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.
Stay warm for less this winter.
During Scotland’s winters, when the mercury often plummets to well below zero, heating our workplaces to comfortable levels becomes essential. But it is also a big expense. For some organisations it can account for as much as half of total energy bills.
At this time of year, even the smallest inefficiencies will waste hard-earned profits, increase your carbon footprint, and impact you and your staff’s comfort and productivity.
What can you do?
There are lots of quick and easy checks you can do, and changes you can make, that will help you stay for warm less. And the good news is that Business Energy Scotland is providing free and impartial advice and access to funding to help make some of the bigger changes too.
Business Energy Scotland’s range of guides, videos and case studies will help you keep your heating bills low and staff warm this winter.
Read more tips and find help and advice on the Business Energy Scotland website : https://businessenergyscotland.org/get-ready-for-winter/
Stromar project director Nicholas Ritchie
Stromar, one of Scotland’s flagship floating offshore wind developments, is inviting communities to the first phase of its statutory consultation events for the project.
The events, which will be supported by a virtual exhibition, are to be held next month (November) across Aberdeenshire and the north of Scotland including Cuminestown, Fraserburgh, New Deer, Rosehearty, Strichen and Wick.
Stromar is a proposed development off Caithness, around 80km north of Fraserburgh, with plans to export the clean energy into
the National Grid at Greens, which is located between Cuminestown and New Deer.
Stromar could consist of up to 100 offshore wind turbines and has the potential to generate up to 1.5GW of green energy – enough to power the equivalent electricity for almost 1.5million homes¹.
The project is led by a consortium of three companies at the global forefront of floating offshore wind – Ørsted, BlueFloat Energy, and Nadara.
Project director, Nicholas Ritchie, said: “The consultation events are a crucial part of the statutory planning process and give communities the opportunity to find out more about how Stromar is progressing and provide feedback on the latest developments for the project.
“Since holding information days about the project in March, we have refined our plans considerably. We look forward to sharing these updates at the consultation events, including how feedback has helped shape our plans so far, as well as receiving further valuable feedback which will continue to be considered in the project’s design and development.”
The consultation for Stromar includes in-person events which will be held on the following dates while a virtual exhibition will run from November 11 to December 23, 2024, via Stromar’s website at www.stromarwind.co.uk
- Tuesday, November 12
Cuminestown Community Hall, Main St, Cuminestown AB53 5YJ │ 2pm – 6pm
- Wednesday, November 13
New Deer Public Hall, Church Crescent, New Deer AB53 6WE │ 3pm – 8pm
- Thursday, November 14
Ritchie Hall, 30 Sleigh Crescent, Strichen AB43 6TY │ 3pm – 8pm
- Monday, November 18
Rosehearty Hall, 25 Fordyce Street, Rosehearty, Fraserburgh AB43 7NS │ 3pm – 8pm
- Tuesday, November 19
North East Scotland College, Fraserburgh Campus (front entrance), off Henderson Road, Fraserburgh AB43 9GA │ 3pm – 8pm
- Thursday, November 21
Mackays Hotel, Union St, Wick KW1 5ED │ 3pm – 8pm
Stromar was awarded rights by Crown Estate Scotland under the ScotWind leasing round which could see a total of up to 28.6GW of offshore wind capacity deployed in Scottish waters, significantly contributing towards Scotland’s Net Zero targets.
More information about Stromar, including the consultation events, is available on Stromar’s website: www.stromarwind.co.uk
Leading precision manufacturer Cube Glass has secured a series of new contract wins in the North of Scotland totalling £250,000.
The Cumbernauld-based company, which manufactures and installs aluminium doors and windows, is set to undertake a curtain walling installation at Castletown Distillery in Thurso and a similar installation at the new ferry terminal at Uig on the Isle of Skye.
In addition, Cube Glass will undertake projects to install a mix of double glazed silicon jointed glazed screens and external doors at Old Clyne School in Brora, a 12m wide sliding door screen with windows utilising electrically charged smart glass for a private home in Dornoch, and a brace of bi-folding door projects in Inverness.
Gary Thorn, Founder and Managing Director of Cube Glass, said: “These are a mixture of new contracts which showcase our versatility and fabrication skills and we have installation dates for each of them reaching into mid-Summer.
“We have a strong record of undertaking successful project in the Highlands and Islands and our team of installers always look forward to their journey northwards.
“We consistently stress the benefits of natural daylight on mental health and recognise how much better we all feel when we are subjected to more natural daylight within a secure and ecologically sustainable environment.”
Cube Glass enjoys fruitful relationships with a number of leading specialist suppliers including Portugal-based Panoramah, which makes a unique range of minimalist sliding doors and curtain walling with ultra-thin sightlines, high-end French design and engineering specialist Bel’M. And most recently Glazing Vision rooflights which designs and manufactures innovative architectural glass rooflights for customers across the globe.
Its valued supplier relationships also include those with industry-recognised specialists such as Senior Architectural Systems, Metal Technology and Schüco.
The Cumbernauld-based business has pushed its turnover to a record £4.5m in the year to October 2023, up from £3.25m in the previous year. It now hopes to consolidate future revenues around this level.
Cube Glass, which was established in 2004, focuses on curtain walling, doors, windows, glass roofing systems and shop fronts as well as bullet, bomb and blast resistant glass. It supplies sectors including education, health, industrial, social care, commercial property and residential homes.
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Focus North programme team with Nicky Marr, L-R Peter Faccenda, Catherine Souter, Nicky Marr, Nicola More, Simon Middlemas -
Writer and broadcaster, Nicky Marr presenting to conference attendees -
Magnus Davidson from NRS Dounreay presenting to conference attendees -
Trudy Morris, CEO, Caithness Chamber of Commerce & Developing Young Workforce North Highland Lead presenting to conference attendees
The event in Wick on 19 March, hosted by Focus North, set the scene for the future of Caithness and Sutherland and urged attendees to take control of the growing opportunities.
160+ attendees heard from a dynamic lineup of speakers covering nuclear decommissioning, renewable energy, peatland restoration, and space – which featured spokespeople from NRS Dounreay, Net Zero Nation, Orbex, West of Orkney Windfarm, Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm and Meygen.
Summing up the conference Focus North’s independent chair Simon Middlemas OBE said: “We have set the scene for the future of Caithness and Sutherland, and we want people to commit to helping us drive it forward.
“There is a staggering number of opportunities in this part of Scotland, and we need to work together to manage this huge operation.
“Collective local action is required to ensure these transformational initiatives are delivered, so the north of mainland Scotland generates growth, economic diversity, and leads the low carbon economy.
“The centre of opportunities is in the north!”
NRS managing director, Dounreay Division, Mark Rouse spoke of the future of NRS Dounreay and addressed concerns that it will come to an end in 2033 explaining that the region and its community can expect support for 10+ years to come through:
- Helping build the education system
- Supporting the local supply chain
- Doubling the grant funding for supporting apprentices
The event programme
Central to the agenda was an industry panel session which featured, Richard Copeland, project director for Pentland Offshore Windfarm, Lesley Still, chief of spaceport operations at Orbex, Fraser Johnston, O&M Manager for Meygen, and Stuart McAuley, project director for West of Orkney Wind Farm, who each discussed project challenges, opportunities, and regional impact.
Following the industry panel, attendees heard from The Flow Country Partnership which was recently registered by the Office of the Scottish Charity Register. The charitable status will allow the partnership to directly carry out actions, with the potential of becoming the co-ordinating body for the World Heritage Site. It will now also be able to apply for and manage charitable funds to deliver future interpretation, a visitor facility, and other projects on the ground, while providing community benefit.
Furthermore, attendees received an update on the progress made by Focus North, learning about how the programme is meeting challenges underpinned by three key pillars – inspire our people, prepare our region and grow our economy.
During the conference, a bank of films was introduced to inspire the region – showcasing what makes people live and work in Caithness and Sutherland. The films artfully construct a compelling proposition that will attract more people.
A recent survey carried out by Focus North highlighted the amount of school leavers looking to stay in the region has dropped from 55% to 47%.
Increasing the pool of skilled people is Focus North’s number one priority and funding has been allocated to the Caithness Chamber of Commerce’s recruitment portal, Recruit North Highland, to coordinate recruitment for the region and attract new people to live, work and study there.
The funding has also allowed for the appointment of a talent attraction specialist, Lindsay Matthews, who will be on hand to support people looking for roles in the region and navigate relocating with a family. There will be enhancements across the website and a toolkit will also be produced for local businesses.
To prepare the region and grow the economy Focus North have:
- Launched the Future Skills Initiative with initial funding of £100,000 via Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and NRS Dounreay which will support a minimum of four businesses employing an apprentice over three to four years
- Focus North will support young people move into STEM jobs through a local partnership
- Launched a regenerator accelerator – established in partnership with Net Zero Nation to support 15 local businesses reach net zero
- Focus North has been successful in securing £30,000 towards supporting the initial cohort of peatland training which will see around 15 participants embark on a week of training and onsite learning delivered by the local college
- Completed a detailed study of transport requirements and modelling to understand where they are and what is needed with partners, Highland Council and NRS Dounreay collaborating on a pilot programme based on findings
- Significant partner investment to support Wick Harbour in emergency repairs
- Successfully retained the Public Service Obligations status for Wick-Aberdeen flights with a detailed business case showing 20% passenger growth
Focus North demonstrates that partnership working can deliver impactful results.
Businesses across Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney aiming to enter the rapidly expanding offshore renewable energy sector can apply to a regional Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme for the first time today (12th September 2023).
The industry leading F4OR supply chain growth programme will be delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, and supported by £125,000 from offshore wind developer, the West of Orkney Windfarm.
F4OR Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney will provide up to seven companies with the opportunity to take part in the rigorous 12-18 month development programme, designed alongside offshore wind industry experts, and focused on improving business readiness for the offshore renewable energy market.
Davood Sabaei, F4OR Programme Manager at ORE Catapult, said: “We are excited to be launching our first ever F4OR programme in Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney, and we look forward to working alongside local companies on their journey towards success in offshore renewables. It is also fantastic to have endorsement and support from offshore wind developer, the West of Orkney Windfarm, as part of this programme.
“F4OR Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney will build on the success of five F4OR regional programmes delivered by ORE Catapult in the North East of Scotland, North East of England, East Anglia and Suffolk, alongside national programmes run across Scotland and UK-wide, with over 100 companies supported. Participating companies experience an average 28% increase in turnover, and many have gone on to secure a wide range of new contracts.”
Last year, the ScotWind leasing auction created a multi-million pound opportunity for offshore renewable energy projects around the Scottish coastline.
Stephen Kerr, West of Orkney Windfarm Project Director, said: “We’ve been engaging with businesses and organisations in Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney for a number of years, and although construction of ScotWind projects will not ramp up until the latter half of this decade, early engagement with the local supply chain is critical. Participation in this F4OR programme will equip forward-looking firms with the attributes they need to compete successfully for future contracts.
“The West of Orkney Windfarm has already committed to a £105 million investment initiative that will be enhanced to £140 million by third parties to support the offshore wind supply chain locally, in Scotland and across the UK ahead of a Final Investment Decision in 2026.”
JGC Engineering and Technical Services, based in Caithness, previously took part in a F4OR pilot programme.
Stephen Sutherland, Director of JGC, said: “JGC already had a presence in the offshore renewables market with some key industry leaders. However, as we were transitioning from existing markets into this new marketplace, we wanted to demonstrate to prospective clients we had the standards in place required to supply within these new and upcoming markets.
“For JGC, the programme did help us focus on areas we had not focused previously, which has also helped. What F4OR does is give your business a standard that you can market against within the renewables sector, giving prospective clients confidence in the standards you work to within your business.”
Applications are encouraged from established companies, with products or skills that are relevant to the offshore wind sector. To find out more information, go to F4OR and to apply, fill out an expression of interest form here: F4OR – ORE (catapult.org.uk)
Companies have until Tuesday 31 October to express their interest in taking part in F4OR Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney. The programme will start in December 2023.
- The West of Orkney Windfarm and ORE Catapult will attend a multi-developer supply chain event at the Robert Rendall Building, Franklin Road, Stromness, Orkney from 9am on Tuesday, September 12, hosted by Orkney Islands Council.
- On Thursday, September 14, West of Orkney Windfarm will also host a supply chain event at the Pentland Hotel in Thurso, in partnership with Caithness Chamber of Commerce where local businesses can meet members the project team.
The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) will hold the sixth annual Meet the Buyer North event on Tuesday, 12 September as an in-person event at the Music Halls in Aberdeen.
Partnered by the Scottish Government and the Commercial and Procurement Shared Services, this free event will allow local businesses based in Moray, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Highland, Orkney Islands, Western Isles, and Shetland Islands Councils to connect directly with the public sector to learn about upcoming contracts and opportunities worth £14.5bn in Scotland.
Gillian Cameron, Programme Manager, Supplier Development Programme, said:
“Now in its 6th Year, Meet the Buyer North is an unmissable opportunity for businesses of all sizes to meet buyers and decision makers from across the public and private sectors.
“This is the first time we have held the event in Aberdeen, and the Supplier Development Programme is delighted to be partnering with the Commercial & Procurement Shared Services (CPSS) representing Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Highland Councils, Scottish Government, and our local authority partners to support more local businesses to find, win and keep public sector contracts at Meet the Buyer North.
Fiona Conti, Chair of the Supplier Development Programme and Strategic Procurement Manager at Commercial & Procurement Shared Services (CPSS), said:
“We are delighted to be hosting this year’s Meet the Buyer North event and this is your opportunity as a local/ regional business or social enterprise to meet with us, so that when we are looking for goods, services, or works we have a better understanding of who is out there”.
“There are fantastic benefits to having a public sector buyer as a customer for small businesses, including getting paid within 30 days as a legal maximum, which offers cashflow they can count on.”
On the day, suppliers will have the opportunity to listen to presentations on a wide range of topics that offer opportunities to grow and support their business or social enterprise.
This action-packed agenda will include Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade, delivering the Ministerial Address, and joining an open panel Question and Answer session, which will include representation from Scottish Government, the Commercial & Procurement Shared Services and SDP offering SMEs, Social Enterprises and Third Sector Organisations a forum to talk all things procurement, so get your questions ready for this interactive session.
In addition to exhibitors from the Scottish Government, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Highland Council, other confirmed public sector exhibitors include buyers from Moray Council, Historic Environment Scotland, and Scottish Procurement Alliance.
Corporate members, Balfour Beatty Construction and Robertson Facilities Management will also be exhibiting on the day to engage suppliers in the North of Scotland and discuss the range of projects they have in their pipeline and upcoming supply chain opportunities.
More than 550 people have already registered to attend Meet the Buyer North 2023 on 12 September. Have you? It is a must-attend event for businesses of all sizes based in the North of Scotland.
Businesses must register for free tickets in advance via www.sdpscotland.co.uk.
Social Enterprise Scotland has announced the shortlist for the prestigious Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2023 recognising some of Scotland’s most pioneering social enterprises.
The Awards, organised by Social Enterprise Scotland, recognise excellence and outstanding achievements by social enterprises – businesses that reinvest their profits for social and environmental good – that demonstrate they’re improving and building a better economy and fairer society.
The shortlist includes social enterprises that are early-stage potential; those with a clearly evidenced environmental impact; health and social care organisations; businesses that are addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, and equity; and innovators using technology to achieve social impact. This year two categories recognise individuals working in a social enterprise that go above and beyond to make a difference – an employee and a volunteer.
With a total of 9 categories open to all Social Enterprises that operate in Scotland or individuals that work/volunteer in Scotland, the Awards present a real opportunity to showcase the very best of the sector. They highlight the agility, ability, and active role that social enterprises play in building places, supporting communities, and positively impacting our environment and wellbeing.
This year, three new categories have been introduced providing further opportunities for social enterprises and those who work with them to be recognised for their impact. These are: ‘Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Award’; ‘Tech for Good Award’; ‘Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion Award’.
These are in addition to the existing six award categories, which are ‘Social Enterprise of the Year Scotland Award’, ‘One to Watch Award’, ‘Buy Social – Market Builder Award’, ‘Health and Social Care Award’, ‘Environmental Social Enterprise Award’ and ‘Social Enterprise Employee Champion Award’.
Kim Wallace, Director of Membership and Policy at Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “There is always much to celebrate about the impact of social enterprise in Scotland at both a local and national level. We were delighted by the quality, diversity, and geographic spread of applications this year with application numbers almost back to pre-pandemic levels. This is encouraging as this reflects the resilience, determination, and growth of the social enterprise movement. Our Awards are designed to raise the profile of social enterprises and show that there is another way of doing business. We know that without such fabulous organisations on the ground, this would of course not be possible. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our 2023 applicants and the hard work and dedication of all of Scotland’s inspiring social enterprises and social entrepreneurs.”
Awards ceremony
The winners will be announced at an evening awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 26th October hosted by Beatrice Wishart, Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP.
The 2023 Social Enterprise Awards Scotland are proudly supported by our sponsors: Social Enterprise of the Year Award – Gold Sponsor: Keegan & Pennykid; One to Watch Award – Bold Studio; Environmental Award – Circular Communities Scotland; Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice Award – Social Investment Scotland; Health and Social Care Award – The ALLIANCE: The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland; Tech For Good Award – Breeze Digital (a Communities Enterprise Group social enterprise); ‘Buy Social’ Market Builder Award – Social Enterprise Academy; Volunteer Champion Award – Volunteer Scotland.
More information can be found at socialenterprise.scot/awards
A full list of finalists is listed below.
1. Social Enterprise of the Year Award Category sponsored by Keegan & Pennykid
This award is for a social enterprise that has demonstrated a clear vision, excellence in impact, customer service, and management, plus that little something extra in terms of creativity and innovation.
Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company
2. One to Watch Award Category sponsored by Bold Studio
A social enterprise that shows early potential and can clearly articulate their future vision, how they are going to achieve it, and how they will drive growth in their business.
Carrick Rugby Football Club (SCIO)
3. Environmental Award Category sponsored by Circular Communities Scotland
For a social enterprise in the green and environmental sectors that can show a clear, evidenced environmental impact.
Home Basics (Tweeddale) Co Ltd
4. Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Justice sponsored by Social Investment Scotland
Social justice is fundamental to the social enterprise movement. This category is open to all social enterprises that are addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Resilience Learning Partnership
5. Health and Social Care sponsored by The ALLIANCE: The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland
For a social enterprise in the health and social care sector with excellent vision and strategic direction, clear leadership, evidenced social, environmental, and community impact.
Resilience Learning Partnership
6. Tech for Good sponsored by Breeze Digital (a Communities Enterprise Group social enterprise)
This award recognises a social enterprise that is using technology to achieve its social impact. This could be through developing a new product or service or enhancing their service delivery.
7. ‘Buy Social’ – Market Builder sponsored by the Social Enterprise Academy
For a social enterprise, public sector body or private sector organisation that has demonstrably made efforts within its own organisation and remit to create more opportunities to buy from social enterprises.
The Good Stuff Network Edinburgh (operated by Edinburgh Social Enterprise)
Circular Communities Scotland Reuse Consortium
8. Employee Champion
This award recognises an individual working in a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference.
Joyce Murray, CEO and Founder, Positive Changes Scotland CIC
Lisa Gemmell, Community and Relationship Mentor, Be-inn Unity CIC
Rachel MacPhail, Employability Coordinator, Inspiralba
Rajkiran Atwal, General Manager, Merry-go-round
9. Volunteer Champion sponsored by Volunteer Scotland
This award recognises an individual volunteering with a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference.
Cathy Costello, Volunteer & Trustee, Ayr Gaiety Partnership
Janie Conlon, Tartan Volunteer, Grassmarket Community Project
Sandra Hill, Volunteer Mentor, Positive Changes Scotland CIC
Susan Muir, Volunteer Instructor and Charity Trustee, Kanzen Karate
Ticket prices on hold for a further six months
A fare freeze on the Clyde & Hebrides and Northern Isles ferry networks has been extended for a further six months.
Ticket prices will be held at current levels from October 2023 until the end of March 2024 to help people and businesses from Scotland’s remote rural and island communities. A review of future fares will also take place to ensure that services remain sustainable, affordable and fair, with feedback from island communities being a key factor in deciding the future shape and priorities.
The fare freeze will allow operators to release their timetables from October onwards.
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said:
“The decision to extend the fares freeze on our ferry networks will help support the island communities that depend on these vital services.
“The Scottish Government is acutely aware of the current challenges being faced by these communities, particularly with disruption to services on the Clyde and Hebrides network, although the situation will improve as new tonnage starts to join the fleet from next year.
“The ongoing cost of living impacts are also arguably more challenging for our islands than any other part of the country, so I hope this fares freeze will continue to help residents and businesses from that perspective.
“Our Fair Fares Review, which will report by the end of this year and recommend a package of measures which can be considered for implementation from 2024-25 onwards, will aim to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to public transport fares that supports the future long term viability of a public transport system that is accessible, available and affordable for people throughout Scotland.”