Capturing Innovation: A Photographer’s Journey with Celtic Renewables from Startup to Full Production
As a photographer, it’s rare to have the opportunity to document a company growing up from newborn to adult. For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Celtic Renewables, a biofuel startup that spun out from Edinburgh Napier University. My role has been to capture not only the milestones of the company but also the human stories behind its success. The work has been very varied in nature calling on areas of my portfolio such as public relations, aerial drone work, corporate headshots, industrial architecture and events.
Celtic Renewables biofuel startup: The Beginnings
I first connected with Celtic Renewables to create portraits of the team and marketing images of the labs for the development of their website. This was in preparation for their press launch in Edinburgh in 2015. At the time, the idea of turning waste from Scotland’s whisky industry into sustainable biofuels at scale was still an ambitious vision. The press launch generated huge interest. Media organisations from around the world covered the event. I organised the photocall making sure all the photographers and camera crews got the images and footage they needed.
This was more than just a corporate media event—it was the beginning of something revolutionary, and my pictures reflected that optimism and energy bound up in Celtic Renewables.
Testimonial
from Toni McDonald, Marketing & Communications Officer:
“Celtic Renewables is proud to share our great experience working with Ashley Coombes at Epic Scotland. Ashley has been our trusted primary photographer for several years, and his talent is invaluable.
Recently, as part of a significant project to rebrand our company, Ashley successfully captured the essence of our brand through photography. The images he produced became the cornerstone of our rebranding efforts, prominently featured on our website, marketing materials, etc.
One of Ashley’s standout qualities is his flexibility and understanding of our business needs. He accommodates last-minute changes or cancellations, even in unpredictable weather conditions.
From staff headshots to aerial views of our plant in Grangemouth, Ashley’s diverse portfolio perfectly aligned with our vision. His commitment to understanding our brief resulted in images that represent our brand.
Thanks to Ashley’s excellent work, we’ve successfully positioned our rebrand exactly as imagined. His photographs have played a pivotal role in conveying our message to our audience. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Epic Scotland for years to come.“
Milestones Along the Way
As Celtic Renewables grew, so did my involvement in documenting their journey. I had the honour of photographing several key milestones, including:
Visit from Sacha Dench, UN Ambassador for the Convention on Migratory Species. As part of the lead-up to Glasgow COP26, Sacha Dench’s visit was a powerful statement of Celtic Renewables’ environmental commitment. I captured her tour of the plant, as well as her engaging conversations with staff, showcasing the company’s role in addressing global climate issues.
The Visit from UK Government Minister for Transport, Andrew Jones: His visit signified the growing recognition of Celtic Renewables’ potential. I captured the important discussions and the excitement surrounding the government’s endorsement of this forward-thinking company. Photographing Jones alongside Celtic Renewables’ team gave me the chance to emphasise the growing influence of the startup on the UK’s renewable energy landscape.
Founder Martin Tangney Receiving an OBE. When Martin Tangney, the visionary founder of Celtic Renewables, was awarded an OBE at Edinburgh City Chambers by the Lord Provost, it marked a significant achievement for both him and the company. I was able to document not only the pride and celebration but also the deeper sense of accomplishment that came with this recognition. The celebration lunch was a great celebration of this. I captured candid moments of fun and optimism among the team and supporters.
Building the Plant: From Launch to First Production
Documenting the construction of Celtic Renewables’ biofuel plant was an exciting challenge. Over the months, I captured the transformation from the erection of the first steel towers into a fully operational facility. From cranes and a spaghetti of pipework to engineers and scientists, I aimed to document the sheer scale and complexity of the project.
A significant milestone was capturing the first tanker delivery of raw material. Watching the tangible result of years of hard work and research as the plant swung into life was exhilarating. The photos from that day symbolise not just the success of Celtic Renewables, but also the potential for biofuel to make a real impact on sustainability.
Celtic Renewables biofuel startup: Celebrating People and Events
While the technology and infrastructure were key, the people behind Celtic Renewables were always the soul of the story. I’ve had the privilege of photographing the team in various capacities. From headshots and team photos to candid moments during events.
Capturing these moments wasn’t just about formal portraits—it was about telling the human side of the story. Each member of the team has contributed to the company’s success. My goal was to highlight that dedication through the lens.
A Visual Journey Continues
Working with Celtic Renewables since their early days has been incredibly rewarding. From the press launch in Edinburgh to milestone visits from industry leaders and government ministers, every photograph I’ve taken tells a story of growth, innovation, and perseverance. As the company continues to thrive, I look forward to documenting their future successes. I will be celebrating the impact they are making on both the renewable energy industry and the environment.
For a photographer, there is no greater reward than being part of a journey that is changing the world. And Celtic Renewables’ story is just getting started.
