Mr Rennie, former managing partner of Stronachs, joins the family investment firm as it explores opportunities in the energy sector which have the potential to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the use of electrification.

The firm is led by Aberdeen businessman and energy industry veteran, Mark Patterson.

Mr Patterson said: “Central to our vision is the desire to bolster and diversify the north-east economy by supporting local businesses and creating new ones which have scalable, sustainable growth potential, particularly in green energy.

“Equally, with David’s commercial experience and legal background and my long and varied career in oil and gas, we want to work with companies who are struggling in the current climate, helping them to survive and then thrive and, as a result, helping to safeguard and create jobs.”