THREE leading engineers are launching a brand new monthly column for The National, which will look in depth at energy policy and industrial strategy in Scotland. 

The three writers, who each come from an engineering background in renewables, oil and gas respectively, will take a critical look at industry from a pro-independence perspective.

The series will be titled The Three Engineers and kicks off this week.

Simon Forrest, CEO of world-leading marine energy firm Nova Innovation, will be starting off the series for The National in Friday's print edition and online. 

Forrest wrote one of the most engaging pieces for National subscribers this year, in an article published as part of the McCrone Report anniversary coverage. It explored the risk of not fully capitalising on Scotland's renewables potential– a theme which will continue throughout the engineers' columns.

The Nova Innovation chief is joined on the team by Dick Winchester, who has decades of experience in the oil industry and is known for his regular writing at Energy Voice. A highly respected voice in the offshore sector, Winchester has long advised the Scottish Government on energy and the just transition.

The third engineer on The Three Engineers team is John Proctor, who was global director of special projects at Intergen – an Edinburgh-based gas firm. Proctor worked there for 28 years and has key vital insight into energy sector.

(Image: John Proctor) In his introductory column, due to be published on Friday, Forrest will explain that the key catalyst for launching the series was the closure of Grangemouth. 

"This is an issue that should enrage," he writes. "It should cut across the political spectrum: Left and right, nationalist and Unionist, young and old. 

"Every politician and party has failed to stand up for Scottish industry and they look hapless when discussing industrial strategy. They should be ashamed of the hole they have driven us into. They have failed our children. Fifty years of one of the world’s greatest ever resource finds, North Sea oil, and Scotland has nothing to show for it except poor health, poor infrastructure and a nation lacking in confidence."

He continues: "By raising these issues and suggesting different solutions, we hope to start a conversation, raise awareness and engage, such that our politicians, civil service and business community finally stir and grasp the industrial opportunities for our children."

You will be able to read the first three columns from Forrest, Winchester and Proctor this Friday, then November 14 and December 12, with new dates set to be confirmed in 2025.

The team is also keen for you to submit your questions about energy and industry – what do you want to know from these leading engineers? Let us know in the comments.

Be sure to subscribe as part of our special £10-for-a-year offer and don't miss out on this new series.