Weekly update, 8th August

Energy & Business services:

As financial closure for the Meygen tidal project approaches, RE News last week reported that parent company Atlantis Resources had agreed a contract with Andritz Hydro Hammerfest to supply three 1.5MW turbines for its initial deployment in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth. The company says it expects work to start on Meygen’s onshore supporting infrastructure later this year, with its Phase 1A being operational in 2016.

Enabling activities:

I was in Inverness this week for a series of meetings with Highland Council colleagues working on projects relating to our wider Delivery Programme. Included in the discussions were roads, business support and renewable energy interests.

Communications:

As part of an ongoing process of helping communicate progress with the delivery of aspects of our economic transition programme CNSRP’s partners work together to generate news stories for local, regional and national media. I also speak on a regular basis to individuals and organisations across the area to update on progress. This week:

• A reminder that next Wednesday (13^th August) is the deadline for applications for the George Bruce Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award run by Caithness Chamber of Commerce. The Award is in its fifth year and aims to recognise a young local entrepreneur who has shown the drive and determination to set up and succeed in business. Awards applications and information can be found here.
• CNSRP partner HIE has once again announced its partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston to allow 5 business people from the Highlands and Islands to participate in MIT’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
• Also this week CNSRP partner Skills Development Scotland announced the Modern Apprenticeship Awards for 2014. You can learn more about the Awards and how to apply at SDS’s “our Skillsforce” website.
• Interface, the company set up to bring together businesses and academic institutions, has opened its third Excellence Awards for entries. A number of local companies have taken advantage of the services offered by Interface, including the “Innovation Vouchers” worth up to £5,000.  More information on the Awards can be found here.
• It is also good to see two articles in today’s John O’Groat Journal on the success of Cups Tearoom in Scrabster and the move to new premises at Berriedale by Patricia Niemann. Ros and Sid Campbell have made a real success of Cups, and have been nominated for another award this year – Scottish Tearoom of the Year. Patricia Niemann’s new studio at Berriedale follows a ten year joint occupancy of a studio at Forse near Lybster. In the article In the article it is good to see the support and advice Patti has received in her new venture from Jennifer Irvine at Business Gateway.