Now at the helm of one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects as Chief Operating Officer of Haventus, Ian is leading the transformation of the Port of Ardersier into a powerhouse for offshore wind deployment.
With a background rooted in hands-on engineering and a forward-looking approach to leadership, he brings unique insight into the challenges and opportunities driving the next phase of Scotland’s energy journey. We caught up with Ian to hear more about the project, his personal motivations, and the lessons learned along the way.
Can you take us back to the start of your career? How did you first get into the energy and infrastructure industry?
It all started while I was still at university. I got a summer job with Subsea Offshore Ltd (SSOL) in Aberdeen. They were a world leader at the time in remotely operated vehicles, intervention tooling and diving services for the oil and gas industry. After graduating from what was then Robert Gordon’s Institute of Technology, now RGU, I joined SSOL full time in 1985. That was the start of a 30-year journey with the same company, eventually becoming Subsea7, working in various international roles, both offshore and onshore, right up to 2015.
When did you know this industry was right for you, and did you have any roles or mentors who most shaped your career path?
Honestly, from day one. I loved the variety, the changing work environments, the global nature of it, and most of all, the people I got to work with.
I enjoyed working overseas, which I did for almost 15 years, as I met a wide range of very diverse people and worked with different cultures. My mentor, who guided me through some key decisions in my career, was my former CEO, Mel Fitzgerald, who was tough but fair and would always give you quality time to ensure you delivered.
What attracted you to your current role at Haventus?
After I left Subsea7, I joined Global Energy Group in the Highlands, managing the manufacture of subsea and topside structures and also working on the UK’s first commercial-scale fixed seabed offshore wind farms. That experience set me up perfectly for the next challenge, redeveloping the Port of Ardersier. It is a rare opportunity to be involved in something of this scale. It will be the largest energy transition facility in the UK and will play a major role in the future of offshore wind.
What is the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility, and why is it important for Scotland?
The Ardersier Energy Transition Facility is being developed as a dedicated deployment site for offshore wind farms. A lot of people do not realise how much land is needed, sometimes around 100 acres, just to lay out and assemble the components before they are transported offshore. That is where Ardersier is unique. It is a huge site with enough space to marshall, store, manufacture and assemble wind components all in one place. Facilities like this are critical if we are going to roll out offshore wind at the pace and scale needed to meet the UK’s net-zero and energy security goals.
How does this project differ from others in your career, and what does it mean to you personally to lead such a significant project?
This project is unique in many ways. While there are similarities with other projects in terms of energy, infrastructure, and offshore wind, what makes it special is that we’re starting with a blank canvas. The scale is unlike anything I’ve worked on before, and we’re creating something that could shape the future of energy deployment in the UK.
It’s a big responsibility, but also incredibly exciting. I’m proud to be working with a fantastic team, both in-house and with our contractors, all committed to delivering something world-class. This project is about more than just building infrastructure; it’s about enabling future growth, creating opportunities, and making a lasting positive impact on the Highlands for generations to come.
How did your working relationship with W M Donald begin and how has the team contributed to the Ardersier project?
I have known Willie Donald for years and always admired the quality of the work his teams deliver. That longstanding respect made it very natural to involve them in Ardersier.
The team have played a key role. They have delivered work on the approach roads and a new roundabout, significantly improved the site entrance and supported utility preparation. Right now, they are also doing groundworks within the site itself. They have been a reliable and responsive partner throughout.
What makes strong contractor relationships essential for projects like this?
Strong relationships are everything. You need trust, openness and the ability to hold each other to account. Projects work best when everyone is pulling in the same direction, having honest conversations, sharing problems early and working collaboratively to solve them.
Looking Forward: What is next for the Ardersier facility?
This year is about delivering our dredging and completing the main civil works on the quay wall. That will allow us to bring the facility into full operational use later in 2025. After that, we are planning further expansion, around 940 metres of additional quay wall and more usable land. The demand is already there, so we are building to match it.
How do you see Scotland's energy transition developing in the coming years?
It is not a question of if, it is when. Scotland has the natural resources to be a leader in low-carbon energy across Europe. Offshore wind will lead the way, but we will also see other technologies like hydrogen, tidal and wave energy playing an increasing role. That shift will bring exciting career opportunities across energy, construction and manufacturing, particularly for the next generation.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I get to build something that will genuinely make a difference to the Highlands and to Scotland. That is incredibly motivating. I also enjoy supporting my team. Many of them are much younger than me, and I enjoy helping them grow, develop and solve the day-to-day challenges that come with a major infrastructure project.
How do you stay motivated when facing project challenges?
As engineers, we are problem solvers at heart. Challenges do not drain me. They energise me. Working through issues, finding solutions and delivering outcomes is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
What do you do to unwind outside of work?
When I do get time, I enjoy being outdoors. Gardening, stalking and shooting are things I really enjoy. I also like spending time with family and friends. That is where I really recharge.
Has anyone or anything particularly influenced your leadership style, and what has been your most valuable lesson from your career so far?
I try to lead by being open, honest and reliable. I trust my team to deliver, but I also like to stay close to the technical detail, so I ask questions and stay engaged with the nuts and bolts of what we are doing. Guidance and understanding go hand in hand.
My most valuable lesson: teamwork. A high-performing team will always deliver more than a group of individuals. If you build trust and create the right environment, the results will come.
What advice would you give to someone starting in this industry?
Take any opportunity you are given and get out of your comfort zone. If you are asked to go onsite, offshore or overseas for a short or long period, seize the opportunity - you will be amazed how much quicker you can progress your career, and you will be surprised at what you are capable of.
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This article featured in our latest Spring/Summer edition of our company magazine From The Ground Up. You can view the magazine by following the link below:
