Dan McGrail, CEO of Great British Energy, has been announced as the headline speaker for the highly anticipated Winds of Change Dinner. This black-tie event, hosted and sponsored by the Seven Incorporated Trades, will take place at Trinity Hall on Friday 18th July 2025, as part of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 celebrations.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, the Winds of Change Dinner offers a unique opportunity to experience Aberdeen's maritime heritage while celebrating its renewable energy future. The event commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Aberdeen Line that commissioned over 50 Tall Ships, making it a historically significant occasion for the city and its maritime industry.
GB ENERGY CEO TO ADDRESS ABERDEEN'S ENERGY TRANSITION
Dan McGrail will deliver a keynote address focusing on Aberdeen's central role in the UK's energy transition. GB Energy's mission is to power Britain with clean, secure, home-grown energy and to become a global leader in clean energy.
In his address, McGrail will draw compelling parallels between the innovation that defined Aberdeen's historic wind-powered Clipper ship era and today's pioneering developments in offshore wind energy. His presentation will highlight why Aberdeen stands as the natural focus for the UK's energy transition, bringing the event's theme of connecting maritime heritage with renewable futures into sharp focus.
Securing Dan McGrail as our keynote speaker represents a significant coup for this event," said Andy Leiper, Deacon Convener. "His insights into Aberdeen's role in the clean energy revolution will be invaluable for anyone involved in the energy sector or interested in the region's economic future."
DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER LINEUP
The evening will also feature two additional distinguished speakers:
David Henry will explore Aberdeen's role in developing world leading designs during the Clipper Ship era and trace the Aberdeen Line's technological evolution from sail to steam power throughout its 200-year history.
Lisa Honan CBE will discuss Aberdeen's significant influence on the global tea trade, including through key Scottish figures. Her presentation will include the little-known fact that tea is also grown in Scotland!
A CELEBRATION OF MARITIME HERITAGE AND RENEWABLE FUTURE
The Winds of Change Dinner combines an evening of gourmet dining with thought-provoking presentations that bridge Aberdeen's proud maritime past with its innovative renewable energy future. Attendees will enjoy a meticulously crafted menu in the historic setting of Trinity Hall, creating an atmosphere of elegance and tradition.
The event serves as both a commemoration of Aberdeen's influential maritime history and a forward-looking celebration of its pivotal role in the energy transition. By bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries, the dinner creates valuable networking opportunities while supporting important local initiatives.
