A highly efficient renewable powered fuel boiler funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been installed by Halladale-based GMG Energy and is now being used to help kiln-dry logs for domestic stoves throughout the Highland and beyond.
And, said owner-director, Malcolm Morrison, after a professional installation process masterminded by consulting engineer, Andy Groves, the boiler is now operating at full tilt, fuelled by the wood chips and sawdust created as a by-product of GMG’s timber sawmill.
Mr Morrison said: “I am delighted that, thanks to HIE Account Manager, Keith Muir who helped us with a capital expenditure grant and Andy’s expert guidance, we have a first-class boiler which plays a critical role in powering the kiln dryer which provides us with tons of timber logs to heat the homes of households across the Highlands.”
Established in 2016, GMG Energy operates a state-of-the-art sawmill on a farm in the Halladale Strath between Tongue and Thurso, producing kiln-dried logs, chip and sawdust for consumers and wholesalers.
Said Andy: “The boiler is quite technically sophisticated and well capable of being used in an energy efficient manner. It took a while to install it due to having to upgrade the electric capability at the sawmill, but the results that Malcolm has been getting from it are first class.
“I like to think that between us, we have made a good contribution to promoting the benefits of the circular economy.”
GMG Energy makes door to door deliveries throughout the north Highlands and manufactures timber products for agricultural businesses, builders and consumers. It also supplies bark for garden centres, sawdust for livestock and dried chip for supply to local businesses and councils.
GMG Energy is committed to replacing every log of timber it uses, planting about 20,000 trees in 2021. As a result, businesses across the North and the Islands can reduce their carbon footprint by sourcing locally.
Taste North 2024 welcomed over 2,100 visitors, setting a new attendance record for the annual food and drink festival organised by Venture North. Now in its ninth year, the event showcased the best in local produce, featuring 56 exhibitors, including exciting new businesses from Orkney, the North Highlands, and Kinross.
Renowned Scottish celebrity chef and restaurateur Tony Singh MBE captivated audiences with live cookery demonstrations, sharing his culinary expertise through mouth-watering recipes such as Haddock with Lime and Ginger Butter, Bombay Aloo, and Lamb Vhura with Dalz. Assisting Tony was Harris Turnbull, a professional cookery student from UHI NWH Thurso and Castletown Hotel, highlighting local talent.
Tony participated as a judge in the Taste North Challenge, an event celebrating exceptional culinary creativity. In the 15 and Under category, Robyn Speirs showcased her talent with a Blackcurrant, Lime, and Pistachio Cake, crafted using homegrown blackcurrants and local eggs. In the Open category, Rachel Patterson impressed with her Mini Marmalade Battenbergs, made with Three Fruit Marmalade from Donna’s Crafts in Latheronwheel. Finally, in the Commercial Operator category, Emma Gordon of Bonbon Bakery stood out with her Spiced Rum Carrot Cake, featuring Ice & Fire Distillery’s Caithness Raiders Dark Spiced Rum.
Taste North was also nominated for the 2024 Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards in the Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival category, highlighting its remarkable contribution to showcasing the region’s exceptional food, drink, and cultural heritage. Taste North will celebrate its 10th anniversary milestone in 2025.
MCR Pathways is an award-winning national charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people, including those in care, young carers, and individuals facing instability. Through its school-based mentoring programme, the organisation pairs young people with fully-trained volunteer mentors to help them achieve equality in education, career opportunities, and life chances.
The impact of mentoring:
- 83% of mentored students progress to college, university, or employment, compared to 62% of non-mentored peers.
- 72% of mentored students stay on in school, compared to 50% of non-mentored students.
Becoming a mentor is simple and life-changing—for both the mentor and the mentee. Mentors volunteer just one hour a week, during term time, at a local school. Training and support are provided to ensure a strong and meaningful connection.
If you have empathy, an open mind, and a willingness to listen, you can make an extraordinary difference. Your guidance could transform a young person’s future, helping them unlock their full potential.
For more information, visit mcrpathways.org and start your journey to becoming a mentor today.
Earlier this year, Norscot, a manufacturer of timber frame kits and fenestration systems, received the Digital Innovation Fund Rapid Demonstrator Award from the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH)
This award recognises the Company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in UK manufacturing. The six-month project aims to transform the Company operations through digital technologies and sustainability practices, focusing on:
- Optimising material usage
- Implementing smart inventory management
- Quantifying environmental benefits using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Sharing knowledge with the UK manufacturing community
Key achievements to date include comprehensive data collection and analysis, including the development of a preprocessing pipeline and upload of a baseline dataset to the Manufacturing Data Exchange Platform (MDEP).
The project has also produced a Minimum Viable Product system architecture with a robust database structure and implemented a pattern recognition model for material storage and usage trends. Analysis of this data has generated valuable insights for improving materials storage design and optimising handling processes.
The project’s progress was showcased through a poster at the Caithness Circular Economy Fair in Thurso, further engaging with the wider community.
Future focus areas include:
- Material offcut reuse optimisation
- Testing and dissemination of findings
This initiative enhances Norscot’s efficiency and sustainability while contributing valuable knowledge to the manufacturing sector. The solution is designed to be replicable across other manufacturing settings, particularly for SMEs. For further information or collaboration opportunities, feel free to contact Norscot via email info@norscot.co.uk
Norscot appreciates the support of the SMDH Digital Innovation Fund and remains committed to expanding its digital capabilities, promoting sustainability, and supporting growth within the UK manufacturing ecosystem.
The Highland Council is proposing a visitor levy for the Highland region of 5% on overnight accommodation, applicable year-round. A twelve-week public consultation on this has been extended to close on Monday 31st March 2025. It is crucial for businesses, residents, and visitors to share their views directly through the Highland Council consultation portal.
The consultation form and supporting information can be accessed via the Highland Council website at the following link: Visitor Levy Consultation.
If needed, public computer access is available at any High Life Highland library. Paper copies of the consultation documents may be obtained by calling the Visitor Levy Consultation Support Line on 01349 781020.
To assist in evaluating the potential impacts and benefits of this proposal, Venture North has collated relevant information and resources on its website, including insights from its summer engagement survey. Key information on the proposed Highland Visitor Levy can be found here: Venture North Highland Visitor Levy Information.
Your input is vital in shaping this proposal. Please take the time to review the materials and submit your feedback to the consultation.
Exciting progress continues at Sutherland Spaceport, as Orbex move closer to establishing the UK’s first vertical launch spaceport on the north coast of Scotland. Work packages for Phases 3 and 4 of construction are now open for tender, marking another key milestone in the development of this state-of-the-art facility.
Sutherland Spaceport will play a crucial role in the UK’s space industry, supporting environmentally sustainable launches and fostering innovation in satellite technology. This is your chance to contribute to a pioneering project that will position Scotland at the forefront of the global space sector.
The following trade packages are currently open for tender:
• Earthworks & Excavations
• Concrete Foundations and Slab
• Reinforcement to Concrete Items
• Drainage
• Steel Frame (supply only, install only, or supply and install)
• Roof and Wall Cladding
• Gutters, Downpipes, and Superstructure Drainage
• External Doors
• Windows
• Roller Shutter Doors
• Mechanical Installations (e.g., plumbing, ventilation, heating)
• Electrical Installations (e.g., lighting, power, data)
• Fencing
• External Concrete (similar to concrete foundations and slab)
If you’re interested in applying or would like more information, please contact Bryan McGhie by 29th November at bmcghie@nascentcc.co.uk
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the development of this exciting project!
AIDAsol in Scrabster harbour during an 11-night voyage earlier this year. Picture: Barry Scollay
Each year, the North Highlands beckon to those in search of adventure, new experiences, and escapism. Our region boasts a rich, diverse culture, defined by dramatic coastlines, untamed landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and abundant wildlife. Renowned for our deep- rooted history and famed ‘Highland Hospitality’, it’s not difficult to see why the North Highlands is a popular tourist destination.
With around 792,000 visitors annually, tourism in the North Highlands has a significant economic impact, supporting over 3,000 jobs and contributing £194.94 million to the local economy.1
In October, I was pleased to join peers and colleagues from across the wider Highland region for a roundtable discussion hosted by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The session gathered businesses and industry stakeholders to share reflections on the 2024 season and discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
A primary concern raised was the anticipated visitor levy in the Highlands, which many fear could reduce spending per visitor. Concerns were also voiced about rising costs affecting
both businesses and consumers, potentially rendering the Highlands an expensive destination and threatening the viability of some operators.
Economic outlook surveys indicate consumer spending remains subdued. Although disposable incomes have risen, many are choosing to save rather than spend, reflecting ongoing caution since the pandemic and uncertainty about the future.
The hospitality sector in our region is made up of a rich tapestry of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s unique visitor experience. These businesses—spanning small independent hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages, and boutique guesthouses—are often family-owned and deeply embedded in our communities. It is concerning to read the results of a survey published in October by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers2. The survey revealed that over two- thirds of self-catering operators in Scotland (68%) reported experiencing a ‘negative’ or ‘extremely negative’ impact on their mental health and wellbeing due to recent regulatory changes regarding short-term let regulations. There is a strong sentiment that these regulations have caused financial strain, as well as increased anxiety and uncertainty, highlighting a clear sense of discontent within the sector.
Trudy Morris, Caithness Chamber of Commerce
1 Based on 2022 STEAM data
Tourism and hospitality businesses in North Highlands have indeed faced significant challenges in recent years, including rising costs and the effects of a cooling of a post-Covid boom. The recent Autumn Budget adds further pressures, with tax increases, rising operational costs, and fragile consumer confidence all impacting growth prospects.
Looking to 2025, we anticipate a challenging year and are calling on the Scottish Government to introduce much-needed reforms to business rates, aligning the hard-pressed hospitality sector with the rest of the UK to provide essential relief.
There are, however, new opportunities on the horizon and reasons to be hopeful. A major highlight of the year was the designation of the Flow Country as a World Heritage Site in July. The 10,000-year-old blanket bog, now recognised alongside sites such as the Serengeti and Great Barrier Reef, will undoubtedly elevate the global profile of Caithness and Sutherland, fostering international collaborations and potential economic growth while safeguarding our unique natural heritage.
Scrabster Harbour reported a successful year, welcoming 13 cruise ships, including the 71,304-tonne AIDAsol, which is the largest vessel to ever dock at the port. It was wonderful to see the excitement in Thurso’s town centre as local businesses and volunteers went above and beyond to welcome travellers. It is clear the North Highlands has much to offer to visitors.
The businesses in our region deserve recognition for their resilience as they adapt to the challenges of a constantly changing industry. Moving forward, Caithness Chamber and Venture North are dedicated to supporting our members in navigating an increasingly complex economic environment.
2 https://www.assc.co.uk/industry-news/new-survey-government-regulations-causing-spike-in-mental-health-problems-in-scottish-tourism-sector
View from the Board, Andrew Mackay, Proprietor, The Caithness Collection.
Andrew Mackay, The Caithness Collection
In rural areas such as the North Highlands, where communities can be fragile and employment opportunities limited, the hospitality industry plays a crucial role in retaining local talent and reducing out-migration. It offers a wide range of jobs, from entry-level to managerial roles, with flexible hours that suit individuals such as parents, older workers, and students who need to balance other commitments.
However, changes to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) set out in the Autumn Budget will have a disproportionate impact on the hospitality sector, creating significant challenges. The newly lowered threshold will bring thousands of part-time staff into Employer NICs for the first time.
According to UK Hospitality, the sector’s trade body, this change could cost the industry up to four times more than the new headline rate3. Sadly, these changes put an undue burden
on hospitality businesses, which are vital for providing local employment, while favouring businesses that have reduced their workforce through automation or use of technology. These changes to NICs are simply unsustainable for our businesses. With no ability to pass these costs onto customers, the burden will fall directly on us. The Government must urgently consider measures to protect businesses that rely on employing large, diverse workforces.
The human element is what sets hospitality apart. Our teams are essential for understanding and meeting the needs of our guests, building relationships, and creating memorable
experiences. From weddings and graduations to birthdays and funerals, we are entrusted with some of the most significant moments in our customers’ lives—a responsibility our team takes seriously. Hospitality businesses in the North Highlands are at the heart of our local communities.
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We are excited to announce that Caithness’s largest and most influential jobs, careers, training, and recruitment event is returning to Thurso at the UHI ETEC building on Saturday, 8th February 2025.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local talent, showcase career pathways, and share insights into job opportunities within your organisation.
Interactive activities have proved popular in our previous events – those seeking employment or identifying future career options get a real understanding of how businesses function and the skills required to be part of that workforce.
Some examples of interactive activities and demonstrations provided by companies have included:
• Simulators, Virtual Reality & Demonstrators
• Hair & Beauty, Cookery, Hospitality, Woodwork and Engineering Demonstrations
• Police Riot Gear & Safety Equipment
If you would like to find out more information or register as an exhibitor at the event, please contact tom@dywnh.scot
This month, we’re thrilled to welcome our new Business Members Caithness Pest Control, MacDonald Landscaping, Wick Development Trust, Fresh Favourites, and Wick Laundry.
We look forward to working with them all!
To discuss membership, please reach out to our Business Development manager, Fiona Levack. You can contact Fiona by email: fiona@caithnesschamber.com. You can read about membership on the website using this link.
If you’re already a member but would like a reminder of how to get the most from your membership, Fiona will gladly go over that with you too.