The Story of Adam and Sustainable Aviation

Finally, we introduce the other half of the Munro Dash team:

Adam Forsyth (58) started his career as a specialist in clean technology and renewable energy by taking a degree in Civil Engineering. He quickly moved into environmental work and then finance, but the skills he learned have remained with him – as has the love for the hills he developed during his time at university.

We caught up with him. It wasn’t difficult because, for once, he was sitting at a desk in an office.

Munro Dash Fact Find: What and when was your first Munro?

Adam Forsyth: Ben Starav in 1975. I was at a school camp at the bottom of Glen Etive and we climbed the hill from the campsite. We came down on the other side of the loch and someone had a boat to ferry us back. A few days later we did Bidean Nam Bian in Glencoe, which was quite an adventure for a twelve year old but I think by then I was hooked on the hills.

MDFF: You’ve climbed all of the Munros at least once, some of them several times. Which of them was your favourite to walk, and which one are you most looking forward to flying over?

AF: That’s a difficult question! So many different and wonderful experiences. It is never just the mountain but is always a combination of the mountain, the weather, and the company. I think one of my best days out was when I climbed Sgurr na Gillean by Pinnacle Ridge with a group of close friends. A long, pleasant climb on a sunny day but there was still snow in Coire a Bhasteir to glissade down and then we swam in the burn before heading to my climbing club’s dinner dance at the Sligachan Hotel. The fact I won a rucksack in the raffle is neither here nor there. In terms of the view from above, I think I’m most looking forward to the really remote stuff that is not seen that often. A' Mhaighdean is the most remote of the Munros and in wild country, so I think that will be really interesting to see from the sky.

MDFF: but… you’re sitting at a desk. Is there a link between clean energy and Scotland’s Munros?

AF: There are lots, and we’re trying to flag up just two in our Munro Dash. First: the importance of finding every way we can to mitigate our impact on the environment, and even find ways to protect the planet we’re inhabiting; and second, to recognise the role that aviation has in today’s world, and work out how we can make sure society can still sustainably use the Wright Brothers’ achievements to stay connected when we can.

MDFF: What’s your day job now?

AF: I am an investment analyst specialising in the clean energy industry. This means I produce reports for investors to help them make investment decisions. I explain what the company does, especially if it uses new technology. Then I put that technology in the context of today’s market need, and work out what that could be worth to potential investors. In short, I get to meet lots of really interesting companies doing really interesting things, and try to help others understand my enthusiasm.

MDFF: As an expert in the field of clean technology, do you think that the decarbonisation of aviation is a real possibility?

AF: I do, and it will be achieved through a combination of solutions including simply not flying if it is not really necessary. Aviation is too useful to avoid altogether, though, so the industry needs to look at the right solution for each need: putting it simply, sustainable aviation fuel for long haul, hydrogen for mid ranges and battery power for the shortest flights.

MDFF: How long will it be before we can all fly sustainably?

AF: I would expect that within five years there will be sustainable fight options available, but these will be smaller aircraft on targeted short routes. The blending of the right fuels so that longer flights will be equally sustainable will follow, but the urgency of the need is putting momentum behind the research into a solution.

MDFF: Why have you chosen to support SARAA-Scotland?

AF: Search and rescue seems such an obviously positive use of drone technology to me. Having been involved in a couple of mountain emergencies I know the value of promptly locating those in difficulty, especially when access is challenging. There are so many ways this relatively new technology can improve the response and hopefully lead to more positive outcomes – I hope our fundraising will make those responses even quicker and the outcomes better.