I’m Rosie and I’m part of the Community Energy Launchpad team. Based in Dumfries & Galloway, I support community groups in D&G and Ayrshire who are looking at setting up a community energy project for the first time.  

Before joining Launchpad, I worked on N76 Energy in Motion, a low-carbon transport project with seven community groups in Nithsdale. Highlights included support for community minibus operators, visits to inspirational community groups as far afield as Orkney, and the development of an ongoing collaborative partnership between the N76 community groups.  

Growing up in North Yorkshire, I learned to appreciate the natural environment and the role we have in protecting it. I spent much of my time exploring the local forests, rivers and moorlands with my family. These experiences led me to study a degree in Physical Geography at Durham University, specialising in palaeoenvironmental change and climate change. During my studies, I developed my understanding of the need to centre sustainability within communities, which led me to complete an MSc in Sustainability, Energy and Development with a focus on community-led low-carbon initiatives. After completing my Masters, I moved to Dumfries and Galloway to put my academic background into action. 

Living in a rural area gives me the opportunity to do my favourite things: Hiking and spending time with my dogs. I’ll try not to talk about the dogs if we meet, but no promises. Dumfries & Galloway is a stunning and underappreciated corner of Scotland and I’m lucky to live amongst some fantastic community groups, who make it so special. 

If you’re based in D&G or Ayrshire and are thinking of starting a community energy project, I’d love to hear from you.