2020 - James Ellsmoor

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We are delighted to announce James Ellsmoor as the 2020 Alumnus of the Year!

James Ellsmoor is an entrepreneur, writer and sustainability expert who is one of the world’s leading voices on the sustainability of islands.

He graduated in 2018 with an MLitt in Island Studies from our Institute for Northern Studies at Orkney College UHI and was also the University of the Highlands and Islands postgraduate student of the year. Whilst studying for his undergraduate degree he co-founded Solar Head of State, a non-profit organisation which works with small island communities to promote solar energy.

Since graduation James has established Island Innovation, an exciting development in island studies and island networking. It holds the annual Virtual Island Summit, which attracts heads of island governments, academics, and business interests from around the world, this year anticipating 10,000 participants from Shetland to Samoa and Tiree to Tobago.

A digital nomad, James has worked and travelled in over 50 countries and consults for leaders in NGOs, the private sector and government on topics related to sustainable development and entrepreneurship. His work extends into climate change policy, renewable energy and travel and he has particular expertise in small island developing states (SIDS).

Recognised by Forbes's 30 Under 30, he is dedicated to his passion for sustainable development and renewable energy and has established an organisation with global reach and impact. A very deserving winner of the 2020 Alumnus of the Year award. Congratulations James!

Read the Alumnus of the Year 2020 press release

James Ellsmoor“My experience at the University of the Highlands and Islands was fundamental in shaping my business and trajectory and I am thrilled and honoured to receive this award. The university pioneered remote working and studying before it became essential this year, and I am glad to see this has put the university in a better situation than most to adapt.

I would highly recommend it for the dynamic and vibrant work environment that creates connections across the region. It’s a privilege to have friends and colleagues made through the university partnership now spread across the Highlands and Islands which was enabled by the university’s innovative use of technology to build community.”

James Ellsmoor