Tourism businesses and organisations from across the North Highlands are set to attend Venture North’s annual Tourism Gathering later in March.

Venture North is the Destination Management Organisation ( DMO) for Caithness and Sutherland. Venture North works with local businesses, communities, and stakeholders to provide a united voice and vision for the development and promotion of responsible, sustainable tourism across the region.

The focus of this year’s Tourism Gathering is to explore “Destination Opportunities for the North Highlands” with introductions from keynote speakers Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and Chris Taylor, Visit Scotland’s Destination Development Director for the Highlands and Islands, who will set the scene from a Scottish and worldwide perspective.
The day will also include NatureScot (Flow Country UNESCO bid) and the UNESCO Northwest Highlands Geopark sharing the opportunities and benefits of UN ESCO world heritage status, Community Tourism Initiatives with the John O’Groats Mill & Development Trust and Wick Development Trust, Visit Scotland supporting Travel Trade ready businesses, and Caithness Chamber of Commerce & Developing Young Workforce (DYW) North Highland on opportunities for careers and young people in Tourism and Hospitality.

With updates, practical workshops and ample networking opportunities delegates will have a full day to share ideas, inspire each other, build collaborations ahead of the peak visitor season and contribute to future strategic planning for the North Highland region.

Cathy Earnshaw, Destination Strategy Manager at Venture North comments: “By working together, we can maximise the immense destination opportunities that the North Highlands hold, while ensuring we care for and protect our amazing environments and communities who live here. This is our third annual Tourism Gathering and each one has built crucial steps in our Destination Strategy by harnessing the collective knowledge and passion of our industry, created new ideas and collaborations and enabled Venture North, as the representative voice of tourism for the region. With new legislation such as a potential Visitor Levy on the horizon, it is essential in our role the views of our North Highland region are part of future consultations and planning for the benefit of all.”

This year’s Tourism Gathering takes place at Mackays Hotel in Wick on Thursday 28th March, and is supported by Caithness Chamber of Commerce & Developing the Young Workforce North Highland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, NRS Dounreay, and VisitScotland.

Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce & Developing Young Workforce (DYW) North Highland Lead said: “Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Developing the Young Workforce North Highland are delighted to be principal sponsors for the Venture North Tourism Gathering 2024. The North Highland region is an exceptional tourist destination, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences that appeal to visitors from every corner of the globe.

The region offers an authentic and warm highland welcome to visitors throughout the year. Facilitating connections for young people to opportunities within our renowned hospitality and tourism sector is crucial. It opens doors to a range of rewarding career paths, nurtures skill enhancement and plays a pivotal role in driving local economic prosperity.

The event offers businesses a unique opportunity to network and make valuable connections with fellow hospitality businesses and organisations. It also gives DYW North Highland insight into how we can work collaboratively and showcase hospitality and tourism as a career of choice, which will help ensure businesses are equipped with the skills they need to thrive.”
There is currently a wait list for tickets to the event and reservations for these can be made via Eventbrite or contact info@venture-north.co.uk for more details.

This month, we’re thrilled to welcome our new Business Members 8 Doors Distillery, No Nonsense Nutrition, and Kirsteen Campbell Women’s Health Coach & Trainer.

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.

Aberdeen’s new South Harbour and Energy Transition Zone (Photo credits: OGV Energy.)

The UK government has announced a further £21 million of support from the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund to develop the production of green hydrogen and derivative fuels across the UK. Seven projects are receiving support involving SHFCA members: bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Ltd, EDF Renewables, Hynamics, RWE, and Shetland Islands Council. Two of these seven projects are located in Scotland – the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub in the city of Aberdeen and Veri Energy at the Sullom Voe terminal in the Shetland Islands.

Both the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub and the Sullom Voe Terminal Hydrogen Project are located adjacent to strategic North Sea harbours. CEO of Shetland Islands Council Maggie Sandison said: “This is the first hydrogen project for Shetland and we are delighted that Veri Energy has received funding support to progress a Front-End Engineering and Design study. This is clear recognition from the UK government of the strategic importance of the Sullom Voe Terminal and its significance to Scotland as a whole.“

Oliver Taylor, Chief Executive of bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Ltd, added: “Bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Ltd welcomes today’s announcement that the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub will benefit from funding from the UK government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. This is an important step towards considering final investment decision on the project to deliver phase one of a scalable green hydrogen production, storage and distribution facility in Aberdeen. By harnessing natural resources, a skilled workforce, and the pioneering spirit of the north-east of Scotland, the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub could create a new energy solution that builds on the region’s strong oil and gas heritage.”

Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub: For more than 10 years, Aberdeen has been at the forefront of hydrogen innovation, with the H2 Aberdeen initiative driving growth of a hydrogen economy and the adoption of hydrogen technologies within the region. In March 2022, Aberdeen City Council and bp formed a joint venture called bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited (bpAHEL). The partnership intends to enhance the hydrogen economy in the Aberdeen city and North East of Scotland by building the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub to help deliver the city’s net-zero vision.

The Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub project is a scalable and sustainable green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facility, powered by a new solar plant and additional renewable energy sources. The project is designed to scale up in line with hydrogen market growth. Phase one targets delivering over 800kg of green H2/day, sufficient to fuel at least 25 fuel cell electric buses and the Council’s fleet of hydrogen vehicles. Additional capacity is designed to support private vehicle refuelling for consumers and fleets.

Future phases see production increase to meet the demands of road and other transport sectors, including rail, and marine. A final phase anticipates hydrogen for heat and net export – helping to deliver Aberdeen’s vision to be a climate positive city at the heart of the global energy transition.

The strategic Sullom Voe Terminal in the Shetland Islands

Sullom Voe Terminal 50MW Hydrogen Project: Veri Energy intends to establish the Sullom Voe Terminal Energy Hub project as an advanced facility for hydrogen generation and derivative production. The project will have an initial capacity of 50MW, with potential expansion to 300MW in subsequent phases.

This project will harness Shetland’s abundant renewable wind and tidal power to generate hydrogen through advanced electrolysis technology.

The Sullom Voe Terminal (SVT) is operated by SHFCA member Enquest and Veri Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Enquest. SVT has a highly skilled workforce, a well established supply chain, a supportive local government, and existing infrastructure which includes access to utilities, civils, deepwater port and jetties, that offers significant potential for reuse and repurposing. This project will help to transform Sullom Voe into a green energy hub, supporting the creation of new jobs and maximising positive impacts on the community and the environment.

The Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub, Sullom Voe Terminal Hydrogen Project, and the Tees Green Hydrogen Project are located adjacent to strategic North Sea harbours. The seven projects receiving this latest Net Zero Hydrogen Fund support have the potential to increase UK hydrogen production capacity by 800MW, supporting local communities to cut their emissions while moving towards net zero.

The UK government has also launched a call for evidence on the hydrogen and carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) elements of the Green Industries Growth Accelerator. Announced at last year’s Autumn Statement, the £960 million Green Industries Growth Accelerator will speed up advanced manufacturing capacity in sectors including offshore wind, networks, carbon capture, usage and storage, hydrogen and nuclear.

Net Zero Fund £21m announcement

The 7 hydrogen projects

Link to Call for Evidence

In honour of Scottish Apprentice Week 2024, a national celebration of apprenticeships, Caithness Business Fund (CBF) is also highlighting some of the fantastic apprenticeship opportunities it has supported and showcasing the businesses and young people who are driving skills generation across the North Highlands.

The Fund, has now provided support for 20 local apprenticeships across a diverse range of sectors and building on this success has recently announced its new FutureSkills Initiative. Thanks to a significant investment boost of £100,000 from NRS Dounreay and the NDA, the FutureSkills initiative is designed to tackle skills shortages and drive investment in new opportunities for both businesses and young people in the North Highlands.

The Caithness Business Fund gladly supported The Caithness Collection with a contribution towards apprenticeship training for Kian Mackay, who joined the hotel part-time whilst still at school and has already progressed through a professional cookery apprenticeship, before beginning an apprenticeship in hospitality supervision and leadership.

Kian commented “This apprenticeship has been a huge boost to my confidence, knowing someone has invested in me has pushed me to work hard and further my career ambitions. I’ve always felt I learn better by taking an active role in what I am doing, Andrew has been a great mentor, and his support has been invaluable, I would like to advance further within the hospitality industry.”

Andrew Makay, owner of The Caithness Collection commented “The Hospitality sector is brimming with opportunities, and it’s certainly a career that can take you all over the world, but there is also a valuable, viable and exciting career opportunity right here in the north Highlands. As an employer, we feel it is our responsibility to nurture our own home-grown talent, so we can cultivate skills, knowledge, and expertise.”

“For us, it’s not about keeping them forever, as much as we would love to, but enriching the hospitality sector overall and seeing our young workforce thrive. Support from the Caithness Business Fund is a great boost for our own business, and I would certainly encourage others to apply.”

In 2023, Skye Maccoll and Abigail Hooker joined Gow Groundworks as business administration apprentices and have quickly become invaluable members of the Gow Groundworks team.

Shona Kirk, Gow Groundworks commented “We have been delighted with how hardworking and enthusiastic both our young apprentices are. The opportunity to train and nurture our own talent means we can tailor the training exactly to our business needs. We can already see the impact our apprentices have had on the business and we are excited to see them grow and develop with the business.”

Abigail commented “I went to University and soon realised it wasn’t for me, I wanted to stay closer to home and I wasn’t enjoying the style of study. But this apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to work and learn on the job, we are learning so much about all of the different aspects of running a business, from finance and costings to health and safety, and it has opened my eyes to all of the opportunities and avenues there are for me to pursue my career goals.”

Assistance from the Fund is helping to “level up” access to apprenticeships for small-to-medium enterprises in the North Highlands, ensuring businesses and organisations of all sizes are equipped with skills needed both now and in the future. Eligible SMEs can access grants from the Fund to help with employment and associated training costs for accredited apprenticeship opportunities within their business.

Apprenticeship Grants are available to businesses which can demonstrate a strong commitment to hosting a modern apprenticeship, providing a supportive pathway and desire to grow and create employment. The FutureSkills initiative will offer eligible businesses the opportunity to access financial grant support of up to £24,500 over a maximum period of three years, towards employment and associated training costs of an apprentice.

Trudy Morris, Executive Director of the Caithness Business Fund and CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, managing agent of the Fund, commented:

“It’s clear we have some incredibly ambitious and talented young people in the North Highlands. Apprenticeships do have the power to energise the economy and give businesses the skills they need.”

“We are delighted to have the backing of NRS Dounreay and the NDA on this initiative, which recognises the critical importance of apprentices in the workforce. The Caithness Business Fund has a strong track record of delivering on apprenticeship support and this seed funding provides a fantastic platform to help businesses to prosper.”

To find out more about the Caithness Business Fund and the FutureSkills apprenticeship grant scheme contact the Fund team on : Tel: 01847 500104 | Email: enquiries@caithnessbusinessfund.co.uk

Just as the first signs of spring and the promise of lighter, longer days have lifted spirits across the county. Here at the Chamber too, a sense of relief has swept in with confirmation from Transport Scotland for the continuation of funding for the life-line Wick-Aberdeen Public Service Obligation (PSO) for 2024/25.

At Caithness Chamber of Commerce, we are at the frontline of economic advocacy and the extensive lobbying efforts surrounding the PSO, spearheaded by the Chamber, highlight our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of our businesses and communities. From the development of the original business case for the PSO to our ongoing dialogue and campaigning, the Chamber alongside stakeholders, has played a pivotal role in safeguarding, developing, and growing our vital air services.

Commerce and connectivity are intrinsically linked. Connectivity is not just about roads, railways and runways; it’s the heartbeat of our economy and an essential component in building sustainable and resilient communities. Transportation, including our lifeline air service, physically connects businesses and communities to vital markets, essential healthcare, and travel needs. At its core, connectivity is fundamental to both the economic and social sustainability of the Noth Highlands.

There are huge opportunities ahead for our region with high-value, future-facing jobs including offshore wind, the Sutherland Spaceport, hydrogen production, net zero transport projects and a Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site bid. Ensuring that businesses, investors, and communities have access to the robust transport infrastructure and connectivity they need will be crucial in unlocking not only these new opportunities, but also vital in addressing the challenges posed by an ageing and declining population and, ultimately in attracting young people and families to call the North Highlands home.

This welcome announcement from Transport Scotland comes at a time of unprecedented fiscal challenges for the Scottish Government. However, in a region as diverse as ours, leading the way in Scotland’s transition to renewable energy, the importance of transport connectivity cannot be overstated. If we are to hold the weight of our Nation’s race towards net zero, it is only fair that our region is supported to break down barriers associated with rurality.

As a country Scotland holds sustainable and inclusive growth in high regard. Maintaining connectivity for rural communities, both locally to urban centres and globally to markets and opportunities, is fundamental to this ethos. Rather than diverting our attention to justifying our position repeatedly, we should channel our efforts into progress and improvement. The North Highlands deserves both the equity and the stability to fully leverage the opportunities before us and support our rural economies to thrive. While we celebrate the positive decision supporting our PSO, we must remain forward-thinking and steadfast in our vision for the future.

Business Insight, Magnus Davidson, Socio Economics Manager, NRS Dounreay

As an anchor institution of the Caithness and north Sutherland economy, NRS Dounreay welcomes the confirmation of 2024-2025 Transport Scotland funding for the Wick-Aberdeen PSO.

As a partner in Focus North, and working alongside key stakeholders including the Caithness Chamber of Commerce and the Highland Council, we strongly support the case for funding of the vital air route, both for businesses like our own and as a lifeline service for the local population, many of whom are NRS Dounreay employees and family.

The NDA’s duty under The Energy Act (2004) to benefit the social or economic life of communities near to site enables NRS Dounreay to support initiatives such as those improving transport in the area. Regarding flights from Wick, Dounreay helps to support the Caithness Transport Forum, the position of PSO Project Officer whose role is to grow passenger numbers, as well as utilising the route for business travel for both our workforce and supply chain.

Caithness and north Sutherland are undergoing social challenges largely driven by the changing demographics of an ageing, outwardly migrating youth, and decreasing population.

However, the area is on the cusp of burgeoning economic opportunity with increasing offshore wind capacity, space related activity, grid infrastructure upgrades, increasing carbon sequestration projects, as well as ongoing decommissioning work at NRS Dounreay creating a demand on skills which will see an increase in movement of people into the area.

Strong transport links are fundamental in ensuring social sustainability whilst the impact of a changing economy starts to be felt. Strong links are also vital to ensure that we can derive maximum benefit locally from the economic advantages our area increasingly affords us.

Dounreay undertakes a broad portfolio of socio economic activity highlighted in our recently published 2022/23 socio economic report. Transport has been a core element of this work to date, and as we look to support a growing population and economy with Focus North, it will become ever more important.

Air services between Wick John O’Groats Airport and Aberdeen International Airport are in place through a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract with Eastern Airways. The PSO is set to be in place for three years, starting in April 2022, and is funded by Transport Scotland (£1 million per year) and Highland Council (£300,000 per year).

Caithness Business Fund Announces FutureSkills Apprenticeship Grant Scheme, with £100,000 of support from NRS Dounreay and the NDA.

Significant Investment Commitment from NRS Dounreay and the NDA, Boosts Caithness Business Fund to Bolster Apprenticeships through New FutureSkills Initiative.

The Caithness Business Fund is celebrating a substantial investment boost of £100,000 from Focus North partners NRS Dounreay and the NDA to support the launch of FutureSkills, an apprenticeship grant scheme designed to tackle skills shortages and drive investment in new opportunities for both businesses and young people in the North Highlands.

The fund will offer eligible businesses the opportunity to access financial grant support of up to £24,500 over a maximum period of three years, towards employment and associated training costs of an apprentice. The scheme will be open to businesses that can demonstrate a strong commitment to hosting a modern apprenticeship and providing a supportive pathway. It targets SMEs with the aim of facilitating new apprenticeship opportunities to stimulate business growth and overcome potential financial barriers.

Trudy Morris, Executive Director of the Caithness Business Fund and CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, managing agent of the Fund, commented:

“We are delighted to be making this exciting announcement ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration of apprenticeships, which shines a light on the vital role work-based learning plays in supporting people, employers and the economy.”

“The North Highlands is at the cusp of transformative opportunities and as we embark on a fresh era of employment generation, we must empower our young people to lead the way in the region’s innovation.”

“There is a huge appetite from both businesses and stakeholders to boost apprenticeship opportunities in the region. This new initiative will offer vital support to businesses by providing funding to establish new apprenticeships, fostering locally grown talent, addressing skills gaps, and assisting local businesses to invest in their workforce.”

“Supporting an apprenticeship also represents a sustained investment in the future of the North Highlands. By enabling individuals to advance their employment, earning, and educational prospects locally, we can help to establish a more inclusive workforce and build resilience into our local economy and communities.”

“We are delighted to have the backing of NRS Dounreay and the NDA on this initiative, which recognises the critical importance of apprentices in the workforce. The Caithness Business Fund has a strong track record of delivering on apprenticeship support and this seed funding provides an opportunity for inward investors to further contribute to the development of a strong and resilient supply chain.”

Dave Calder, Head of Sustainability and Socio Economics at NRS Dounreay, commented:

“Seeding an initiative of this nature presents a unique opportunity to not only attract participation from other large organisations who are vested in the region but also to establish a lasting legacy over the coming decades. By bolstering and enhancing the capabilities of local SMEs, we can generate a ripple effect of growth and skills generation for our region.

Jamie Reed, Director of Socio-Economics at the NDA, commented:

“Building upon the success of the Dounreay apprenticeship scheme, the prospect of extending NDA group support to encompass opportunities within the wider economy is very exciting. This support highlights our commitment as an organisation to fostering sustainable development and nurturing a vibrant and diverse business landscape for the North Highlands”

To find out more about the Caithness Business Fund and the FutureSkills apprenticeship grant scheme visit the Caithness Business Fund Website or contact the Fund team on with enquiries: Tel: 01847 500104 | Email: enquiries@caithnessbusinessfund.co.uk

Caithness Chamber CEO Trudy Morris, “delighted” by the confirmation of Funding for Wick-Aberdeen PSO for 2024/25 following significant lobbying efforts led by Caithness Chamber of Commerce’s campaign to safeguard the life-line air service.

Today, Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Caithness Transport Forum, expressed relief and delight at the formal confirmation from Transport Scotland regarding the continuation of funding for the Wick-Aberdeen PSO for 2024/25. The Chamber spearheaded extensive lobbying efforts in a campaign aimed at safeguarding the lifeline air services from the airport, amidst concerns surrounding uncertainty over funding from the Scottish Government.

Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce commented:

“Connectivity is a major factor in securing economic growth, attracting new opportunities, employment, and sustaining flourishing communities for our region, and is indeed a vital component in addressing depopulation and retaining future generations.”

“Our region boasts one of the most diverse economies in Scotland, and the North Highlands play a crucial role in Scotland’s transition to renewable energy, particularly with the development of national assets such as space, offshore wind, and essential electricity transmission infrastructure. The importance of transport connectivity cannot be overstated in harnessing and enabling these transformative opportunities for our region and communities.”

“Air services at Wick John O’Groats Airport are an essential part of our region’s transport ecosystem, physically connecting our businesses and communities to important markets, opportunities, and essential healthcare and travel needs.

“We fully appreciate the challenging budgetary constraints faced by the Government, and we are delighted and relieved by the announcement made today.”

“The Chamber in partnership with local stakeholders is united in our vision and commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in our region. We will continue to work together to build upon opportunities for the airport and advocate for the voice of the North Highland businesses and communities.”

Caithness Chamber of Commerce, with funding from NRS Dounreay, developed the original business case for the PSO from Wick John O’Groats Airport. Scheduled air services restarted on April 11 2022, with the first flight to Aberdeen leaving Wick since before the Covid pandemic. Alongside key stakeholders, the Chamber has continued to play a pivotal role in partnership efforts to safeguard, develop and grow the service.

Representatives of Caithness Chamber of Commerce met with Cabinet Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, MSP on January 25th to articulate concerns regarding the ongoing connectivity challenges faced by the North Highland region and to advocate for the support of vital lifeline air connectivity provided through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) currently in place at Wick John O’Groats Airport.

Air service between Wick John O’Groats and Aberdeen airports is operated under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) between The Highland Council and Eastern Airways.

A Bold Initiative Unleashed for Small Business Owners

In a groundbreaking move, Fiona Macintosh of More than Motivation, is set to revolutionise the small business landscape by introducing her new “Liberating Leadership: Transforming Entrepreneurs into Extraordinary Leaders” program.

Recognising the pivotal shift from small business owner to employer, Fiona acknowledges the unique challenges that come with this transition. From navigating the complexities of employee management to fostering a culture of growth and development, the journey demands a nuanced skill set beyond the hands-on operations typically associated with entrepreneurship.

This innovative Leadership Development program is carefully crafted to address the specific challenges faced by small business owners entering the realm of leadership. Delivered online, in the evenings or at weekends, it accommodates the demanding schedules of entrepreneurs.

Fiona’s Liberating Leadership aims to empower small business owners with a practical roadmap for success. By equipping participants with essential yet often overlooked tools, the program instils the confidence needed to lead with dignity and strength. The focus on a practical process, underpinned by a set of competencies, attitudes, and beliefs, promises to guide entrepreneurs through the intricacies of leading people.

The program’s philosophy encourages the art of nurturing employee growth, steering them from dependence to self-reliance and onwards to interdependence. This transformative approach aims to cultivate proactive and capable individuals who collaborate, willingly sharing resources with others.

Investing in this program goes beyond honing leadership skills; it’s a strategic investment in the prosperity and high performance of growing teams. As Fiona boldly opens the doors to this transformative experience, small business owners now have the opportunity to evolve from mere entrepreneurs to extraordinary leaders.  To find out more email fiona@morethanmotivation.co.uk

More than Motivation

Meet David Buchanan, Founder of  Secret Shebeen Club in Wick, a new business fostering culinary fusion and local collaboration.

The Secret Shebeen Club is a unique culinary destination nestled in the heart of Wick, making its new home in the iconic Backstairs, which was once painted by Lowry, in the town’s historic harbour. It offers exclusive pop-up supper clubs that combine global flavours and local collaboration for an immersive and authentic dining experience. David Buchanan, the visionary behind this new venture shares his insights into its inspiration, philosophy, and aspirations. David has a rich background, having grown up in Wick and he honed his culinary skills in kitchens across 75+ countries with a noteworthy career working for private clients, celebrities, and royal families, bringing a wealth of global experience to this exciting new venture.

David, captivated by the Blackstairs was inspired to create The Secret Shebeen Club concept, drawing from his vast experience and the pop-up restaurant trend in London. The goal of this Supper Club is to combine immersive lifestyle experiences and his philosophy of collaboration, providing an experience that goes beyond just dining.

Can you describe the concept behind your business and what vision you have for the new venture?

We have a grand vision for the Secret Shebeen Club. We plan to offer unique dining experiences and provide a platform for collaboration and community. Our goal is to bring our enthusiasm, knowledge, and expertise to create a space that goes beyond just dining.

Growing up close by in Pultneytown, I have many fond memories of Caithness, which is a magical place. We want to take the best of what is on our doorstep and connect our guests with local artisan producers, farmers, and other talented individuals. We want to help these producers get access to top clients who are interested in their products but can’t navigate local markets or Facebook pages. We aim to add a degree of confidence and instil faith in small producers on the global stage.

In the future, we plan to expand our operations to cover retail, guided tours, and sea excursions, and continue to collaborate with local producers on supper club events. We will offer cookery school classes such as breadmaking and chocolate masterclasses and team-building events. Following renovation works we will open up our accommodation in the spring and our yoga studio will be open by the start of 2025.

What is your brand philosophy?

At the core of the Secret Shebeen Club is a commitment to connecting guests with local artisans, farmers, and producers. The vision is to bridge the gap between quality producers and clients, creating a global platform for small-scale businesses. The Supper Club incorporates seasonality, local producers, and exclusive products, ensuring a constantly evolving and sustainable menu.  I have championed Mey Select for 20 years and truly believe in the small-scale farming philosophy as the antidote to large-scale agriculture where animals are bred for profit and not for quality.

We aspire to support local artists, musicians, and clubs, providing a platform for events and community. Collaboration is at the forefront of our vision, with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent across Caithness.

What is your signature cooking style, and what ingredients and flavours do you most like creating with?

I am passionate about sourcing the best quality and suitable ingredients from all over the world. In 2018, we established Vanillaism, which is the only rainforest-to-fork organic vanilla producer. Since then, we have been planting, growing, curing, and selling 100% organic vanilla beans in Bali and across Indonesia. We also provide practical, ethical, educational, and financial support to our farmers and their communities. We operate on a non-profit model and reinvest our profits to help empower communities to develop tourism and enterprise and work their way out of poverty.

As a vanilla grower, I use it a lot, but often in savoury cooking more so than in sweets. Vanilla has a complex series of volatiles, eugenols, and compounds that we are all familiar with, but Vanilla is the most intoxicating scent compound.

Caithness Chamber members can join David for an exclusive networking event on the 24^th May, for booking and further information contact fiona@caithnesschamber.com

Find Secret Shebean Supperclub on Facebook.