Leanne leads our technical team helping make technologies work for communities and the futures they want to build.

I lead Community Energy Scotland’s technical team, bringing a focus on community-led innovation, energy justice, and resilient local solutions to the climate crisis. My work aims to help make technologies work for communities and the futures they want to build. 

As Technical Manager, I oversee technical input across CES’s diverse projects. This includes managing the technical staff within the organisation; leading on technical deliverables of project work; and contributing to the technical and innovation side of project development. Our team also regularly responds to community member requests—offering advice and tools to support action around the implementation of energy technologies at varying scales. 

Previously, as CES’s Data and Digital Officer, I explored how community energy organisations can implement data tools, data governance, and data ethics. Co-creating practices for community resilience and agency within the context of an increasingly digital energy sector remains a key interest of mine.  

I grew up in the island of Hoy, Orkney, and deeply value the ingenuity and resilience of rural and island communities. I believe climate action must be rooted in local knowledge and collective agency. 

Before joining CES, I worked in the design and futures industry, creating cultural projects exploring the impacts of technology, inequality and climate change. I’ve served on the board of a community resilience charity in Dundee; run DIY solar panel and energy literacy workshops in London; and led a nationwide workshop programme with V&A Dundee. 

When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me reading, building DIY tech, or sailing in the harbour.