Weekly Update, 27th September 2010

• I met colleagues from Highland Council, HIE, Scottish Government, North Highland Initiative and The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment to continue the work begun in August at a workshop on marine energy in the Castle of Mey. The event was attended by the Duke of Rothesay. Marine developers told us they would value an devlopment plan for marine energy in Caithness, so that is what we are focused on delivering. Highland Council and PFBE will continue to progress this over the coming weeks, with a view to having drafts available during November.
• My colleague Rachel Skene from HIE brought together a number of local and regional agencies and organisations working in tourism to discuss plans to deliver enhanced economic value from the industry. I attended to support the development of this in the context of the Caithness and North Sutherland Action Plan. It was a very positive discussion, and I’m confident that real business value can be delivered as part of our programme.
• I have previously mentioned the ongoing work to develop a town centre marketing programme for Wick and Thurso, following work begun through a small group under the CNSRP banner. This proposal was given a major boost this week when the EU LEADER fund in Caithness approved the application from Caithness Chamber of Commerce, with strong support from the Caithness Partnership. Congratulations to Trudy Morris and Koreen MacDougall for all the work they have put in so far. I hope the remaining match funding can now be secured and the project begun.