Weekly Update, 11th January 2010

This is a short message to update you on activities involving the Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership. 

I met with colleagues from Visitscotland and Highland Council in Inverness to discuss updated activities for the tourism sector in our area. I have agreed to bring together on 16th February colleagues from Visitscotland, Highland Council, HIE and North Highland Tourism Ltd to agree more specific activities and outcomes for our regeneration programme. 

Met with colleagues from HIE in Inverness to discuss Pentland Firth Marine Energy issues. A draft of the Pentland Firth Marine Energy Route Map was discussed in detail, and it was agreed that this will be most useful if it contains meaningful targets for capturing elements of the emerging industry. A draft of the document is being circulated to partners for comment. 

I brought together a group of local people who will help present the area’s socio-economic opportunities to the Dounreay PBO Industry Event in Wick on 5th February. The Partnership will lead the “opportunities” section of the day, working with representatives from Chamber of Commerce, tourism/ food & drink, unions, and North Highland College. 

Attended a meeting of the Caithness Transport Forum, at which members agreed to petition the Scottish Parliament for Trunk Road improvements around Berriedale. Work continues to fund feasibility work on proposals – this remains a key enabling priority in the Caithness & north Sutherland Action Plan. 

Finalised draft content for a newsletter being issued via the Executive Magazine in its February issue.