UP to 40 new jobs are set to be created by a Caithness company over the next five years following an investment of more than £2 million in its Wick base.
Ashley Ann Ltd, which designs and manufactures kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, says the funding will enable it to increase capacity and output. The move is expected to increase the firm’s turnover by almost £10 million with the new jobs created at its Wick factory.
Stephen Bremner, chairman of the family-run business, said: “We’re already the largest private employer in Caithness, so the additional increase in our workforce is a strong demonstration of our commitment to the region’s economy.”
The company was formed in 1986 by Stephen and his wife Ellen. Initially it operated from a small workshop in Thurso but quickly expanded and now has around 160 employees and eight showrooms around Scotland, including Thurso, Inverness, Aberdeen, Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
In 2007 Ashley Ann, moved to larger premises in Wick, previously occupied by Grampian Records.
The firm then leased additional warehouse space in the nearby former Caithness Glass building, which it bought in 2018, with help from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). It houses the firm’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
The company also secured up to £400,000 from the enterprise agency as part of its latest investment.
Mr Bremner added: “The long-term support from HIE has not only helped us on a financial level but its expertise across a range of business disciplines has also helped give us the further confidence needed to forge ahead with our growth plans.”
HIE business growth account manager Hilary Budge confirmed the investment in Ashley Ann and said: “The company has been a major employer in Caithness for nearly 30 years and has grown steadily. This next stage in the firm’s growth will provide valuable security for existing employees as well as generating more valuable employment.
“It will increase the contribution the company makes to the local economy and strengthen community resilience in Wick.
“I am pleased we are able to support this venture and look forward to continuing to work with the company in its growth journey.”
Scotland’s rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said: “I am pleased to see this significant investment in Ashley Ann Ltd’s Wick plant and the new employment opportunities it will create. Manufacturing offers high-quality, skilled jobs, particularly in rural areas, which is one of the reasons why we are committed to supporting its growth.
“Investment in projects like this is vital to encouraging more people to choose to live and work in communities such as Caithness.”
Ashley Ann was named after Stephen and Ellen’s daughter. Their sons, Gavin and Scott, are now in the senior management team.
We will close for the festive period at 5pm on Friday 20th December and return from 8am on Monday 6th January. We will respond to any e-mails on our return.
A quick roundup of news and blog posts from around the web from members of the Chamber:
Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group – AREG event to focus on investing in renewables future
An industry event is set to explore the importance of investing in skills and resources as companies look to exploit new business opportunities in the growing renewable energy sector.
BBM Solicitors – Grampian Haulage Ltd (in liquidation) v Carnbroe Estates Ltd : Decision of UK Supreme Court
Update and analysis for insolvency practitioners from BBM Solicitors on the decision of the UK Supreme Court in this case.
Caithness Voluntary Group – Event Scotland
National Events Programme Funding of £4,000 – £25,000 is available to support sporting and cultural events which take place out with the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and drive domestic tourism within Scotland.
Caithness Voluntary Group – National Lottery 25th birthday fund
The National Lottery’s 25th birthday has a one-off fund offering grants up to £1,000, and open to anyone with a great idea to make a difference in their local community.
Caithness Voluntary Group – New volunteering opportunity
North Highland Cancer information & Support Centre are seeking new volunteers to help people with (or in remission from) cancer or family members struggling with the physical, financial or emotional aspects of this illness.
Decom North Sea – August Networking Event: Oceaneering
Green Marine (UK) Ltd – Green Marine (UK) Ltd chosen to install new anchoring system at Kishorn Dry Dock
A new anchoring system installation, designed to accommodate and secure the large concrete caisson gates of Kishorn Port’s Dry Dock facility, has been successfully deployed at the port in the West Highlands of Scotland.
Green Marine (UK) Ltd – Green Marine scoops prestigious Scottish Green Energy Award
Orkney based Green Marine (UK) Ltd were awarded the ‘Outstanding Service Award’ at the Scottish Green Energy Awards for their world-class service to Offshore Wind, Wave and Tidal energy developers, held at the Edinburgh International Conference centre on 5th December 2019.
Highland Council – Councillors agree further work following survey backing introduction of tourist levy
Highland councillors today approved the findings of a public consultation supporting the introduction of a Highland Transient Visitor Levy and committed to further work to develop an optimal scheme for Highland.
Highland Council – Highland invests in combatting climate change
Councillors today approved a £145,000 investment to ensure Highland Council meets its commitment to tackle climate change.
Highland Council – It’ll be a blue blue bin Christmas without you recycling.
The Highland Council is reminding householders and businesses to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible over the festive period to prevent unnecessary waste.
Highland Council – Making headway in reducing the attainment gap for young people from deprived backgrounds
Highland Council is committed to tackling poverty and inequality and enabling all our children and young people to reach their full potential, with a focus on reducing the attainment gap for those from more disadvantaged communities across the Highlands.
Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd – Strategic Tranport Projects Review (STPR2) Survey
Transport Scotland is conducting an online survey for the Second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), a Scotland-wide review of the strategic transport network across all transport modes.
Home-Start Caithness – New study shows substantial benefit of home-based family support
Ahead of the general election leading family support charity, Home-Start, has called on all political parties to commit to investing in proven methods of help for families, such as volunteer-led, peer-to-peer relationship based support.
Jacobs UK Limited – Jacobs Begins Trading Today as J; Celebrates 30th Anniversary on the NYSE
Today Jacobs (NYSE: J) began trading on the NYSE under the updated ticker symbol “J,” culminating its transition from engineering and construction to a global technology-forward solutions company, and will celebrate its 30th anniversary on the New York Stock Exchange this Sunday, Dec. 15.
Mackays Hotel – A Winter Break in the Highlands
Scotland may not be the first place you think of for a winter getaway, but we’re here to change your mind! The days may be shorter, and you’ll have to wear a couple of layers during your adventures, but there’s still so much fun to be had.
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SSE) – Beatrice is judges’ pick at Scottish Green Energy Awards
Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm has come out on top at this year’s Scottish Green Energy Awards, an event held in Edinburgh last night celebrating and recognising excellence in the country’s renewable energy industry.
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SSE) – Energy Minister marks completion of Caithness-Moray transmission link
The Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, marked the official completion of SSEN Transmission’s flagship Caithness-Moray HVDC link with a visit to Blackhillock substation in Moray.
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SSE) – Heat Networks: A hot topic in the Scottish decarbonisation agenda
Scotland has legislated to become a net-zero carbon society by 2045, with an interim target of 75per cent reduction by 2030. This ambitious target is five years ahead of the UK-wide 2050 target, and we should not underestimate the scale of this challenge and the need to take action now.
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SSE) – SSEN Transmission business plan to deliver a network for net zero
SSEN Transmission has today submitted to the GB energy regulator, Ofgem, an ambitious Business Plan for the future of the north of Scotland electricity transmission system.
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SSE) – SSEN Weather Watch for December 2019
An update from SSEN on what to expect from the weather in December 2019.
Scrabster Harbour Trust – Weekly Update 6 December 2019
All the latest from Scrabster Harbour Trust.
Wick Harbour Authority – Marsh Award Recipient: Malcolm Bremner
Congratulations to the “boss” on receiving the Marsh Award for his contribution to The Wick Society and his work with the Isabella Fortuna.
This is just a short roundup of stories we’ve spotted over the past two weeks. We are always keen to promote good news and events on our members’ behalf, so contact us today if you’ve got something to share!
A LYBSTER-based art studio is preparing for Christmas early this year with a season of workshops, demonstrations, taster sessions, craft activities and mini workshops over the month of November.
North Lands Creative (NLC) glass studio has announced its festive calendar with all of the activities being free to attend and “something for everyone to enjoy” being promised by its management.
NLC general manager Laura O’Kane said: “Our exciting programme of workshops will be led by artists affiliated to North Lands Creative, exploring a broad section of artistic glass techniques including glassblowing, flame-working, kiln-forming and glass bead-making.”
One of the workshops will be led by Thurso-based artist Ian Pearson who will introduce participants to the magical world of glass flameworking. A scientific and artistic lampworker, Ian expertly blends traditional skills and modern technology to dramatic effect.
Ian said: “It has been a privilege for me to have been involved with North Lands Creative since its conception as an exhibiting artist, an adviser and workshop leader. I believe the best way to learn is through having fun and experiencing the practical aspects of handling hot glass.”
Ian says that all participants in his class will work under the watchful eye of an artist with “over 50 years of flameworking experience”.
Laura said: “It is our mission statement to build a stronger glass community worldwide and Lybster and Tannach Community Benefit Fund has been incredibly supportive in helping us engage locally so people can enjoy the benefits of the world class artists we have visiting. Glass is a wonderful tactile medium and our calendar of events in November will allow people to experience first-hand what an exciting material it is to work with.”
She added that NLC is now regarded as “Europe’s leading centre of excellence for artistic glass education”.
Part of the November calendar announced includes a Festive Family Fun Day on Sunday, November 17. There will be a festive fusing mini-workshop where participants can create fused glass Christmas decorations in the kiln, hot glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations by artists Emma Baker and Ian Pearson as well as children’s craft activities.
A Christmas shop will also be open with unique handmade glass gifts, jewellery and Christmas decorations produced in the NLC studio by visiting artists.
Details can be found at www.northlandscreative.co.uk and the NLC Facebook page.
A DOUBLE taster of theatre is coming to Lyth Arts Centre this November as two of Scotland’s leading drama companies venture north.
On Thursday (November 7 at 8pm) there will be a return visit from drama group Two Destination Language.
After visiting in 2018, the company is back with its latest show Fallen Fruit. A hit at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018, the piece was described by theatre critic Lyn Gardner as “a delicate show about tearing down walls and living with the past”.
It tells the story of the fall of the Berlin Wall with humour and a cardboard set.
The following Thursday (November 14, 8pm) Stellar Quines is visiting with its new play called Hope and Joy by award-winning writer Ellie Stewart.
This comedy show, described by critics as “weird and wonderful”, is touring throughout Scotland and the creative team will be spending two nights in Caithness to lead a special workshop with young actors.
This performance also includes a pre-show meal by the Whaligoe Steps Café.
To find out more and to book tickets, visit the Lyth Arts Centre website at www.lytharts.org.uk or call 01955 641434.
Ambitious plans are being drawn up to transform a landmark building at John O’Groats into a new tourist attraction based on locally brewed craft ale.
John O’Groats Brewery is proposing to create a brewery, tasting room and visitor centre at the Last House, which has been unoccupied for almost a year.
A planning application for change of use has been lodged with Highland Council and, if approval is granted, the venture could be under way by Easter 2020.
The development – costing around £250,000 – would add to the existing brewery operation at the village’s old fire station and would be a new experience on the North Coast 500 touring route.
The plan has the full backing of Heritage Great Britain, the company that owns the Last House. The building is thought to be more than 100 years old and has previously been used as a shop, as well as a small museum.
Andrew Mowat, one of the directors of John O’Groats Brewery, believes the development will further enhance the village’s tourism appeal if it gets the go-ahead.
“It’ll be a brewery and visitor experience with a tasting room and shop along with an audiovisual display and information about the area and how the beer is made, with a little tour at the end where people can go round,” Mr Mowat said.
“The beer will be the mainstay of it, but we’ll try to incorporate a bit of local interest where we can. One of the things we might look at is extracts from some of the old visitors’ books from the John O’Groats hotel from way back in the late 1800s or early 1900s.
“We’ll keep the existing brewery where it is, in situ, and we’ll put a new, smaller kit into the new building so we’ll have the capability of two areas where we can brew in.
“The emphasis will be more on the visitor experience – people coming in to taste it, and to get the tour. Where it is just now in the old fire station is just like a small factory, really – it’s not set up to look nice for tourists.
“It gives John O’Groats another attraction and it’s not competing against anybody else, and it’ll hold people for a bit longer. If people can spend an hour to an hour-and-a-half doing the tour, sitting having a taste, that’s an hour-and-a-half longer they’re in Groats.
“They might then go on and have a cup of coffee somewhere else, or something to eat, and maybe stay. That’s the idea, and we can expand our business as well.”
John O’Groats Brewery was set up in 2015, with the first batch of beer ready by early 2016. At present it produces three bottled beers, four main cask ales and some specials.
The plan for the Last House comes at a time when micro-breweries and craft ales are on the rise generally across the country.
Mr Mowat, who is treasurer of John O’Groats Development Trust and proprietor of the Seaview Hotel, said: “More and more people are asking for it. I know that from the hotel – they want to try the local thing wherever they are.”
Allan Leech, CEO of Heritage Great Britain, said: “To find the right venture for the Last House was absolutely critical, not just for us as a business but for the visitor experience and the success of John O’Groats.
“It sits right in the heart of John O’Groats, next to the signpost which gets 100 per cent of all visitors.
“I’ve known Andrew for many years and we have worked together on other projects at John O’Groats. When he said the brewery boys would like to have a chat it seemed a bit of a perfect match.
“This is also going to showcase the history of John O’Groats, the visitor experience at John O’Groats, and it’s going to be really high quality.
“As we’re finding more and more now, people want a true experience and a true sense of place.
“It was probably one of our most important decisions to find the right people to go in. That’s why it has sat empty for nearly a year.
“When the brewery chaps came along with this concept, that they were going to take their brewing skills and place them into a visitor experience with retail attached to it, but also showcasing the history of John O’Groats, it was a no-brainer.
“They’re going to be the custodians of the Last House.
“They’re really good chaps, local guys, and we’re really looking forward to seeing it coming to fruition. We’re fully behind them.”
John O’Groats and the wider area is benefiting from the growth in popularity of the North Coast 500, according to Mr Mowat.
“There’s more and more people visiting these days. There are people moving about in the quieter times,” he said.
“It [the NC500] is definitely helping. I dare say people not going abroad on holiday and Brexit and the pound plays a part too, but in general terms the whole area seems to be busier.”
Mr Mowat believes the Last House dates back more than a century. The traditional low-lying croft house featured in countless souvenir snapshots over the years as visitors reached the “end of the road”.
“The last person to live in it was called Maggie Mowat,” he said. “She was a fairly far-out relation of mine, and I do remember her when I was young. After that it became a shop for a time.
“It’s just lying empty now. It has not been looking very good for the last year or two, so it’ll spruce up that whole area.”
Earlier this year John O’Groats Brewery was awarded a bronze medal for its oatmeal stout in the London Beer Competition, the first event of its kind the company had entered.
The other three directors are Simon Cottam, Allan Farquhar and John Mainprize.
Meanwhile, there are unrelated plans for a micro whisky distillery at John O’Groats. The couple behind the venture, Kerry and Derek Campbell, from Thurso, hope it will create local employment and attract visitors.
Source – John O’Groat Journal
NORTH MSP Gail Ross has launched a consultation on a proposed bill to address the needs of rural areas.
She is calling for feedback between now and the end of January with the aim of giving remote mainland communities the kind of protection Scotland’s islands already have.
The main chamber of Wick Town Hall was filled with business leaders and other interested parties who came to hear about Mrs Ross’s draft proposal for introducing a member’s bill in the Scottish Parliament called Safeguarding Scotland’s Remote Rural Communities.
Speaking after Monday’s meeting, Mrs Ross said: “This is a consultation and I’m looking to get as much feedback as possible. There’s a specific website people can visit or they can go through the Scottish Parliament website.
“I welcome anyone to email me too. I want to know from people in remote rural areas what they would like to see different and are there things they would like to see change?
“It could be as wide-ranging as from bank closures to bus routes. What we really want is an overview of how remote rural Scotland feels.”
The SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross called this initial process towards creating the bill a “listening exercise”. She added: “I’m here, I’m listening and I want the feedback.”
The proposed legislation would offer protection for mainland communities in a similar way to the 2018 Islands Act. Public bodies would also have to take the impact on remote rural communities into account when making policy under the proposed guidelines.
In her consultation document Mrs Ross highlights the sense of isolation that can be felt within the rural setting and how this can impact upon mental health. She also highlights Highland Council’s corporate plan prediction that the population of Caithness will continue to decline unless work is done to stop it.
The document says: “It has also been stated in the past that large local authorities that cater for some of our most remote communities and also urban areas, such as Highland Council, cannot possibly apply a ‘one size fits all’ approach to their decision-making.
“A policy that fits Inverness may not be suitable in Durness or Applecross. Even within council regions, some policy decisions need to be tailored for a specific area.”
Mrs Ross said that she could not stress enough how important it was for the public to give feedback.
Kirsteen Currie, SNP councillor for north, west and central Sutherland, was at Monday’s meeting in support of Mrs Ross and said: “I think we need as much support for remote and rural communities as possible.
“I’m worried that the main benefits we’ve had from the EU are going to be lost to us in the next few weeks or months. It will have a major impact on our public services and communities.”
Karl Rosie, SNP councillor for Thurso and Northwest Caithness, said the Islands Bill from 2018 had made a huge difference to the communities affected by it and Mrs Ross’s bill will “emulate and replicate” it for the rural population of the far north.
“We have got to act with urgency to support the bill so we can address the challenges ahead,” Councillor Rosie said.
Mrs Ross admits that the process for a member’s bill is “quite long” and she doubts if it will get through at this session of parliament.
She said: “The consultation ends on January 31 [2020] and we’ll collate all these results and make them available to the Scottish Government and anyone who wishes to see them. We will then look at taking forward a draft bill.”
An online survey is available at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/RemoteRuralCommunities/ and further information can be found at https://remoteruralcommunities.scot/
Gail Ross can also be emailed at gail.ross.msp@parliament.scot
Source – John O’Groat Journal
A CAITHNESS business toasted its success after being named the Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year.
Dunnet Bay Distillers won the prestigious award at a ceremony attended by almost 600 guests in Glasgow on Thursday night.
The firm, which was started just five years ago, also collected a gold award for its Rock Rose Premium Scottish Gin Winter Edition and a silver award for Rock Rose Old Tom Pink Grapefruit.
Claire Murray, who started the enterprise with husband Martin, said: “We are just delighted to win Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year. It is a real achievement and testament to all the hard work that our fabulous wee team put in.
“Over 170 gins entered the awards, so to make it through to the finals alone is fab. It’s great to see a strong Caithness representation with Ice and Fire also reaching the final stages.
“We’re really lucky to have such brilliant local support, and we have Caithness exiles shouting about us everywhere – it is amazing to be bringing this award back home to Caithness.”
Dunnet Bay Distillers, which has seen huge growth for its Rock Rose gins worldwide, was praised for its commitment to sustainable business practices, community engagement and investment in people as a key employer in the area.
The winners were announced after a rigorous judging process which involved 30 leading experts from across the UK, the assessment of 104 written entries and the blind tasting of 173 gins, all distilled in Scotland. The top award went to the Caithness firm.
The chairman of the judging panel, Alex Bruce, congratulated all the Scottish distilleries and supporting businesses that were successful.
He said: “Winning a Scottish Gin Awards medal is a significant achievement and provides a huge opportunity to promote Scottish gin both at home and abroad. I hope that tonight’s winners will take the opportunity to promote their successes in what was the largest and toughest competition to date.
“Such is global demand in the gin category, we have increasing competition. But right across the food and drink industry, Scotland enjoys an enviable reputation for quality, innovation and endeavour, so let’s continue to work for, and with, that well-deserved reputation.”
The Orkney Distillery received a silver medal for its high strength gin, Kirkjuvagr Arkh-Angell.
The competition – now in its third year – conducted a Scotland-wide search for the best gins and gin businesses. One hundred and seventeen gins made it to the finals.
The awards raise funds for two nominated charities – The BEN, the Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland, and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, set up by rugby legend Doddie Weir to help improve the lives of those affected by motor neurone disease.
Dunnet Bay Distillers has won a number of awards in the past five years.
A year after setting up the firm took the award for the best new business at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.
The same year Dunnet Bay Distillers featured among the prize-winners at the Great Taste Awards and the Global Gin Masters, while Rock Rose was chosen as the best new launch design at the World Gin Awards.
In 2016, the company won the new product category at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drinks awards for its Holy Grass vodka.
Source – John O’Groat Journal
SCRABSTER harbour is on the crest of a wave after a fifth record-breaking trading year in a row.
Figures released at the trust’s annual general meeting for the year ended March 2019 show pre-tax profit rose from £1.12 million to £1.26m and turnover increased by £312,000 to £3.917m.
The results mean record revenue performance for a fifth successive year, trust manager Sandy Mackie said. He pointed out that the harbour plans to expand its activities with the redevelopment of the St Ola Pier.
There was growth across most trading sectors, he said, with ferry, fishing and energy-related activities being the best performers.
The number of vessels arriving at the port increased by eight per cent to 2480, while overall vessel tonnage rose by two per cent to 8.512 million tonnes.
The number of passengers carried on the ferry service to Orkney went up by four per cent to 153,530. More than 355,000 boxes of fish were landed at the port – an increase of 21 per cent. Oil and gas-related activity and tonnage rose by 14 and nine per cent respectively.
The trust also heard about the progress on plans to attract larger cruise ships and energy trade by redeveloping the St Ola pier.
Tender prices for the multi million-pound project are expected shortly, with works expected to begin early in 2020.
The project has been boosted by the award of £5 million from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the largest Scottish socio-economic award ever made by the agency. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has committed a further £3 million of project funding, which was confirmed in the summer.
Mr Mackie said: “The accounts for 2018/19 are the strongest trading performance ever achieved by the harbour. The financial performance and previous growth provides the foundation for further port development, bringing increased economic value to the local and regional economy.
“The awards from the NDA and HIE underline the support for these plans and we hope to make progress in 2020.”
He added: “We would not be able to deliver these results without the good and strong partnerships with the businesses and organisations that use the facilities. We would like to thank the local businesses and users of the harbour for their contribution to the harbour’s growing success.”
Source – John O’Groat Journal