A respected renewables expert has been appointed to the board of Cambrian Engineering Limited, to represent the interests of Western Isles Enterprise (WIE).

Chris Morris, a former general manager with Powergen Renewables will assume his directorship with the company from the 1st October.

Dr Morris, who lives in Solihull in the West Midlands, is a member of the UK Government's Renewables Advisory Board and chair of the World Energy Council's Renewable Energy Committee.  He is also a director of the British Wind Energy Association, a former director of a number of wind energy companies in the UK and Ireland, and in October will be joining the board of Wind Prospect as Commercial Director.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Morris said: "I am delighted that WIE has put their faith in me to represent their interests in Cambrian.  The wind energy market, particularly in the UK, is poised for a rapid expansion.  I look forward to being able to contribute to supporting Cambrian's and WIE's strategic efforts to capture a substantial proportion of the wind industry's manufacturing requirements for the UK."

Cambrian Engineering manufacture wind turbine towers and foundations for the onshore and offshore renewable energy sector.  Based in Bangor in Wales, the company recently opened a facility at the Arnish yard on the outskirts of Stornoway.

The former oil fabrication yard is being redeveloped by WIE and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) at a cost of £12 million, creating a multi-user industrial estate with a particular focus on renewables and aquaculture.

Cambrian Engineering has leased the main fabrication workshop for its operations from WIE and HIE and has received £2.6 million from WIE to establish the Lewis base.  The company is eventually expected to employ around 65 staff at the site.

Welcoming Dr Morris to the board of Cambrian Engineering, managing director David Williams said: "I am delighted, along with the team at Cambrian, that Dr Morris has agreed to join our board.  He brings a multitude of corporate skills and experience along with deep knowledge of the wind industry.

"WIE and Cambrian's interests are as one in seeking to successfully develop the company further in a sector that is demonstrating exciting growth prospects."

Chief executive of WIE, Donnie Macaulay said: "We welcome the opportunity to appoint a representative to the board of Cambrian Engineering and are delighted to have Chris Morris looking after our interests."