Trudy Morris, CEO, Caithness Chamber of Commerce: Find the Perfect Fit for your Firm.
As the year draws to a close, with Christmas fast approaching and the holidays in sight, it’s incredible to see the 2025 calendar already filling up fast. We’re delighted to kick off the new year with Caithness Jobs and How to Get Them—the county’s premier jobs, training, and recruitment event. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 8th February 2025, when this exciting event returns to UHI ETEC, Thurso.
People truly are a business’s greatest asset, and attracting top talent is crucial to building a resilient and dynamic workforce. This event provides a fantastic platform for employers to connect with potential candidates and highlight the breadth of opportunities available in our region. It also offers attendees valuable insights into the skills and qualifications businesses need now and in the future. Open to all, the event is ideal for school leavers, career changers, those returning to work, or anyone seeking inspiration to find their dream job.
As the hosts of DYW North Highland, Caithness Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to helping young people realise their full potential. The saying “You can’t be what you can’t see” highlights the importance of role models in expanding horizons and inspiring the next generation. Caithness Jobs and How to Get Them is the perfect platform for this, helping young people and job seekers connect with the opportunities that shape their futures.
Our region is on the brink of transformative opportunities, and we are entering an exciting new era of employment generation. Expanding the local pool of skilled workers remains a top priority for the Chamber and our partners at Focus North. One way we’re driving this forward is through the Caithness Business Fund apprenticeship grant scheme and the FutureSkills initiative – which launched in February with thanks to significant support from NRS Dounreay, the NDA, and the West of Orkney Windfarm. Since January 2024, the Fund has helped 11 local businesses create 12 new apprenticeship opportunities—an outstanding achievement that highlights the commitment of local employers to invest in their people and the region’s future.
Apprenticeships play a vital role in creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with lifelong skills and supporting their career growth. Every apprenticeship opportunity available in the North Highlands represents a tangible and meaningful pathway for a young person to live, learn, and work in our region and stay part of their own community.
If your business is considering hiring an apprentice or looking to grow and invest in your workforce, the Chamber is here to help. Reach out to our team to explore how we can support your goals.
We wish all our members and the wider business community a blessed Christmas and look forward to welcoming everyone to Caithness Jobs and How to Get Them in the new year!
Ryan Pollard, Managing Director, RDI Renewables
Business Insight, Ryan Pollard, Managing Director, RDI Renewables
From utilising sustainable business practices to providing local employment opportunities, RDI Renewables is spearheading the growth of the green energy sector in North Scotland.
At RDI Renewables, we genuinely believe that innovation and teamwork are essential for creating a better future for generations to come. The UK must meet European targets to reduce our carbon footprint, and as a country, we have an international obligation to lead the way. Sustainable energy solutions and renewable technologies, such as heat pumps, play a significant role in this transition, but it requires skilled workers to bring these solutions to life.
Our business began ten years ago in Thurso with just a couple of vans and a small team. However, as the industry expanded and our business grew, we faced challenges in recruiting enough staff.
To address this issue, we decided to invest in apprentices who work alongside our more experienced employees. Our first apprentice, Ryan Simpson, has been with me for ten years and has become the strongest member of my team. We now employ 13 people, with each department comprising both seasoned professionals and capable trainees at various stages of their apprenticeships.
When we take on a young person—often fresh out of school—we train and mentor them, investing four years into their development. Ultimately, this results in a highly skilled tradesperson. Our hope is that by investing in youth and attracting established tradespeople, we will not only nurture local talent but also strengthen the community and pave the way for a brighter, greener future for the North of Scotland.
Our newest apprentice, 17-year-old Alex, is in his first year at UHI and started his apprenticeship in February. He alternates between classroom instruction and practical experience. This opportunity has allowed Alex to begin a career in the renewable energy sector and secure a meaningful, well-paying job in a community he loves.
We are incredibly grateful to the Caithness Business Fund for supporting our new apprentices through the FutureSkills initiative. This Fund provides business support and financial assistance, helping to improve access to apprenticeships for small and medium enterprises, ensuring that businesses of all sizes are equipped with the necessary skills for now and the future.
Supporting an apprenticeship represents a sustained investment in the future of our region. We have built a fantastic team at RDI Renewables, and we take enormous pride in offering these opportunities in our local area.
Caithness filmmaker John Baikie has been selected to participate in Screen Scotland’s prestigious short film scheme, Little Pictures, a programme run by GMAC Film in Glasgow. John’s documentary proposal was one of only eight selected from hundreds of entries, marking a significant achievement in his filmmaking career.
The Screen Scotland funded short film scheme aims to support emerging talent in the Scottish film industry by providing filmmakers with the opportunity to develop and produce original short films. John’s selection places him amongst some of Scotland’s up and coming creative voices, and offers him the resources and mentorship needed to bring his vision to life over the coming months.
“I’m excited and honoured to be selected for this incredible opportunity,” said John. “Being chosen from such a competitive pool of submissions was a surprise, especially coming from such a remote area. I’m excited to work with the talented team at GMAC Film to develop my project. It’s at the early stages, but it’s already been a huge learning experience.”
John’s short documentary, “On The Surface” will explore the journey of a disabled girl who has used surfing as a way to rediscover life and inspire others as she trains towards a long term goal of the Paralympics in LA.
The scheme is part of a larger effort by Screen Scotland to nurture and develop local talent and encourage a thriving film industry in Scotland. GMAC Film, based in Glasgow, has been instrumental in helping filmmakers from across Scotland get their start in the industry.
John feels his selection for this short film scheme is a significant milestone in his filmmaking journey and a big opportunity to have his work recognised by a wider audience.
John runs a video production and photography business in Caithness, serving businesses with high quality commercial imagery. Well known throughout the country for his photography work, he has developed the video element of the business in recent years, combining his documentary passion with his commercial work.
Are you looking for opportunities to upskill your staff and make your business more effective? Or perhaps you’re considering gaining professional qualifications for yourself or embarking on a new career?
Why not join UHI North, West and Hebrides this January, where there are numerous learning opportunities tailored to suit your needs.
More Possibilities
UHI North, West and Hebrides offer flexible and inclusive learning opportunities at all levels, including part-time and online courses that fit around your work schedule. Many of their courses are accessible across ALL of their rural and island communities, and beyond. With 15 years of experience in online learning and on-campus face-to-face delivery, UHI North, West and Hebrides ensure a high-quality educational experience for all students.
More Choice
Their wide range of learning opportunities cater to diverse needs and levels, ensuring that you can find the right course for your professional or personal development. Whether you’re advancing in your career or exploring something new, their flexible programmes fit around your other commitments in life and work.
More Support
Their friendly, professional teams are committed to providing a personalised and supportive experience for every student. No matter where you choose to study—from home, your workplace, or in-person—you’ll feel like part of a close-knit college and university community.
Looking to Upskill, Reskill, or Change Careers?
A variety of part-time courses are available, designed to help you progress in your current job or transition to a new career. From Bookkeeping to Energy Modelling for Business, you’d be surprised at the diverse options available locally. Browse Part-Time Courses
Want to study something new for enjoyment?
It’s never too late to learn something new! Their range of short courses includes exciting options like learning Gaelic or getting “Gig Ready.” Explore Short Courses
Interested in Postgraduate Study?
As an academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands, UHI North, West and Hebrides offer a variety of postgraduate study options. Many of these programmes are available to study online, whether on a full-time or part-time basis, making it easier for you to fit postgraduate studies into your life and work. Learn More About Postgraduate Opportunities
UHI North, West and Hebrides also offers bespoke training programmes for your business through their Enterprise team business.nwh@uhi.ac.uk.
Take a look at all the options available this January and discover how UHI North, West and Hebrides can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Explore Courses and Programmes available here
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Castletown Mill Project Team Photograph
To celebrate the completion of the Caithness and Welsh slate roofs at Castletown Mill on 11th December 2024, Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd will be holding a ‘Topping Out’ ceremony. ‘Topping Out’ is a rite traditionally held when the roof of a building is completed. Because Castletown Mill is one of the largest and most imposing 19th century grain mills in the North Highlands of Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland funded the reinstatement of the Caithness slate roof and conservation of the stonework on the circa 1818 wing of the building.
The Grade B listed, north-south wing of Castletown Mill with its iconic Caithness slate roof was originally built as a water-powered grain mill circa 1818 by James Traill (1758–1843) pioneer of the Caithness flagstone industry and Agricultural Improver as a starter enterprise for his heir George Traill (1788–1871). The mill ground grain grown on James Traill’s Castlehill Estate into flour to cater for the growing number of workers employed at his nearby Castlehill Pavement Works. In the late 19th century Castletown Mill was extended, with the addition to the south of a large 3-storey range which had a Welsh slate roof.
In 1991 Castletown Mill was added to the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland maintained by Historic Environment Scotland where it was classified as ‘derelict’. However, in November 2020, Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd purchased Castletown Mill and are giving it a new lease of life through a £4 million project to conserve and revitalise this important Grade B listed building. Due to open to the public in Summer 2025 Castletown Mill will be a state-of-the-art craft whisky distillery and world class visitor experience. Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd was established in 2014 and is owned and operated by Caithness born and bred husband-and-wife team Claire and Martin Murray. It is exceedingly rare that a new distillery opens which is owned and operated locally by a family firm rather than by a big corporation. Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said, “We are delighted to have supported conservation of this nationally important water-powered grain mill through our Historic Environment Repair Grants Programme. By repairing and reusing Castletown Mill’s historic structure, including use of distinctive Caithness slate, we not only celebrate its industrial past but also safeguard its future for generations to come”.
Martin Murray co-owner and founder of Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd said that “Castletown Mill, an iconic vernacular building is very much anchored into the landscape of the Dunnet Bay area with its thick Caithness stone walls, and Caithness and Welsh slate roofs. We are grateful to Historic Environment Scotland for awarding us grant funding that has enabled us to preserve the rich history and unique character of Castletown Mill and revitalise it to become the home of Stannergill Whisky”. Producing whisky is an energy intensive process and Castletown Mill will be using a 100% renewable electricity supply complemented with on-site solar electricity generation, battery storage, and an air source heat pump for all the distillery’s heating requirements. Claire Murray co-owner and founder of Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd stated that “Based on visitors to our gin, vodka, and rum distillery we anticipate that Stannergill Whisky at Castletown Mill will attract circa 25,000 visitors in its first year of operation and will create twelve new full-time equivalent jobs in addition to the people we already employ at Dunnet Bay Distillery”.
The practice of ‘Topping Out’ comes from an ancient Scandinavian religious rite of placing a tree atop a new building to appease the tree-dwelling spirits displaced in its construction. This is a fitting tradition as Castletown Mill is going to be the brand home of Stannergill Whisky. The water to power the large water wheel which was once located on the east gable of Castletown Mill came from the nearby Stannergill Burn. The name Stannergill comprises the Old Norse words: steinn garðr gil – which translates into English as a stone-enclosed gorge (or ravine). The natural Caithness environment, that was once settled by newcomers from Scandinavia, with its fresh sea-air from Dunnet Bay which surrounds Castletown Mill, and the pure Highland water Dunnet Bay Distillers will use to make its whisky will help to create a uniquely smooth and mellow spirit. Stannergill Whisky will use barley grown in the fields surrounding Castletown Mill whilst pot ale and spent lees left over from the distillation process will fertilise the barley used to make more Stannergill Whisky. The flavour of Stannergill Whisky will honour the Caithness whiskies of the past but also present opportunities for new flavours, and new Caithness whisky making traditions.
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.