Weekly Update, 11th June 2012
15th
Jun,
2012
Energy: The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy & Tourism Committee was in Caithness this week as part of its inquiry into the achievability of the Scottish Government’s 2020 renewable energy targets. Members of the committee visited various local sites including North Highland College, Scrabster Harbour, Wick Harbour and Wick Airport, and HIE hosted a business breakfast […]
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Weekly Update, 4th June
11th
Jun,
2012
Energy: I accompanied Stuart Black, Director of Planning & Development, Highland Council, to a meeting with Wick Harbour Authority to discuss the organisation’s ongoing plans for the port. We discussed a range of issues relating to potential future business at Wick, and looked at ways in which help might be offered to realise some of […]
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Weekly Update, 30th April 2012
04th
May,
2012
Energy: I took part in a one-day event on “Business opportunities with academia” this week. The event was held in Orkney as part of the much larger International Conference on “Environmental Interactions of Marine Renewable Energy Technologies”, and was led by Energy North. A number of useful contacts made, and useful discussions with colleagues from […]
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Weekly Update, 16th April 2012
25th
Apr,
2012
Energy: CNSRP’s Advisory Board agreed a joint working arrangement with Scottish Power Renewables (SPR), who were awarded the lease to develop a tidal power scheme at the Ness of Duncansby at the east end of the Pentland Firth. An initial meeting between SPR and local representatives took place this week, with terms of reference discussed […]
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Weekly Update, 10th April 2012
13th
Apr,
2012
Energy: Scottish Government has confirmed that the Enterprise Area at Scrabster will be able to offer potential investor companies rates relief of up to 100% (up to £275,000 per business) as part of the incentive to locate at the site, which is on land above the harbour. The Enterprise Area designation, which lasts for 5 […]
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Weekly Update, 26th March 2012
30th
Mar,
2012
Energy: Understanding and responding to the skills required to support jobs in the energy sector was the subject of a meeting this week. Organised by Skills Development Scotland, the event brought together representatives from public sector bodies (SDS, JobCentre Plus, Highland Council, HIE, SQA) to hear from key energy/ power sector employers (Scottish & Southern […]
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Weekly Update, 19th March 2012
23rd
Mar,
2012
Energy: The Leader of the Highland Council has welcomed this week’s publication by the Scottish Affairs Committee of its report on the Crown Estate in Scotland. The Committee took evidence from a wide range of interests, and visited Caithness last year as part of its inquiry. The report recommends that Crown Estate powers over marine […]
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Weekly Update, 12th March 2012
19th
Mar,
2012
Energy: I met with colleagues from HIE, Orkney Islands Council, Crown Estate and Scottish Renewables this week to discuss ongoing support for the Pentland Firth & Orkney Waters programme. A project plan has been drafted, and will soon be finalised. In the meantime HIE and Crown Estate continue to work together to improve knowledge of […]
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Weekly Update, 5th March 2012
12th
Mar,
2012
Energy: Encouraging news this week that North Highland College has been successful in attracting additional funds for its efforts to support employment opportunities. Four programmes were offered a total of approx. £1.5M from Scottish Government through the European Social Fund. Of particular note is the Highland Energy Collaboration which will support the Pentland Firth and […]
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Weekly Update, 27th February 2012
05th
Mar,
2012
Energy: I brought together members of the Partnership’s Delivery Group this week to review our “roadmap” for creating economic benefit from marine renewables. We met with a contractor working on behalf of the Crown Estate on a project plan for the Pentland Firth/ Orkney Waters area, so we can ensure that our plans are based […]
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