showcase of scottish innovators
Gordon Proven has been commended for his contribution to the renewable energy industry by researching, designing and manufacturing small scale wind turbines.
Ayrshire born, Sir Tom Hunter, one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs, has praised the talent of Scottish innovators, past and present whilst previewing Ayrshire Innovators, a Homecoming exhibition which pays homage to innovators from Ayrshire who made a profound impact on the world.
Amongst the top innovators, Gordon Proven has been commended for his contribution to the renewable energy industry by researching, designing and manufacturing small scale wind turbines. Proven Energy was founded in 1981 and to date has sold over 2000 wind turbines installed over 60 countries that cover every continent.
Gordon’s wind turbines have helped power off grid school rooms in Mongolia, a research station in Antarctica, vineyards in Italy and an unmanned North Sea gas platform to name a few.
The exhibition, open until 12th September 2009, organised by East Ayrshire Council, explores key innovators who were born, lived or worked in Ayrshire. The list, which has been narrowed down to some 60 people, lays claim to some of Scotland’s most important figures.
Sir Tom popped in to the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock to preview the exhibition before it opens and to congratulate staff for researching and collating the history of innovation in Ayrshire.
Sir Tom said, ‘I couldn’t believe the amount of innovators who hail from Ayrshire. I was sent the book which accompanied the exhibition and was genuinely really interested in the many characters depicted who have made a massive contribution to the world. The exhibition looks fantastic and I shall be bringing my kids along to see it as it’s very inspirational.’
Alongside Gordon Proven you can view the contribution and lives of Sir Tom Hunter himself, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Robert the Bruce, the architect of Scotland’s independence; William Wallace, the most important leader of Scottish freedom; Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet; John Loudon McAdam, who revolutionised road building across the world, John Boyd Dunlop, inventor of the pneumatic tyre; Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin; James Keir Hardie, founder of the socialist movement; Bill Shankly, known for changing the management style of football; Graeme Obree, who broke the world record for the furthest distance cycled in one hour on a home made bike; Peter Howson, artist.
The exhibition sites a number of reasons why Ayrshire has produced so many important figures. It claims a combination of natural resources like coal, rivers and the coast lead to the area being significant historically both in medieval times and post industrial revolution. It also claims there is something about the character of the Ayrshire people who have an ability to adapt and survive to their rural environment and make use of their surroundings to make improvements.
Councillor Dougie Reid, Leader of the Council, said, ‘It does not surprise me that we have a rich history of innovation in Ayrshire. This exhibition demonstrates that in an interesting and exciting way. I have no doubt it will be a very popular exhibit both with people from Ayrshire and those returning to Ayrshire for the year of Homecoming.’
The exhibition runs from 30th May to 12th September 2009 at Kilmarnock’s Dick Institute. Ayrshire Innovators is part of East Ayrshire Council’s Homecoming celebrations and is funded by East Ayrshire Council, Homecoming Scotland and Scottish Enterprise.
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