26th July 2019
Caithness this week played host to Chief Executives from Chambers across Scotland, as Caithness Chamber hosted the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executives Forum for the first time. As well as the meeting itself, the two-day excursion saw the visitors treated to a tour of the county and a sample of what the area has to offer.
The Forum gives an opportunity for the Chief Executives of Chambers around Scotland to come together and discuss the issues affecting all businesses, as well as to share the unique challenges and opportunities they each face in their respective areas.
Despite it being the height of holiday season, the Chief Executives were keen to make the effort to take time out to travel to Caithness to help them better understand the issues faced by businesses in the region.
The whistle-stop tour of the county, carried out in style in a minibus provided by Blargoans, started with a private tour of the Castle of Mey, with the Chief Executives inspired by the sensitive treatment of the history and heritage of the Castle.
The visitors were then treated to a tour of the Dunnet Bay Distillers distillery and visitor centre. The Chief Executives were highly impressed at the scale and rapid growth of the business, as well as the quality of the product and visitor experience. The tour was then rounded off with a quick visit to the famous signpost at John O’Groats – a quintessential part of the Caithness visitor experience.
The day was rounded off with a top-notch meal at Mackays Hotel, followed by an early night prior to the main business of the meeting on Tuesday. As a parting gift, the visiting Chief Executives were presented with a goody bag containing samples of Rock Rose Gin, Ice & Fire Distillery “Caithness Raiders” Rum, and chocolates from CoCo Campervans – Chocolatier.
Val Russell, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Chief Executives Forum said: “Despite the weather, a wonderfully well organised visit with great hospitality, exposing us to the best of what the area has to offer both in products and tourism attractions. We met some truly inspirational members of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, who gave us a warm welcome. Many of us will be returning for a longer visit.”
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase some of the best of what this area has to offer. We really appreciate the Chief Executives of Chambers from across Scotland taking the time out of their busy schedules to come to Caithness and see firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with doing business in the North Highlands.”