Highland Fuels Limited is pleased to announce the acquisition of Brechin-based Carnegie Fuels Limited, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both organisations. This carefully considered partnership represents the coming together of two respected, values-led businesses with deep roots in the Scottish energy sector.
The decision by the Carnegie family to entrust Highland Fuels with the future of the business follows an extensive sale process. Highland Fuels was selected as the preferred partner due to a strong cultural alignment, shared ethos, and a long-standing reputation for service excellence and community focus.
Founded in 1957, Carnegie Fuels has built a legacy of reliability, trust and local service – qualities that strongly reflect Highland Fuels’ own values as a customer-centric and employee-focused company. As part of this transaction, Carnegie Fuels will continue to operate under its established name and management structure, with Ryan Carnegie appointed as Director and Kevin and Rosie Carnegie supporting a smooth transition.
Stephen Rhodes, Managing Director at Highland Fuels, comments:
“This is a very positive step for both businesses and for the communities we serve. We’re honoured to be continuing the Carnegie legacy and welcoming the team into the Highland Fuels family. This partnership is built on shared values and a commitment to long-term success.
“This transaction lays a strong foundation for operational continuity and sustainable growth, delivered with a focus on people, communities, and service excellence. Highland Fuels and Carnegie Fuels share a deep-rooted commitment to professionalism, integrity and reliability. By uniting the strengths of the two companies customers can be confident in a trusted energy partner that is well equipped to meet Scotland’s evolving energy needs – today and into the future.”
Employee Ownership Secures the Future for Carnegie Fuels Staff
One of the defining features of this transaction is the long-term security it brings to the employees of Carnegie Fuels, who now become part of an employee-owned organisation, in Highland Fuels. As beneficiaries of the Highland Fuels Employee Trust, Carnegie Fuels staff will now have the opportunity to directly contribute to, and benefit from, the ongoing success of the expanded business.
Commenting on behalf of Carnegie Fuels, Kevin Carnegie said:
“This (employee ownership) was a key factor in our decision. We wanted to ensure that our team, many of whom have been with us for years, are looked after not just today but into the future. Joining an employee-owned company like Highland Fuels gives them that stability and a real stake in what comes next.”
With firm roots in the north of Scotland, Highland Fuels is Scotland’s leading independent fuel distributor, operating 11 depots, 16 petrol stations and a fleet of 50 road tankers serving the country. It has 260 employees based across its operations which stretch from Lerwick, Shetland and south to Manchester. The company became employee-owned in August 2023.