John O’Groats Brewery are delighted to be able to announce their plan to move into the Last House at John o’Groats where they will open a gleaming new brewery, along with shop and a tasting bar.
This location has been the team’s green-eyed sights for a while – a beautiful traditional “but and ben” cottage dating back to the 1700s and they think the oldest building in John o’Groats. Its steeped in history and tradition and in a fabulous location overlooking the raging waters of the Pentland Firth across to Stroma and the Orkney Isles beyond.
Fingers crossed the new brewery should be ready for opening later this year.
You can read more about the exciting move here.
SAFETY II: THE NEW POSITIVE APPROACH TO SAFETY AND THE HUMAN FACTOR
GDES has started progressive implementation of the SAFETY II philosophy in its work teams. A new positive and collaborative approach to safety focused on what is done well and what keeps the workplace accident rate at zero.
SAFETY II is a working methodology that complements the RedER programme and focuses on good practices on three levels: workplace safety, accident prevention and the human factor.
The team of the Citernes project, developed by GDES France for several EDF plants, has pioneered the adoption of this system. There is no doubt that it has been successfully implemented thanks to the involvement of all participating operators and technicians.
In collaboration with all the staff involved in the project, 11 good practices were compiled and refined. All the initiatives are a recognition of the quality of the work of our colleagues and the human factor, which guarantees “that all goes well”.
Implementation of this methodology means a change of paradigm: we now not only talk about “human error” but also about “human success”. The objective is to promote positive day-to-day behaviours that demonstrate safe attitudes and emphasise a positive approach to safety. The SAFETY II philosophy will be gradually implemented in more GDES projects and workplaces worldwide. The continuity of the programme and its expansion will be one more element of our commitment to sustainability and to maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety at GDES – project after project, generation after generation.
Lyth Arts Centre and Imaginate are collaborating in 2020 to support an artist to explore a new theatre and/or dance performance idea for young audiences and undertake a period of practical research towards a new piece of work.
This opportunity includes:
- A week in residence at LAC from Monday 22nd June – Sunday 28th June 2020
- A bursary of £2000 to cover fees, materials and per diems for the residency period
- Return travel to LAC from anywhere in Scotland
- Accommodation
- Support and advice from Imaginate and Lyth Arts Centre staff
- Access to Go & See funding for the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival 2020 including seeing productions and taking part in the professional development programme for delegates
This is an opportunity for an artist interested in exploring a new performance idea for young audiences. It is open to those who have experience of working with this audience as well as those for whom this would be a new departure in their practice. They are especially interested in ideas that contributes to a wide-ranging and inclusive programme of performance, and work that addresses underrepresented voices and/or themes in the sector. If you would like to talk about your idea before applying contact Fiona Ferguson, Creative Development Director.
Wednesday 12 February at 5pm
Answer the questions in the call out information here and send the answers to applications@imaginate.org.uk (with the subject title Imaginate at LAC) by Wednesday 12 February at 5pm. The panel will meet on Monday 17 February and all applicants will be notified of the decisions by Monday 24 February. All applicants will be offered feedback.
HIAL announced its plans to introduce a remote tower air traffic management system (ATMS) in January 2018 and since then HIAL staff, the Unions and key stakeholder groups have been kept informed on all aspects of the review from its inception. In October 2019, the HIAL Board gave authority to seek funding from Scottish Government to progress the ATMS programme. Following approval from Scottish Government, a Business Case was approved by the Board in December, along with a number of specific recommendations. The strategic programme decisions made by the Board moves HIAL into the implementation phase of the ATMS project and will allow detailed operational decisions to be made.
The key decisions covered:
Purchase of New Century House for the Combined Surveillance Centre
Airspace and Surveillance Options
Sumburgh Approach Radar Service
Air Traffic Service (ATS) Training
Air Traffic Service provision at Benbecula and Wick John O’Groats
Dundee ATC position in ATMS Transition Plan
Operational/People Transition plan
To ensure all staff and stakeholders were aware of the strategic decisions made by the Board, a concentrated programme of local engagement events were undertaken from 17th to 22nd January. These sessions were the start of the next phase of our ongoing engagement programme to ensure our staff, stakeholders and partners are kept up-to-date and able to input their views as we move forward with the programme.
The sessions were not detailed technical briefings but generated honest feedback and questions. The feedback helps us enormously and will allow us to direct our ongoing engagement as we seek input from staff, stakeholders and partners.
We have compiled questions from the different sessions and have included these in the Air Traffic Management Strategy area of the website.
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’re nearly into the second month of 2020 and we can’t quite believe it! After returning to the office on 6th January it’s been all go here at the Chamber and we’re thrilled to welcome three new members to our membership group. We’re thrilled to welcome:
- Quaybridge Scotland Ltd – a new company, established to develop and deliver next generation offshore wind projects.
- CloudAlive Ltd – a global cloud services company, offering cloud solutions, cloud recruitment, training and workshops, careers management, and cloud infrastructure events.
- Anubis Security – a growing company looking to lead the way within the security sector of highly vetted, licensed and trained security professionals who help make the United Kingdom a safer place.
To learn about how Chamber membership could benefit your business, see the Membership benefits page or get in touch with Fiona Levack, Business Development Manager to arrange an informal chat. The Chamber offers advice and support to businesses of all sizes, at all stages and in all sectors and we would be thrilled to hear from you.
In addition to chamber membership, many of our funded projects offer support and guidance to businesses in a range of ways. See the list of options, here.
Local groups looking for funding are again being urged to apply to Your Cash Your Caithness. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Sunday, February 2, and a share of £10,000 is up for grabs.
The scheme lets those in the local community decide for themselves which projects are needed in their area. The community will get to vote for the best ideas at an event in Thurso High School on Saturday, February 29.
Councillor Matthew Reiss, chairman of the Caithness Committee, said: “The handing of decision-making back to the community is the first stage in returning community empowerment to the most local level.
“As the closing date draws near I would encourage as many individuals or groups as possible across Caithness to take part in this initiative to get the funding they are looking for, and to get their applications completed and submitted.
“I am delighted to see that a number of applications have already been received. However I would urge all local groups to look at any projects they may wish to start and to complete what is a simplified application form.”
Application forms can be accessed online from the Highland Council website at www.highland.gov.uk/ycyc or by contacting Caithness Voluntary Group’s Yvonne Hendry at Yvonne@CVG.org.uk, or by phone on 01955 609960. She will be able to provide information and assistance with the application process and provide some guidance on public presenting if required.
This will be the sixth Your Cash Your Caithness event, the first having been held in November 2015.
Source: North Of Scotland Newspapers
A quick roundup of news and blog posts from around the web from members of the Chamber:
Caithness Voluntary Group – Volunteer opportunity Northern Trails Scotland
The Association of Northern Trails Scotland (ANTS) is a registered Scottish charity, managed by a Board of Trustees. Based in the North East Highlands of Scotland we are developing a long-distance walking trail (The John o’Groats Trail) from Inverness to John o’ Groats. We are now actively seeking a Trustee/Treasurer, along with some other Trustees to increase our Board.
Caithness Voluntary Group – Your Cash Your Caithness
Local groups in Caithness are reminded that the closing date for Your Cash Your Caithness applications is drawing near and to be in with a chance of receiving a share of £10,000.00, forms need to be received by 5.00pm on Sunday 2nd February 2020.
Caithness Voluntary Group – Year-long project identifies Caithness inequalities
Transport, mental health and access to childcare have emerged as some of the key themes in a project aimed at identifying inequalities in Caithness.
Dunnet Bay Distillers – A toast to the lassies
Toast the Lassies on Robert Burns night with this delicious cocktail created by Ben from Franklin & Sons.
Highland Council – United front in seeking Scottish Government commitment on A96 and A9 upgrades
Council and business leaders from the North and North-East have joined forces to seek an “unwavering” assurance from the Scottish Government of its continued commitment to delivering upgrades of the A96 and A9.
Highland Office Equipment – We’re in Business Insider magazine
Did you spot us in the latest issue of Business Insider magazine? Our group Sales Director, Andrew Aikman was interviewed for the article, which you will find on page 7.
Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd – Air Traffic Management project update
We have identified New Century House in Inverness as the location for a new Combined Surveillance Centre which will be the central hub at the heart of the ATM (Air Traffic Management) project. It is expected the purchase of the building will be concluded shortly. Our board have approved the purchase of the building which will require a complete refit to ensure it delivers the requirements for the ATMS (Air Traffic Management System) programme.
Imenco – Imenco buys Malm Orstad AS and will further develop the company
Imenco AS has purchased Malm Orstad AS. The new owner has ambitious development plans for Malm Orstad AS and through the Imenco group’s industrial capacity and expertise, the company provides a solid platform for further growth.
Lyth Arts Centre – Caithness theatre company unveils new season
Live music, books and comedy will all form part of Lyth Arts Centre’s (LAC) 2020 season.
Mackays Hotel – A rainy day in Wick
You can’t always guarantee a sunny day in the North of Scotland, but you can guarantee a fun-packed day out whatever the weather! There’s so much to explore in Wick and the surrounding Caithness that it will take more than just a day to experience it, but we’ve picked the perfect day out when the weather’s a bit grey and rainy…
Mackays Hotel – Burns Night Celebrations!
Burn’s Night is a big one for the Scottish calendar – a celebration that combines the best food, drink, poetry and cheer! The first Burns supper was in July 1801. when some of Burns’ closest friends gathered to mark the fifth anniversary of their friend’s death. Now it’s celebrated on his birthday, 25th January, but what makes Rabbie Burns so special?
Morson Projects – Morson Group’s Chosen 2020 Charities Revealed
Morson Group is delighted to announce that our two charities have been chosen for 2020 by our employees and we can confirm that the Morson Group charities for 2020 are Children with Cancer and Acorns Children’s Charity.
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority – How much radioactive waste is there in the UK?
The UK Radioactive Waste Inventory provides detailed information on radioactive wastes and material in the country. It is produced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the NDA.
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority – Socio-economic report 2018 to 2019
This report provides a brief overview of socio-economic expenditure by NDA businesses during the financial year 2018 to 2019.
Restore Digital – Boost in status for Highland nuclear archive centre
The UK nuclear archive base in Wick yesterday scooped a major industry award after becoming the 10th in Scotland to be granted Accredited Archive Status.
Scotland Food & Drink – SF&D Excellence Awards
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SSE) – SSE makes Bloomberg’s 2020 gender-equality index for the third year running
SSE has made the Bloomberg Gender-Equality index for the third year running, demonstrating the business’ commitment to transparency and tackling inequalities. Rosie Macrae, our head of diversity and inclusion, explains more about SSE’s approach to addressing the issue for the long-term.
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SSE) – SSEN’s ‘Not Worth The Risk’ campaign highlights the dangers of tampering with power supplies
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has today launched its ‘Not Worth The Risk’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of tampering with and altering electricity supplies across its central southern England and north of Scotland infrastructure.
Scrabster Harbour Trust – Weekly Updates 10 January 2020 & 17 January 2020
All the latest from Scrabster Harbour.
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!
Identifying radiation in complex, constrained nuclear environments has typically required cumbersome and bulky equipment. AmCam is a new, unique, innovative technology that enables customers to identify areas of fissile material contamination in real-time, using a hand-held device.
AmCam is a compact, lightweight device that combines a gamma ray spectrometry detector with a small video camera, capable of indicating radiation count rate alongside a corresponding video image of the area being surveyed.
Simple and intuitive to use, AmCam, enables customers to decommission safer, faster, at lower cost by enabling them to quickly identify areas of contamination and target them for clean-up.
AmCam is already being used in active trials at customer sites, helping them identify areas of contamination that can be targeted for clean-up or provide assurance that there are no areas of contamination.
Tony Burnett, Head of Innovation and Technology for Cavendish Nuclear, said, “Delivering nuclear services safer, faster, at lower cost for our customers is core to our business. AmCam is a fantastic example of how we are leveraging innovation and technology, with the customer in mind, to deliver a product that is simpler, safer and quicker to use than existing products, and which delivers results in real-time.”
Key benefits include:
• Quick identification of the location of material build up within gloveboxes
• Use of images to pinpoint the origins of elevated radioactive activities
• Estimates can be made of the dose rates and activity levels of hotspots
• Aiding efficient clean-up for Post Operations Clean Out (POCO)
• Enabling characterisation of the waste category segregation processes used to plan and target future POCO operations.
AmCam is ideally suited to POCO in alpha plant decommissioning, for both UK and international customers. Applications include internal and external glovebox surveys, pipework monitoring and in-cell characterisation.
Developed by Cavendish Nuclear using our internal product development process, AmCam forms part of our world-class plant characterisation service portfolio.
Find out more, contact: instrumentservices@cavendishnuclear.com or Jonathan Britton (01925 377800).
Watch the short 2 min AmCam video