Weekly update, 29th April

Energy & Business Services:

As we see positive progress with the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm development, and the development of both Moray East and West projects, a new initiative to support supply chain companies to learn more about opportunities will be held in Thurso on 13^th May. The DeepWind Offshore Supply Chain Cluster is one of 8 in the UK (one of two in Scotland) that are being created under the UK Offshore Wind Sector Deal and the DeepWind cluster is the North of Scotland supply chain cluster with the developers that are involved in the projects in the Moray Firth and on the Aberdeenshire coast. It will look at the deep wind opportunity covering both fixed bottom and floating wind and is also looking out to the next offshore wind leasing round, ScotWind, which could see at least one project off the Caithness coast. Companies wishing to attend can register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cluster-supply-chain-roadshow-tickets-61286468477

Enabling activities:

I met senior colleagues from Scottish Government’s Culture, Tourism and Major Events Directorate this week as they visited various sites in the Highland Council area. In my role as chair of the North Coast 500 Working Group we discussed current business growth around the route, as well as some of the pressures being felt in particular areas. I invited David Whiteford, Chair of the North Highland Initiative, to attend our meeting to give a flavour of the work that NHI has been doing to support communities to address challenges and realise opportunities.

Also this week the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust announced the opening of its new 10 bedroom Granary Lodge accommodation, which was officially launched by HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, and will open for business tomorrow (Monday 6^th May). The multi-million pound development will also act as a year round wedding and conference venue, offering further economic benefits to the north economy.  https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/prince-charles-opens-luxury-granary-lodge-development-177467/

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:

• It was great to visit North Lands Creative Glass in Lybster this week, and to discuss its current activities and future plans with Karen Phillips and her team. Steadily approaching its 25^th anniversary, the organisation continues to be a UK Centre of Excellence in its field, and plays a significant role in promoting the north of Scotland on an international stage. But it also plays an important role on a local level too, with its community ambassadors (funded through the Aspiring Communities programme) and its fantastic Community Design House space meaning it offers huge opportunity to the Lybster locality. More at https://northlandscreative.co.uk/who-we-are/