A quick roundup of news and blog posts from around the web from members of the Chamber:
- Abbey Ecosse & Old Pulteney – Whisky by-products scheme could power fast-charging for electric vehicles in Caithness business park
- BBM Solicitors – Landlords lose: Debenhams CVA challenge
- BBM Solicitors – The Insolvency Practitioner & Auditors
- Dunnet Bay Distillers – Rock Rose Jam Doughnut Gin Negroni
- Mackays Hotel – Hidden spots in the North of Scotland
- Mackays Hotel – See a different side of the North Coast
- Macleod & MacCallum Solicitors – Employment Law: Settlement agreements still on the increase!
- Scrabster Harbour Trust – Scrabster Harbour Fifth Record Breaking Year In A Row
- Strathnaver Museum – Strathnaver Museum secures National Lottery support
- The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage – Home schooling and holidays at the Lighthouse
- VisitScotland – 11 beautiful places to go forest bathing in Scotland (including Dunnet Forest in Caithness)
- Wick Harbour Authority – Coming soon… Seafarers & Vessel Operators Training
This is just a short roundup of stories we’ve spotted over the past week. 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!
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
Strathnaver Museum has received initial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its redevelopment as a heritage hub for north-west Sutherland, it was announced today.
The project aims to safeguard the condition of the historic building at Bettyhill, improve the visitor experience and secure the future of the museum collection.
Essential conservation work is to be carried out to the regionally important B listed structure. An annexe is to be built to house the agricultural exhibits, while new interpretation will be installed to tell the history of the area.
An educational programme is also planned which will explore themes associated with the Highland Clearances.
The building that houses Strathnaver Museum and its collection is an integral piece in the globally significant story of the clearances. In 1819 from the pulpit, which still dominates the main room, the Rev David Mackenzie read out eviction notices to his parishioners. Then in 1883 it was where crofters gathered to give evidence to the Napier Commission which eventually led to crofters gaining security of tenure.
Project manager Fiona Mackenzie said: “We are delighted that we have received this support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“Strathnaver Museum has been delivering museum services for 43 years in a building which has long association with the Highland Clearances. However, dating from around 1750, it is in urgent need of refurbishment and renovation.
“It’s great to know that we are a step closer to securing the future of our important building, the collection it houses and the stories we tell for the benefit of the local community for years to come.”
Source – John O’Groat Journal
The Scottish highlands and islands have long been a beloved destination for tourists from all over the UK, Europe and beyond. People from every country in the world flock to our beautiful coastlines and countryside year after year.
With so many visitors choosing Scotland as their preferred destination, it’s no wonder that competition for the Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards is fierce, with established and famous hotels and destinations from across the North of Scotland competing for deserved recognition.
But this year, a brand new venue will be challenging past winners and hoping to win an award at the first time of asking. Noss Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage is aiming to bring a coveted prize home to Caithness in their very first year of trading.
Benedicta Makin (known as Ben) is owner of the recently-refurbished three bedroomed holiday cottage just outside Wick. Now, less than 12 months since welcoming its very first guests, the self-catered holiday cottage is up for the prestigious Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience prize.
“People love the idea of staying in a lighthouse keeper’s cottage, but not everyone knows just how different each Scottish lighthouse is. We give our guests the chance to learn more about the history of our lighthouse, explore the headland, the landscape and the wildlife, and understand a little more about the people who’ve lived and worked here for centuries.”
Noss Head has also been granted a Green Tourism Silver Award, and Ben and her team hope that their superb average reviews (5/5 on Trip Advisor, 5/5 on Airbnb, 9.8/10 on Booking.com) will bring another piece of silverware to Caithness.
Ben agrees that comfort and attention to detail have been the secret to the cottage’s success, along with a choice to keep things local and sustainable by using local trades-people and suppliers. Her team has also been inspired by Noss Head’s maritime history:
“The Stevensons (designers of many of Scotland’s lighthouses) constantly innovated to keep mariners safe, and we’re inspired to do the same. Along with the cottage’s manager Joy and our two housekeepers Tracy and Kim, we’re constantly testing and trying different things, listening to feedback and making improvements. That’s how we help guests form happy memories that’ll last decades.”
Noss Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage will hope to win the Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience prize at the awards ceremony to be held on November 1st. The lighthouse cottage will be joined by Wick neighbours Mackays Hotel, which is nominated in the Best Hotel Experience category.
A YOUTH club and a broch-building project are among seven community initiatives to benefit from more than £80,000 in the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund’s latest grant awards.
Fund chairman David Glass said: “Our latest funding includes improvements to youth activities, community and recreational facilities as well as progressing an ambitious project to establish a major visitor attraction in Caithness.
“We are pleased to have received a good level of applications and we continue to encourage community groups to come forward with proposals that will enhance the Caithness and north Sutherland area.”
Caithness Broch Project was granted £14,815 to appoint specialist architect and consultancy services to produce a replica broch development brief. The report will establish a preferred site for the replica broch construction, an architectural design concept and a business case that will allow progress towards the construction phase of a replica drystone broch tower to serve as a visitor attraction.
Broch project chairman Robin Herrick said: “The importance of this stage of the project cannot be overstated as it will underpin the work of our community organisation to replicate an Iron Age broch as the core of a financially sustainable charitable business which will benefit the community as a tourist attraction and an inspirational symbol of Caithness heritage. We are very happy that we were able to convey our enthusiasm for this work, and the potential benefit to the community.”
Other awards included £30,000 to Thurso Youth Club towards delivering a two-year development programme of weekly youth club sessions and activities. The project will have a focus on enhancing the club’s long-term sustainability and will create two new staff posts – a community officer who will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the club and a senior youth worker to coordinate youth sessions and activities.
Latheron Hall Committee was awarded £18,340 towards the costs of refurbishing the hall car park by extending the existing parking area and resurfacing with a tarmac surface. The hall car park is also used by the wider community because of its location near the Thurso and Wick main route junction.
The Armadale clay-pigeon club was awarded £8,100 to install a semi-permanent shooting shelter at its shooting range. The shelter construction will provide welcome cover for competitors and is part of a range of improvements being carried out by the club following its recent Scottish Clay Target Association accreditation.
Castletown School Parent Council was granted £5000 towards costs of installing a new multi-level timber trail within the primary school playing field grounds. The trail will include a range of innovative trail obstacles as well as safety matting and will provide stimulating outdoor play facilities.
Portskerra Harbours Association was awarded £3048 to install steel galvanised safety handrails, pier wall ladders and safety and information signs for the Portskerra community slipway.
Olrig and District Beekeepers Association was granted £1000 to purchase new beekeeper microscopes and specialist equipment that will assist beekeepers to identify pollen and bee diseases as well as learn about alternative uses of beekeeping. The new equipment will also enhance the group’s presentations to further promote the importance of beekeeping as well as increase the capacity and diversification of hobby beekeepers.
The CNSFund is funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and distributes money to community projects that increase the attractiveness of Caithness and north Sutherland as a place to live, work and invest. Applications are assessed on a quarterly basis and information on how to apply can be found at the CNSFund website or by phoning 07841 204 982. The deadline for applications for the next funding round is September 27.
Source – John O’Groat Journal
Dornoch Area Community Interest Company (DACIC) is celebrating the substantial award from the Scottish Land Fund, which will enable the group to purchase the town’s police station.
Police Scotland has already provisionally agreed an asset transfer at a discounted price with contracts due to be completed in November. It is understood to be the first such asset transfer by the service, which has dispensed with a number of rural police stations.
DACIC chairwoman Joan Currie said: “DACIC is absolutely delighted to see this project coming to fruition and is extremely grateful to the financial support from the Scottish Land Fund and the cooperation of Police Scotland in the asset transfer request.
“All parties have worked well together to enable this 1980s building in the centre of historic Dornoch to become a community owned asset and be transformed into the Dornoch Hub.”
Other aspects of the project have also slotting into place with two part-time appointments made this year to help move it forward. Catherine Moodie, Rogart, took up the role of community development manager in charge of fundraising in January and last month Kerri Stevens, who moved north from Yorkshire, was appointed project manager.
A planning application was submitted to Highland Council last month.
Mrs Bishop said: “After extensive community consultation, the renovated building will house a business hub with offices, a creative hub with studios and workshops and a health and wellbeing hub with a much requested gym.
“There will be a community room available for a range of activities including a youth club, a coding club, healthy eating sessions and dementia inclusive craft workshops.
“There is also a conference room on the first floor and a ground floor meeting room that can be hired by the hour by local businesses and organisations. There will be an IT desk facility, with potential for one-to-one IT training.
She added: “The police station includes a four bedroom hostel, which it was hoped could be transformed into a childcare centre. However, in July the childcare provider indicated that they are no longer able to proceed.
“DACIC has since developed alternative plans for the old hostel accommodation, in consultation with the local hotels and Royal Dornoch golf club, all of whom have a need for affordable staff accommodation during the tourist season.
“In the winter DACIC will work with The Young Karers East Sutherland (TYKES) in Golspie to offer respite accommodation for young carers and their families.”
The group has been granted £50,000 from the Beatrice fund to upgrade the station’s four door garage which will house the new gym, to be operated by Silverback Gym of Tain.
A further application for funding has been made to the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund to enable the rest of the building to be renovated and the outcome will be known shortly.
“If all goes well, we will be looking to move tenants in April next year,” said Mrs Bishop.
She continued: “This exciting project will deliver benefits to the whole community – especially the gym which has been on the wish list for more than a decade.”
Members of the public are invited to a drop-in session on Wednesday, October 2, from 3pm-7pm in the Struie Room of the Dornoch Social Club, to look at the plans and give their feedback.
Source – The Northern Times
Serco, the international service company, has been selected as preferred bidder to continue managing and operating the lifeline Northern Isles Ferry Services for passengers and freight between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, providing essential access and supplies for the islanders. The outcome of the tender was announced by the Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands to The Scottish Parliament this morning.
There is currently a mandatory standstill period following the appointment decision. The new contract will ensure continuity of service, is anticipated to start in the fourth quarter and has a total estimated revenue value to Serco of approximately £450m over the initial six-year term. There is an option for Scottish Ministers to extend the contract for a further two years, valued at a further £160m.
Serco will build on the strengths and experience gained over the past seven years of operating the NorthLink Ferries franchise. Key features and improvements will include:
- continuing to undertake the planned maintenance and dry docking of the vessels in Scotland, to ensure strong levels of resilience with reduced time away from service;
- improvement of the terminal facilities at Hatston, Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, and enhanced passenger information systems at all the terminals;
- a new smart ticketing system for foot passengers;
- a new demand analysis and forecasting model to inform and improve accuracy and confidence in passenger and freight requirements; and
- a new ‘Green Travel’ campaign aimed at customers and employees, together with a new Carbon Reduction strategy to reduce emissions.
Rupert Soames, Serco Group Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract by Scottish Ministers. We are very proud of our track record over the past seven years, during which time we have improved almost every aspect of the lifeline service for the communities and businesses of the Northern Isles, while also reducing materially the annual subsidy and thereby reducing the burden on the Scottish taxpayer. We look forward to further improving the service in the coming years.”
Since Serco first began managing the service in 2012, all aspects have been improved in terms of customer satisfaction, reliability, safety and community support. Passenger numbers have increased by 18%, vehicle traffic by 38% and freight volumes by 24%. Reliability performance is 99.97%. Employment of people from the local communities has increased by 18% and Serco NorthLink Ferries is the first Scottish ferry company to achieve
Investors in People Gold rating.
Furthermore, Serco sources over 80% of food, beverage and retail services from within a 50-mile radius of the operating ports, an increase from 12% since 2012. Since 2013 the vessels have undergone significant upgrade and improvement including: new and additional reclining pod seats; upgraded premium cabin facilities; new locally sourced Glencraft mattresses for all cabins; and the new Magnus lounge and shower facilities for those not travelling in a cabin.
Source – NorthLink Ferries
The Community Design House ambassador programme at Lybster-based North Lands Creative has received an award of £15,000 from the E.ON Camster Community Fund towards its core running costs.
The Community Design House programme is North Lands Creative’s main activity this year. It seeks to train 30 community ambassadors and inform the wider community on the benefits of volunteering.
Karen Philips, a director at North Lands Creative, said: “As part of the Community Design House project, we’re exploring how people can work with each other, and with the craft of glass, towards a better future. The project includes establishing a glass-centred community programme which offers training in craft and business skills alongside the opportunity for social and financial return through developing, making and selling handmade glass products.”
Other awards in the latest funding round included £14,500 to Lybster Golf Club towards a new mower, £4457 to Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Development Company for community planning events, £4102 to the Lybster Community Association, £3000 to the Caithness Model and Collectors Club, £3900 to Yarrows Heritage Trust, £6000 to Befrienders Highland and £3282 to Thrumster Game and Countryside Fair.
Senior stakeholder executive Nick Taylor said: “The E.ON Camster Community Fund continues to benefit local deserving projects.”
The next E.ON Camster Community Fund deadline is September 30. Information can be found at www.foundationscotland.org.uk/camster
Get all the latest news from the Chamber and our members in the August 2019 edition of our newsletter in Executive Magazine! Click the image below to open the newsletter in an online PDF viewer.
