“The Highlands are heavily involved in the transition – oil rigs in the Cromarty Firth are now regularly accompanied by wind energy platforms.”

Growing up in Invergordon in the Highlands, Ewan Martin (36) didn’t expect to go into the oil and gas industry. However, after completing a degree in engineering in Aberdeen, he hasn’t looked back. Although much of his work is now based in and around Aberdeen, he has seen first-hand how the Highlands region is quickly becoming a major player in Scotland’s low carbon energy transition.

Growing up, my main interests were sport and the great outdoors. I played a lot of football and even represented Ross County Football Club at youth level. With some stunning landscape on my doorstep, I loved getting out for runs, walks and bike rides with my friends and family.

Despite growing up surrounded by huge oil rigs in the Cromarty Firth, I had not originally thought about joining the oil and gas industry. By chance, I ended up in Aberdeen with an engineering degree that became my one-way ticket into the industry.

I studied Mechanical and Offshore Engineering at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. I joined AGR in 2006 as a trainee drilling engineer. My first few years were spent offshore, mainly in the North Sea in several roles, including Wellsite Drilling Engineer and Night Drilling Supervisor.

I also worked overseas on projects in the South Atlantic, North Africa and West Africa. Over the last few years, I have moved into predominantly onshore roles. First I worked as Senior Drilling Engineer at AGR’s Aberdeen office. Today I work for SpotOn Well Management where I see each Well Management project through from start of planning, through operations to closure.

The majority of oil and gas companies are acting to reduce their carbon footprint and actively developing strategies for a low carbon future. The industry boasts a wide variety of resources, skills and technical knowledge, making it well-equipped to adapt to a low carbon world and play a vital role in the energy transition.

Although I don’t work in the Highlands, I’m regularly back home in Invergordon to see family and friends. I know that the Highlands are heavily involved in the transition – oil rigs in the Cromarty Firth are now regularly accompanied by wind energy platforms. Meanwhile, the Port of Nigg has recently supported the construction of two of Scotland’s largest offshore wind farms. The site will also be used to produce green hydrogen in the near future. I am proud to see the Highlands at the forefront of the energy transition, supporting good jobs and local expertise.

My advice for someone looking to join the industry is to take every opportunity you can. There is a huge range of careers available in the industry and in so many different locations around the world. The industry is undergoing a period of huge change, so it is an exciting time to be part of it.