Science, as she wanted a career in bioterrorism. However, she soon discovered a love for microbiology and research, deciding instead to pursue a career in infectious disease research. From here, Tammy studied a Master’s in Advanced Immunology at the University of Strathclyde, where she graduated in October 2022 before starting at CRL in November 2022. CRL is Tammy’s first graduate job! Tammy is a keen activist and environmentalist, originally drawn to CRL for its bio-renewable approach.

Outside of work, Tammy is a plant mum to over 15 plants as well as a cat mum to her kitten Kiwi, a gin enthusiast and a chess master (but not an actual master yet!).

Did you know?

Tammy loves sharks! She is a keen environmentalist with a passion for ocean and shark conservation. She’s still unsure about swimming with them though!

Aga Mroczko

Laboratory Technician

Aga holds a BA degree in Public Administration from Zielonogorski University in Poland. Moving to Scotland she completely changed her academic route to Biological Sciences, obtaining a BSc (Hons) in Human Health at Heriot-Watt University where she was awarded an Athena Swan Scholarship which allowed her to spend a significant period of time in a laboratory environment. She then obtained an MSc in Drug Design and Biomedical Science from Edinburgh Napier University gaining knowledge and experience in current practices in drug discovery and development, biotechnology, molecular pharmacology, and toxicology. Additionally, she is a fully qualified phlebotomist and has experience in the collection of umbilical cord blood to obtain stem cells. Therefore, she obtained her BA to work with all kinds of documents, BSc and MSc to experiment with cells using a variety of microbiological, molecular biology and immunological techniques and phlebotomy helped to deal with people.

Did you know?

Aga is one more exam away from achieving a black belt in karate.

Arianna Schneier

Research Assistant

Arianna studied Molecular Biology at the University of Edinburgh, where she received the Molecular Biology 4 Top Student Prize. However, Arianna’s interest lies in microbial biotechnology. Arianna conducted her Honours Project in the lab of Dr Stephen Wallace where she further expanded upon her interest in the application of microbes and their products for solving current challenges. Arianna looks forward to expanding her knowledge of microbiology, especially Clostridia, as a part of the Research & Innovation team!

Did you know?

Arianna enjoys baking, her favourite bake so far is cinnamon rolls!

Susana Woitzik

Marketing Intern

Susana joined Celtic Renewables through the Saltire Scholar Internship Programme while studying Marketing and Business at Abertay University, which she has since graduated from. Following that, she is now pursuing an MSc in Climate Justice at Glasgow Caledonian University.
She has previous experience working as a marketing intern for a sustainable travel company and as a marketing mentor for high school pupils.

Did you know?

Susana is originally from Germany and moved to Scotland on her own at 17.

ekko

Ekko

Medical Alert Dog / Chief Morale Officer

Ekko started out as a street dog in Romania and moved to Scotland in 2017 where he studied Obedience. Ekko went on to advanced training and obtained his qualifications to become a registered Medical Alert Dog specialised in narcolepsy sleep attack detection. Ekko is a valued member of Celtic Renewables and has participated in many international conference appearances.

Did you know?

Ekko loves cheese and has trained many humans to provide him with it !

John Quail

Head of Manufacturing

John is a chartered Chemical Engineer with 20 years of manufacturing experience, having held a variety of roles from design and engineering through to continuous improvement and operations management. He has a broad experience across a range of industries, including sugar, yeast, FMCG, bakery, and animal feed, and has worked extensively in several overseas countries. With a passion for sustainability, leading and developing teams, and process improvement, John is extremely proud to be part of Celtic Renewables and contributing towards a sustainable environment for future generations.

Did you know?

John’s initial career ambition was to become a vet, but after he fainted during a surgical operation whilst on work experience as a 16 year old, he quickly decided that engineering was a much safer bet!

Kyle Stevenson

Process Operations Engineer

Kyle is a time served vehicle builder with experience with both automotive industry and whisky industry. He has spent time within manufacturing and supply chain across his career with experience in hands on assembly, customs, HMRC, material scheduling and involvement in multiple projects.  Kyle is currently halfway through a Mechanical Engineering Honours Degree with Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

Did you know?

Kyle is a keen angler.

Iain Catto

Process Lead

Iain started his career as a process operator in a distillery, working in both the mashing/fermentation and distillation sides.
He then joined the Merchant Navy, where he gained a degree in Marine Operations and qualified as an Officer of the Watch with an unlimited tonnage licence. Iain sailed on numerous vessels and assets as a Navigation and Watchkeeping Officer. He began on container vessels on deep sea routes, and visited many exotic countries. He also spent time in the North Sea Offshore Sector as an Assistant Barge Engineer and Marine Control Room Operator, on jack-up rigs and harsh water environment semi-submersible rigs. Prior to Joining the team at CRL, Iain was working on tug vessels as a Chief Officer, where he was involved in oil terminal towing operations, harbour towage and salvage of a wide variety of different vessels.

Outside of work Iain enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as hill walking, playing music, cooking, wildlife and travelling.

Did you know?

Before he had family, Iain used to play the drums in several different cover bands.

Nikolina Zhelyazkova

Technical Operator

Nikki initially studied Microbiology and Biotechnology at Edinburgh Napier University, where her passion for bacteria began, working on projects ranging from bacterial sequencing with the MinION to isolating microbes in search of novel antimicrobials. Afterwards, she further developed her interest in bacteria by undertaking an infection biology master’s degree with a specialization in bacteriology. Her masters project worked with Clostridium difficile to investigate how infections may be suppressed by the healthy microbiota. After graduating, in order to experience other aspects of bacteriology, Nikki volunteered her time in the NHS Meningococcal testing laboratory in Glasgow. During this time, she further developed her passion about sustainability and environmentalisms, which led to her joining the Celtic Renewables team.

Did you know?

Nikki and her family have a long tradition of fermenting foods, starting as early as the 1920s

Steven McKeown

Process Operator

Steven studied Applied Biosciences and Zoology, and has held technical roles within the food and medical laboratory testing industries, as well as an international placement in Armenia as an academic researcher.
Steven is extremely passionate about sustainability, and has always wanted to be part of a business that is making a significant contribution to the environment.
Outside of work, Steven enjoys keeping fit by cycling, CrossFit and hill-walking.

Did you know?

Steven enjoys developing his creative side through painting.

William Maclean

Process Operator

William started his career in the Royal Navy as a marine engineer. In his time in the Navy William worked on type 23 frigates to minesweepers. Whilst travelling the world he operated and maintained a variety of different equipment in several departments such as Propulsion, fuel transfer systems, sewage treatment plants etc. William was also part of the Ships fire and damage control Team and counter narcotics boarding team, which has given him great experience working safely in fast paced and stressful environments. Since leaving William has serviced and maintained CHP units across Scotland and most recently operated and maintained a logistics platform. In his time there he was a key player in making sure the plant operation met its targets for its customers and client.

Did you know?

Despite having had fears of the sea and heights William has sailed oceans and performed aerobatics in planes.

Callum Watson

Callum Watson

Process Operator

Callum joins Celtic Renewables following several years working in a range of industries from oil & gas, water & utilities, to more recently chemical process manufacturing. Such positions have led Callum to work throughout the UK and across Europe acquiring a variety of qualifications and training. He is an enthusiastic individual with a positive outlook on life.

Did you know?

Callum has a passion for football having played pro-youth in his younger days. He is a dedicated ‘Falkirk Bairn’ and die-hard Man United supporter!

Finn Slattery

Laboratory Technician

Finn is originally from London. He went on to study his Marine Science bachelor’s degree in Tampa, Florida where he swam competitively at collegiate level. Afterwards, he came back to the UK to study an MSc in Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh. He was a part of the Edinburgh iGEM and iDEC 2021 competitions where his team aimed to increase the degradation and extraction efficiency of recalcitrant biomaterials. His project focused on increasing the biological extraction efficiency of chitin from crab shell waste by directly evolving the enzymes involved. He has a continued passion for the circular bioeconomy and sustainability.

Did you know?

Finn is a certified scuba PADI Divemaster and hopes to pursue his PADI Instructor course in the future.

Michael Slater

Technical Operator

Michael moved to Scotland in 2014 to study Biochemistry, where he chose to branch out into a variety of fields including microbiology and genetics. He remained there for a Masters of Research in Medical Sciences. Prior to joining the Celtic Renewables team, Michael worked in one of the UK’s COVID-19 diagnostics labs.

Originally from Cornwall, Michael does miss some things from his home, primarily the local cider and a traditional Cornish Pasty!

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In his spare time, Michael loves cooking food from different parts of the world. His favourite so far is Thai.

Kieran Ginda

Technical Operator

Kieran is a former bar manager and finance graduate who was inspired to pursue a STEM-related degree and vocation by his niece who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis.
Prior to Celtic Renewables, Kieran studied Pharmacology and completed a Precision Medicine master’s, whilst working in the lighthouse lab in Glasgow processing covid-19 test samples.
Out with work, Kieran enjoys taking part in kickboxing, weight training, and hiking.

Did you know?

Kieran’s family originates from the Punjab in India, in the small ancestral village of Nakodar after which his family’s restaurant in Glasgow is named.

Aidan Thomson

Process Operator

Aidan started his career as an Instrument Electrical Technician and has worked in a variety of industries from petrochemicals to civil aviation. He is extremely interested in anything that has wheels and an engine and is an avid classic car and modified car enthusiast, completing all work on his own. Along with cars, Aidan has recently started CrossFit to keep in shape and spending time with his dog, where I go, she goes.
He has a passion for renewable energy and has been helping his family maintain a privately owned water turbine of the River Allan since he was a young boy.

Did you know?

Anytime there is adverse weather, Aidan likes to take his Land Rover to the weirdest and most wonderful places to see Scotland from different views, helping with his amateur photography.

Sean Simpson

Process Operator

Sean is a welder to trade and has experience in the oil and gas sector as well as the marine sector. He has worked in various locations around the world including the Bahamas, Canada, Australia and the Shetlands! He changed career from a Welder to Process Operator in other plants prior to working at Celtic Renewables. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking and has bagged some Munro’s.

Did you know?

Sean backpacked around Australia for 2 years with some friends he has known since primary school.

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