HIE FOCUS Issue 7

SUMMER 2021 | ISSUE 07

SHOWCASING SUCCESS IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

A’ COMHARRACHADH 10 BLIADHNAICHEAN The University of the Highlands and Islands

MAKING A BIG SPLASH OFF ORKNEY

Wave Energy Scotland

WHY I LOVE RUNNING MY BUSINESS IN TIREE Rhoda Meek, Founder and Director of Isle Develop

PEOPLE MAKE IT HAPPEN CELEBRATING AND GROWING

OUR REGION’S FOOD AND DRINK SECTOR

CONTENTS Foreword..........................................................3 Celebrating our flourishing food and drink sector....................................4 People make it happen.. ................................ 7 Spotlight on the Thule Ventus. . ....................8 Spotlight on Whalsay Made. . ........................8 Lussa Drinks: growing a gin brand from the ground up. . ...........................9

Harnessing the power of female rural entrepreneurs in Argyll ................... 16 Communities invest in readiness to welcome back visitors .......................... 18 Innse Gall a’ faighinn buannachd às an tasgadh. ..........................19 Improved tourism infrastructure in North Lewis.............................................19

It’s all kicking off in Kishorn .. .................. 10

Wave energy to make big splash off Orkney........................................ 20

University of the Highlands and Islands celebrates 10th birthday............................................... 12

Why I love running my business in the Highlands and Islands: Rhoda Meek.................................................. 22

THE YEAR OF COASTS AND WATERS 20/21 The Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 will spotlight, celebrate and promote opportunities to experience and enjoy Scotland’s unrivalled coasts and waters, encouraging responsible engagement and participation from the people of Scotland and our visitors.

But what does the Year of Coasts and Waters mean for your business or organisation? Whether you’re an accommodation provider, visitor attraction or a tour guide – get ready to inspire and attract both visitors and locals looking to uncover and enjoy Scotland’s waters.

The Year of Coasts and Waters will provide a wide range of events, activity and content aligned to the themes of the year with a focus on widening awareness, engagement and participation. It will showcase both on and off water activity, with a focus on unique, authentic experiences as well as responsible and safe engagement with our waters. The visitor opportunity in terms of experiences and events is broadly presented across four strands: ■ Natural environment and wildlife ■ Historic environment and cultural heritage ■ Activities and adventure ■ Food and drink CLICK HERE to get top tips for making the most of

this exciting themed year and find out

how you can get involved.

CLICK HERE to read about Caithness business

Dunnet Bay Distillers and how they’ve

made the most of the themed year so far.

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FOREWORD Welcome to the summer edition of FOCUS magazine. After a long and difficult winter, it is wonderful to see the warmer weather and longer days, along with some promising signals that we are on the road to recovery.

A long road it may be, but HIE is determined to support businesses and communities across the Highlands and Islands on this journey. We’ve just published ‘Action for Jobs and Communities’, our operating plan for 202122, which details our priorities to create jobs and support a green and inclusive recovery.

This edition of FOCUS magazine gives a glimpse of the breadth of customers and projects we support, and most importantly the difference this makes for the people and communities of the Highlands and Islands. The University of the Highlands and Islands is one such example and we are delighted to be celebrating their 10-year anniversary of reaching university status.

We are soon to be saying a fond farewell to HIE’s chief executive Charlotte Wright, who is stepping down in the summer after 24 years with the organisation. She will be greatly missed by our clients, partners and all her colleagues. Charlotte has a real passion for the Highlands and Islands and a burning ambition for HIE to deliver in every part of the region. We will be sorry to see Charlotte go, but I am confident we will retain this passion and ambition and continue to drive progress as we know she would wish.

If you have some time off this summer, I do hope you will take the opportunity to enjoy what our region has to offer, including world-class scenery, food and drink, and hospitality. This past year has really made those of us lucky enough to live here realise just what a special place this is.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy summer.

CONTACT US hie.marketing@hient.co.uk +44 (0)1463 245245 hie.co.uk

Alistair Dodds CBE Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)

To receive future issues of FOCUS magazine by post or email please subscribe: hie.co.uk/focus

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CELEBRATING OUR FLOURISHING FOOD AND DRINK SECTOR Scotland’s natural environment is the foundation of our thriving food and drink sector, and this could not be truer anywhere than it is in the Highlands and Islands. Farmers, fishermen and producers from the region have an abundant and enviable larder to share.

Today, tourists and locals across Scotland can feast on the freshest langoustines, mussels and salmon; they can savour the choicest cuts of beef, lean venison, rare breed pork and lamb. Locally sourced, in-season produce is hero-ed on menus in restaurants across the country. Shops are bursting with locally grown vegetables and locally produced cheese, chutneys, jams and biscuits. The drinks scene is equally vibrant, offering everything from peaty Islay whiskies and Highland malts to artisan gin and craft beer.

Last year, industry leadership body Scotland Food & Drink, with the backing of the Scottish Government, launched a new £250,000 fund to support the ongoing development of Scotland’s regional food groups. This is a key action in the national Food & Drink Recovery Plan which was launched in November 2020. The impact of COVID-19 has been serious, with up to £3bn of revenue estimated to have been lost from the industry in 2020. The recovery plan aims to go beyond recouping those losses, acting as a springboard to a more resilient and stronger future. The recovery plan is driven by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, a unique collaboration between industry organisations, Scottish Government and its enterprise agencies, including HIE. Today, there are 18 regional food groups across the country, including seven in the Highlands and Islands, all looking to celebrate and support local food and drink and put their produce firmly on the map. The groups bring together producers, retailers, hospitality and tourism businesses and other stakeholders. They help promote regional food, encourage people to shop local and develop food tourism events and projects, as well as supporting initiatives to create new opportunities or to problem-solve common issues.

Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink, says: “Regional food groups have a pivotal role to play in the successful growth and development of Scotland’s food, drink and food tourism sectors, especially in the recovery from COVID-19.”

Fiona Richmond

Although our larder has long been this plentiful, it hasn’t always been so accessible – and nationally we haven’t always made the most of it. The Scottish artisan food and drink industry has responded to the increasing demand from countries around the globe for quality produce with strong provenance. Locally we have reconnected with our producers and products during lockdown, and this has rekindled an enjoyment of local food and drink on our doorstep. Regional food groups play a key role in helping local producers showcase and sell their produce at home and further afield.

SUPPORTING AND INSPIRING SUCCESS

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“The Highlands and Islands has a diverse mix of regional food groups with energy, ambition and a commitment to championing their local areas. By providing funding and industry support we hope to strengthen the growing network of groups, encouraging visitors and locals alike to enjoy the incredible produce of Scotland’s most exciting food and drink regions.”

REGIONAL FOOD GROUPS IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

THE BLOSSOMING SHETLAND FOOD AND DRINK SCENE

While each regional group has its own distinct identity, very much led by the area’s unique challenges and opportunities, they all exist to enhance both the local economy and community, and they all put a strong emphasis on collaboration. Some of these groups are just beginning to take root, whereas others have been doing good work for many years and have had a proven impact on the region.

The beautiful Shetland Islands, some 110 miles offshore from mainland Scotland, are home to a bountiful natural larder.

Their pristine waters teem with the finest fish and shellfish – with almost half of all fish landed in the UK caught within 100 nautical miles of Shetland. The acclaimed native Shetland lamb is reared on the heather moorland, along with quality beef.

Small artisan producers across the isles all contribute to the rich quality of food and drink on offer in the islands.

One of the longest-running regional groups is Orkney Food & Drink, which has been celebrating the fabulous produce of Orkney for almost 30 years. It brings together local retailers, cafes, hotels and producers to support their sectors and the local economy, and to spread the word about their products locally, nationally and internationally. The islands have a truly diverse range of award-winning food and drink products, and the producers are fiercely proud of what they have to offer.

Another well-established group is Food from Argyll, which since 2007 has been helping its members to build their businesses.

Argyll is famed for its seafood, but it’s also home to quality dairy, beef and lamb, as well as an expanding group of members who bake, roast, cure, smoke and grow a wide range of products.

Food from Argyll has showcased the region’s products to a wide audience by collaboratively catering at major events and by operating its own café.

Founded in 2016, Eat Drink Hebrides is a food and drink trail from Barra to the Butt of Lewis with a focus on the food tourism experience. The group is dedicated to helping visitors learn more about the landscape and culture of the islands, while sampling the fantastic food and drink that’s readily available there.

Some years ago, two Shetlanders realised they weren’t fully capitalising on the natural riches they were blessed with. So in 2017, Shetland Food and Drink Limited was born – thanks to the drive and passion of chair Marian Armitage and previous manager Jill Franklin. The collective operates under the Taste of Shetland marketing banner.

Shetland Food and Drink has recently been awarded a package of just under £150,000 in funding to secure its future until 2023, from Shetland Islands Council (SIC), HIE and – for the first time – a contribution from Scotland Food & Drink.

“We are delighted to have this funding confirmed,” says Marian.

“It puts Shetland Food and Drink on a firm footing for the next three years. We are very grateful to the SIC and HIE for their backing, and it’s exciting to be working with Scotland Food & Drink for the first time as a recognised regional food group.”

SHETLAND FOOD & DRINK

EMERGING GROUPS New regional food groups are emerging, keen to support, encourage and develop their unique food and drink offerings.

Arran’s Food Journey is a newly formed group which aims to tell the island’s food story. Together, members tell historical tales of farming, illicit stills and smugglers, to that of the modern-day production of cheese, biscuits and ice-cream.

They encourage visitors to sample their produce by visiting the island, showcase their members and products globally on their website and share recipes online from local producers and the hospitality sector.

Bute Kitchen is a collaboration of island food industry entrepreneurs, from the farmers and smallholders growing and producing crops, dairy and livestock, to cheese makers and butchers. Collectively they are supporting the economic growth of the Isle of Bute through its plentiful food and drink sector, raising the island’s profile as a food tourism destination, supporting a range of businesses to flourish, and encouraging consumers to champion local products.

On the mainland, the Highland Good Food Partnership is emerging, focused on creating a local food system that’s better for the planet, people and producers. They began with a conference that focused on a series of conversations, or ‘provocations’, early in 2021. Over 90 local doers and thinkers came together to stimulate new thinking about food issues, leading to a collaborative action plan for the future.

As we emerge from the pandemic it is both exciting and heartening to see how these grassroots regional food and drink groups, all with their own distinct products and personalities, will play an important part in our nation’s economic recovery.

ORKNEY FOOD & DRINK EAT DRINK HEBRIDES

HIGHLAND GOOD FOOD PARTNERSHIP

FOOD FROM ARGYLL BUTE KITCHEN

ARRAN’S FOOD JOURNEY

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PEOPLE MAKE IT HAPPEN Much of the success of the regional food and drink groups is down to the motivation and commitment of the people involved – and Shetland Food and Drink is no different.

Manager Claire White is a former BBC producer and presenter, a proud Shetlander, and passionate about storytelling – and she loves nothing more than sharing Shetland’s story with the world.

“The sense of community here is fierce,” explains Claire. “And the culture and history are preserved here in a way that can be missing on the mainland. I was so excited when I saw the job advertised. I’d been working in London, Aberdeen and Glasgow, and was ready to move back to Shetland. I’d been used to beating the drum for Shetland’s culture, roots and heritage around the UK and beyond – and food and drink is a major part of that” “While doing my job, I see that there are so many food opportunities ripe for making the most of. It just needs the energy, enthusiasm and the endeavour to make it happen. We have such wonderful natural resources – and not just in food – and we just need to focus on how we can best market them to the world.

“Shetland has had a robust economy for over 40 years and the more we look to diversify, then the healthier it is for everybody. It will make us stronger economically, socially and culturally, and that has to be a good thing for any island group.”

Members of Shetland Food and Drink now number 85 and are rapidly growing, and they aren’t simply the producers, makers and growers. Amongst their number they also count a communications company, an accountant, local shops, and tourist guides who run food and drink tours, for example.

“These types of members all prop up the industry across Shetland – like everything else in the islands, far-reaching community roots shape the platform,” says Claire. “In our rural community, we rely on all our small businesses. We always promote shopping local, and we’re currently campaigning against the expansion of a national chain here. We have a very rich supply chain, but it can be delicate and precarious. It’s in all of our interests to protect, preserve and promote what we have here.

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“If we create more good opportunities for each other, if we support each other, if we are positive about all kinds of sustainable enterprise, and we value community life, then that begets more of the same, and it becomes a virtuous cycle. I always say that Shetland is a place that gives back. Whatever you put into Shetland it will come back at you one way or another, multiplied and enhanced.”

Although Shetland Food and Drink is still young, its achievements are already impressive, with constant new ideas and activities taking shape. Claire is currently leading work on a pioneering Quality Assurance scheme whereby those accredited will be able to print brand validation on menus and packaging.

The team is constantly driving advancement and growth for all members and the community. For example, they have just secured funding from Shetland’s Crown Estate Fund to create a non-motorised Taste of Shetland trailer for members to hire and try out culinary ventures to see if they work before committing to costly new overheads. They’ve also just run an inspiring online Iceland-Shetland evening for members to hear from delegates such as the MD of Icelandic Lamb and a farmer who is utilising geothermal energy to grow tomatoes.

The enthusiasm and passion of the members matches the exceptional quality of their produce, and there’s a real sense of energy and momentum from both members and the team.

Shetland’s food and drink scene is set to be placed firmly on the map. tasteofshetland.com

SPOTLIGHT ON

SPOTLIGHT ON

THULE VENTUS

WHALSAY MADE

Thule Ventus uses traditional methods that have been handed down over generations to cure salt cod and other products sourced from Shetland’s waters.

Whalsay Made produces quality homemade preserves, chutneys, fudge and sauce, using homegrown and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

One of the first members of Shetland Food and Drink, Thule Ventus founder David Polson could see a clear need for a platform to help Shetland support and promote its food and drink industry.

Like so much else on Shetland, it’s all about community and connections. Donna Polson, founder of Whalsay Made, became a member of Shetland Food and Drink after hearing positive feedback from other members.

Donna’s business is rooted in heritage, provenance and a sense of community, which perfectly reflects the Taste of Shetland ethos.

“I was looking at other areas of Scotland, particularly Orkney, and how they developed their food industry,” says David.

“Orcadian food producers have created a strong brand for the common good. This was lacking in Shetland but, like Orkney, we have excellent produce, heritage and a great story to tell.”

“Through my membership, I’m able to exhibit at many markets and festivals, such as the Taste of Shetland festival and Up Helly Aa,” says Donna. “We also booked a place at the Highland Show to showcase Shetland, though that was cancelled last year due to COVID. I make excellent sales and connections at these events, and it’s wonderful to put Shetland’s produce on the map.

Donna Polson

David Polson

The people of Shetland have been salting and curing fish for centuries, and David wanted to rejuvenate this traditional food for modern-day fish lovers. He believes that Taste of Shetland plays an important role in providing a quality mark and raising the profile of the island’s produce.

As an individual business owner, Donna finds the support and networking opportunities invaluable, and in particular has benefited from the markets she’s been able to attend.

“Everything Shetland Food and Drink does is contributing to a growing awareness of Shetland products.” David explains.

“The continual drip feed into the media seeps into people’s consciousness that Shetland is here, and what we offer is exceptional. It contributes to a growing professionalism of the industry on the island – and creates a virtuous circle for us all.” https://thuleventus.co.uk/

“We can also access excellent support in everything from media training to marketing strategies, and we’ve been kept up to date with regulations and guidance for opening after COVID, for example. It’s such a positive and collaborative group – I’ve made so many contacts and we share ideas and information among us. It takes me from being alone to being part of a huge, supportive network.” www.whalsaymade.com

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BUIDHNEAN BIDHE IS DEOCH SAN ROINN Ged a tha dearbh-aithne sònraichte fhèin aig gach buidheann roinneil, gu mòr air a stiùireadh le dùbhlain agus cothroman sònraichte na sgìre, tha iad uile ann airson an eaconamaidh ionadail agus a’ choimhearsnachd a neartachadh. Tha iad uile a’ cur cuideam làidir air coobrachadh. Tha cuid de na buidhnean sin dìreach a’ tòiseachadh ach cuid eile air a bhith a’ dèanamh obair mhath airson grunn bhliadhnaichean agus tha iad air buaidh dhearbhte a thoirt air an sgìre.

Is e buidheann à Arcaibh, aon de na buidhnean roinneil as fhaide a tha a’ ruith agus a’ comharrachadh toradh eireachdail Arcaibh airson faisg air 30 bliadhna. Bidh e a’ toirt còmhla luchd-reic, cafaidhean, taighean-òsta agus riochdairean ionadail gus taic a thoirt do na roinnean aca agus an eaconamaidh ionadail agus gus am facal a sgaoileadh mu na toraidhean aca gu h-ionadail, gu nàiseanta agus gu h-eadar-nàiseanta. Tha raon fìor eadarmheasgte de thoraidhean bidhe is deoch air na h-eileanan agus tha an riochdairean gu math moiteil às na tha aca ri thabhann. ’S e buidheann eile, Eat, Drink Outer Hebrides a tha na shlighe bidhe is deoch bho Barraigh gu Rubha Robhanais le fòcas air eòlas turasachd bidhe. Tha am buidheann dealasach a thaobh a bhith a’ cuideachadh luchd-tadhail gus barrachd ionnsachadh mu chruth-tìre agus cultar nan eilean agus iad a’ samplachadh biadh is deoch mhìorbhaileach a tha ri fhaighinn an sin.

Air an tìr-mòr, tha Highland Good Food Partnership a’ nochdadh, le fòcas air siostam bìdh ionadail a chruthachadh a bhios nas fheàrr airson a’ phlanaid, daoine agus riochdairean. Thòisich iad le co-labhairt a bha a’ cuimseachadh air sreath de chòmhraidhean ann an 2021. Thàinig còrr air 90 daoine ionadail còmhla gus smaoineachadh ùr a bhrosnachadh mu chùisean bìdh, a’ leantainn gu plana gnìomh co-obrachail airson an ama ri teachd.

A FOCUS ON RECOVERY FOR FOOD AND DRINK ELAINE JAMIESON, HEAD OF FOOD AND DRINK, HIE

The global reputation of food and drink from the Highlands and Islands is founded on our natural assets, it is steeped in our history and culture, and it economically sustains our rural communities.

Yet this iconic sector has been significantly impacted by changes beyond its control. The COVID-19 pandemic shook everything that seemed certain, Brexit disrupted access to markets, and the impacts of climate change on food systems cannot be ignored.

The food and drink sector is surviving, but it is vulnerable. In recent months, HIE has been working with the private and public sectors through the Scotland Food and Drink Partnership to chart a route through to a new normal. The national recovery plan has secured £11m from Scottish Government to stimulate demand in key markets and to prepare businesses to capitalise on demand.

Through HIE’s broad geographical reach, we’re well informed to represent the challenges and growth ambitions of businesses from our region and to design and share information on new responsive national programmes. It is imperative that these programmes meet the needs of small and medium sized businesses and deliver outcomes where they are needed to make an immediate difference.

We must play to our region’s strengths, focusing on our naturally productive environment, our positive attitude towards sustainable development, our culture of entrepreneurship, our young people and skilled workforces, our local communities, and our support infrastructure. We must confront conflict between the economy, the environment and society to identify new opportunities that climate-proof the region’s food production systems, whilst contributing to the longterm recovery, and overall health and wellbeing of our communities.

During the last year we’ve seen inspiring examples of determination, collaboration, innovation and ambition.

And, whilst great uncertainties remain, we must remember that economies and society are intertwined, and we all have a role to play in imagining and creating a prosperous and sustainable future for the food and drink sector in the Highlands and Islands.

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LUSSA DRINKS: GROWING A GIN BRAND FROM THE GROUND UP Lussa Drinks was established on the Isle of Jura in 2015 by three neighbours: Claire Fletcher, Georgina Kitching and Alicia MacInnes.

L-R: Alicia Macinnes, Claire Fletcher and Georgina Kitching. Photo credit: Lussa Gin

With opportunities for work for women limited on an island with a population of just over 200 people, the business started small from a kitchen table, but it had big ambitions from the outset: to create a premium gin on the Isle of Jura using botanicals that could be grown or foraged on the island.

“Since starting up, we’ve renovated an old stables building to house our distillery where we have ownership of the whole process from growing the botanicals to distilling and labelling,” explains Claire. “We’ve been recognised for our gin, for our business and our bottle design with several awards. We’re now selling around 10,000 bottles of Lussa Gin each year across the UK – online, from the distillery door, direct to trade, wholesale and export.”

In October 2019, with support from HIE, Lussa Drinks attended the Showcasing Scotland event at Gleneagles, delivered in partnership between Scotland Food & Drink and Scottish Development International, and made contact with a large American buyer. Conversations continued after the event, and in March 2020, those conversations came good with an order placed for 10 pallets of Lussa Gin, the biggest single order the company has had to date.

“As a result of that order, we received financial support from HIE to help us scale up quickly,” explains Claire. “We had to convert another outbuilding into a warehouse for extra storage and purchase new equipment and take on staff to increase capacity.

We’ve also received a Digital Enablement Grant to increase our online offering and capture visitors to our website.”

“Without the help from HIE, we quite simply would have struggled to fulfil the order to the USA, and we would have missed a massive opportunity to grow our business,” adds Claire.

“HIE has been great at pointing us in the right direction for specialist advice on import and export, particularly with the triple whammy of Brexit, Christmas and COVID at the end of 2020. With the support available, and a lot of hard work, we’re looking to the future with a good degree of positivity.”

Lussa Drinks are also about to embark on an exciting new initiative. The Academy is a unique training programme, delivered by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, to help Scottish producers sell themselves, build their brands and thrive in grocery and foodservice markets. There are three distinct programmes: Seeding Growth, Accelerating Growth and Commercial Excellence to suit businesses at different stages of their growth. Lussa Drinks are amongst the first cohort of businesses to take part in the Accelerating Growth programme to help them scale up and meet the increasing demand for their gin.

Photo credit: Lussa Gin

The partners are now talking to another importer about further export opportunities and are in the process of building a gin garden to improve the visitor experience for the summer. This year, they plan to double production and to cement the relationships that have been nurtured with their American customers.

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MV Kaami on dry dock floor during decommissioning process

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF IN KISHORN For many businesses 2021 will be a time to rebuild but for those at Kishorn Port Limited (KPL) it will be a chance to reflect and build on the considerable progress they have been able to achieve during the global pandemic.

Significant strides have been made over the past 12 to 18 months to regenerate the port and dry dock in Kishorn, nestled in the west coast of Scotland.

A DOCK IN DEMAND A joint venture between Leiths (Scotland) Ltd and Ferguson Transport (Spean Bridge) Ltd, KPL was formed in 2008 with an aim to bring the dry dock back into full use.

Fast-forward to 2020, the port welcomed Teekay’s Banff FPSO for temporary mooring, the Voyageur Spirit FPSO for a significant scope of work and the dry dock was also used for the dismantling of the MV Kaami cargo vessel which ran aground off the coast of Skye in March. In April of this year the port was also able to take in the Northern Producer rig – the first of its kind in the UK to be decommissioned in a dry dock.

It therefore comes as no surprise that the latest plans are to extend the dry dock, allowing it to accommodate much larger marine structures and vessels, a move that will come with the promise of at least 40 jobs and will provide a much-needed boost to the economy. As pointed out by the KPL director, Alasdair Ferguson, this number of jobs in a rural area like Kishorn would be the equivalent to an opening of several hundred in a large city. This expansion will allow for the recycling of longer vessels, in particular FSPOs. The dry dock and deep, sheltered waters of Loch Kishorn, combined with onsite quarry and concrete expertise, make Kishorn uniquely well placed to produce concrete and spar design structures for floating offshore wind projects.

“We’ve worked in earnest over the past four or five years on licensing, permitting and getting the dock ready and able for decommissioning,” explains Alasdair. “The yard has always been included in the National Renewables Infrastructure plan for Scotland, particularly for concrete based manufacturing, but there was a clear, emerging market in decommissioning.

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“Out of the blue in March 2020 the MV Kaami went aground north west of Skye. So, we proposed that, while we didn’t yet have all our ducks in a row on the regulation side of things, our dry dock would be ideally suited to take it in to be recycled.

“We did take it in and only a very small percentage was unable to be recycled. This opened up new doors in the market for recycling and decommissioning and really put us on the map by demonstrating an exemplary facility where recycling can be undertaken in a safe, contained and environmentally friendly manner.

“A minimum of 40 jobs will be created on the decommissioning side of things but obviously the extension of the dry dock will allow for a lot more. We reckon creating 40 jobs in an area like Kishorn would be the equivalent of creating 400 jobs in a city like Glasgow or Aberdeen, for example.”

HELPING THE COMMUNITY With great expansion comes great opportunity and Alasdair recognises the need to encourage local people to learn new skills, while utilising existing ones. He works closely with Developing the Young Workforce and has links with schools and colleges nearby but is also keen to reach out to those in the area who have lost jobs in other sectors as a result of the pandemic.

There is also a strong desire to welcome people back to the area who have been living elsewhere.

“Working with young people is definitely a priority but there are people of all ages in the area that could upskill,” he says.

“Some have been out of work with other sectors getting quieter over the pandemic and they have transferable skills.

“There is also a need to attract local people back to the area to live and work. The ideal scenario would be to have people who are currently working away from home, unable to find jobs in the community, come back to the area to live with their families because of these new opportunities.”

Alasdair Ferguson

LOOKING AHEAD With activity set to accelerate over the next few months, Alasdair and his co-directors have ambitious long-term plans for the port so that it continues to benefit the community for many years to come.

Voy a ma ger S inte p nan irit FS ce and PO in dr pre ser y doc vat k fo ion r wo rks

“We have got some great plans for the future to develop and grow at pace and I think we are already achieving great success in what we have delivered so far,” he explains.

“For decades and generations to come the yard will facilitate everything from the energy to the aquaculture sector, which are all good growth areas.

“We want to futureproof the yard for the people locally, as well as the businesses involved. We need to make sure we put the right funding in place, as well as the right partners and stakeholders, to make sure that we can deliver that and I think that will come on a lot of fronts.”

A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK As director of KPL, Alasdair Ferguson has a great affinity with the area. Considering a move? Hear from him why he calls the Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross area home.

“It goes without saying that the outdoors and the rural nature of it all makes this area a very good place to live and work. If you look at the Lochaber area, then you’ve got your mountains, your skiing, biking and all the various other outdoor pursuits.

“As you go north to Kishorn you’ve got the Bealach na Bà, the Isle of Skye close by, all of the outdoor pursuits you could ever wish to have, and it’s a lovely scenic area to live with lots of opportunity.

“The great thing about Kishorn in particular is that, while it is a very rural area, it is only an hour and a half to Inverness, there are a couple of private airports nearby and good links by rail and road.

This means you’re not far from many places and connectivity is improving all the time.”

ALASTAIR NICOLSON HIE’S AREA MANAGER FOR LOCHABER, SKYE AND WESTER ROSS “Kishorn Port and Dry Dock is a great asset to Wester Ross that supports valuable jobs in a very rural area. We are delighted we’ve been able to work with Alasdair and his team for several years now, investing in upgrading the dry dock in readiness for new contracts and more recently helping to fund accommodation facilities.

“It’s been fantastic to see what KPL has been able to achieve for the region over the past few months, particularly at a time where the global pandemic has impacted so many other areas of work.

“The latest plans to expand the dry dock will not only create a number of jobs but will also generate wider economic benefits well beyond the Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross area.”

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UNIVERSITY OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS CELEBRATES 10TH BIRTHDAY

This year, the University of the Highlands and Islands is celebrating the 10th anniversary of being awarded its full university status. A partnership of 13 independent colleges and research institutions, the university is the first of its kind in Scotland and among only a handful in Europe.

As a key partner of the university, HIE is joining University of the Highlands and Islands in marking the anniversary celebrations with a seminar highlighting the university’s important work on health and life sciences. The seminar will look at how the university’s research activity aligns with the clinical and economic needs of the area and the associated opportunities for the region.

Here, we take a broader look at the work of some of the university’s leading academics, and also talk to some of the many students who have benefited from the university, and are now working to create additional opportunities for others in the Highlands and Islands.

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A NEW DECADE, A NEW PRINCIPAL The Privy Council may have conferred official university status on 1 February 2011, but the roots of the University of the Highlands and Islands can be traced back as far as 1884 and the founding of its oldest member institution, the Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI (SAMS UHI). Today, the university encompasses institutions rooted in communities across the Highlands and Islands (see map).

In 2021, the anniversary was doubly notable as it was also the day the university welcomed its new Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Todd Walker. At first taking up his new role remotely from his home in Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Professor Walker brings a wealth of experience of multi-campus education from his role as Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of New England in New South Wales.

Professor Todd Walker

With almost 42,000 students enrolled in further and higher education, the university is home to the largest student population in Scotland and has pioneered remote and distance learning.

Professor Walker explains: “I was delighted to join the university partnership on its 10th birthday and I commend our founders for their vision in providing tertiary education in the Highlands and Islands. I have seen first-hand the benefits of multi-campus and tertiary universities from my time at Australian institutions including the University of Ballarat, Federation University and the University of New England. I am excited to work with staff and students, partners and principals, community and government to help shape our remarkable organisation for the next ten years.”

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Moray College UHI. Photo credit: Tim Winterburn / UHI

LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES, INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

FINDING THE IDEAL HOME BASE

As a regional, multi-campus university, unique in Scotland, the University of the Highlands and Islands has pioneered blended learning. This year, three of its partners, North Highland College UHI, West Highland College UHI and Inverness College UHI were shortlisted in the prestigious Times Educational Supplement Awards 2021 for ‘outstanding use of technology in delivering remote teaching and learning’.

As the daughter of a serving military officer, Amie Williams was used to moving around. While working as an au pair in Switzerland at the age of 17, she decided to build on her interest in scuba diving and study marine science as a way to build a career in the field.

The university contributes £560m each year to the economies of the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire, and supports 6,200 jobs. A new Islands Strategy has been developed in line with the Scottish Government’s Island Growth agenda. The strategy will recognise and reinforce the commitment of the university to support island economies and deliver tailored course offerings.

Morven Cameron

Marking the institution’s 10th birthday, Morven Cameron, HIE’s head of universities, education and skills, says: “Our close association with the University of the Highlands and Islands dates back to its candidate status in the nineties, through its giant strides to university status in 2011. The unique strategic partnership between HIE and the university remains as strong as ever and the 10th anniversary of that important milestone is certainly something to celebrate.

“You can’t overstate the importance of universities to the region’s economy. They attract and retain talent, particularly young people. They strengthen skills and expertise across the workforce, which helps attract inward investors. They employ people directly and indirectly, and they invest in capital and infrastructure.”

“I was drawn to the small class sizes and good relationships on offer with researchers – the SAMS course offered a way to get really submerged in the topic.”

Amie Williams

Students can attend in person at over 70 local learning centres or study online from anywhere in the world, with qualifications available in subjects from archaeology and business to languages and theology. With one third of all students coming from outside the traditional catchment area, it’s clear that the reputation of the university is spreading far and wide. Over 69% of the university’s research has been classified as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ according to the Research Excellence Framework.

“I wanted to study marine science as it encompasses multiple disciplines,” explains Amie. She found the ideal course on offer at SAMS UHI in Oban.

Deciding to stay in Oban having successfully completed her course and a subsequent Masters, Amie is confident she made the right decision.

“I made the best friends of my life at SAMS and got opportunities I wouldn’t have had anywhere else,” she says.

“In our first year, we were out on boats doing sampling fieldwork and that experience, plus the network I built up at SAMS, helped me get to where I am today. I’ve done internships in South Africa and the Philippines, worked on a project in Peru and served as Project Manager for the Scottish Shark Tagging Programme.”

Building on these roles, Amie’s current position with NatureScot sees her facilitating the production of marine protected area (MPA) management plans for the Argyll marine region, which for the first time aims to trial MPA management on a regional, rather than site-specific, basis.

Having made her home in Oban, Amie can think of no better base for her marine science career.

“I’ve moved around a lot, but I’ve never felt settled like I am here in Oban,” she explains. “There’s so much on your doorstep. For SAMS students, this is great, because it means you don’t have to go anywhere else for marine environments or lab facilities during term time, and now it’s perfect for me because it’s a place you can’t help but fall in love with. Oban is busy enough without being crowded, and I have the beach and amazing views right on my doorstep.”

Today, 10 years on from the award of full university status, students and staff are relishing new opportunities to live, work and study in the Highlands and Islands.

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WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES

Dr Anuschka Miller, a marine biogeochemist who now leads SAMS UHI’s work in connecting with locals in and around Oban as well as in the global scientific community, echoes the importance of the local environment to SAMS UHI.

“I’m a Shetlander born and bred,” reports Dr Beth Mouat. “I am very conscious of how fortunate I am that the university partnership covers the islands, meaning I can pursue my career without having to sacrifice living in the place I call home.”

“Scots are rightly proud of our education system, but this is often focused on the central belt and east.

People are often surprised to find an institution like SAMS in Oban, and are blown away by the diversity of what we do here. Scotland has so many diverse marine environments and from here we can study ocean environments, sea lochs, sheltered environments and more.”

Having been part of SAMS UHI for two decades, Dr Miller has seen the institution double in staff complement, add 200 fulltime students and attract new marine science businesses to the area, forming a specialist hub in the HIE-funded European Marine Science Park.

And over time, as Dr Miller explains, SAMS UHI has also become evermore embedded in the Oban community following its relocation from Millport in the 1960s.

“When I first arrived, there was a little bit of a disconnect between SAMS and locals. But as we’ve developed our degree programmes and established a Festival of the Sea and the Ocean Explorer visitor and outreach centre, we’ve been able to recruit more staff and students locally and we’re now one vibrant community. People used to have to choose to leave this beautiful place and their loved ones if they wanted certain careers, and now they can stay here and have both.

Contributing to forming a university that will still be here in 500 years, connecting Oban to the world, may well turn out to be SAMS’ greatest legacy.”

As Joint Head of Marine Science and Technology at Shetland’s NAFC Marine Centre UHI, Dr Mouat is responsible for marine research and development with a focus on marine spatial planning, aquaculture and the fisheries industries which are so critical to Shetland.

Dr Beth Mouat

Dr Anuschka Miller

A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT, UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

“This is an excellent place to study, work, research and learn as well as being a fantastic place to live,” says Dr Mouat. “People think of the islands as being remote, but when we consider fisheries or aquaculture we are actually at the centre of things, and this strength of location will hopefully continue with opportunities for the production of renewable energy. Historically we were right at the centre of international maritime trade routes and that connectivity and the outward-facing community it creates both continue today. Culturally, islanders are adaptable and innovative, so it makes sense that we’re at the forefront of this new style of regional university.”

Being rooted in local communities means that the activities and offerings of the university can be tailored to serve local needs.

“The NAFC started out as a training college for the local fishing industry so that our fishermen could gain the qualifications they needed without having to travel to the mainland. Over time the range of courses and formal qualifications has expanded, and we now offer a broad range of maritime courses, including cadetships in the merchant navy. Our expertise in the local marine environment means we’ve been well placed to serve and support the development of the aquaculture sector too.”

Dr Mouat is leading the university’s new Islands Strategy, and considers it a strong statement of intent to support island communities. “The islands share some common challenges – including population decline and climate change mitigation – but each also has its own unique situation. We’re working on supporting communities and businesses now and in the future, protecting rural economies as circumstances change and helping the islands benefit from investment in local people and home-grown talent.”

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LIVE LOCAL, STUDY LOCAL, WORK LOCAL Another student working to make a difference is Ellie McLaren, newly appointed Student Ambassador for XpoNorth, the creative economy support network for the Highlands and Islands.

Eddie Mowles had been unemployed for 16 years when he enrolled as a mature student at West Highland College UHI in Fort William. Over the course of his maritime and aquaculture studies, tutors saw him transform from being unsure of computers and wary of studying alongside younger students to being a confident leader in the classroom who often helped his classmates.

Graduating this spring with a degree in applied music, Ellie is all too aware of how daunting the process can be for students leaving education and entering the job market. As Student Ambassador, Ellie will help build on the success of the LevelUP! programme delivered jointly by XpoNorth and the university to help students into careers in the creative industries.

Eddie Mowles

After successfully completing work experience and a timelimited work contract, Eddie returned to the classroom to continue his education at the Mallaig learning centre on an NC shipping and operations course. His progress, dedication and transformation earned him the title of University of the Highlands and Islands Further Education Student of the Year.

“We’re in the pilot year right now and exploring what support is needed long term,” explains Ellie. “The idea is that students will be able to access mentoring, career advice and access to find career opportunities, which are even more limited than usual right now due to the pandemic.”

Eddie says: “I now have the confidence to do things I never thought I could do. Mallaig is a special place.”

Course leader Shaun Escott, who nominated Eddie for the award, explains: “We are all very proud of Eddie. He demonstrated tremendous determination and used his college experience to turn his life around completely.

He is testament that our courses can be life changing.

STUDENTS MAKING AN IMPACT The work of one student at the university has changed not only his own life, but the daily habits of countless people across the country. John Frace added a COVID-19 tracker to his Travelling Tabby website in March 2020, and over a year later people still log on each afternoon for the daily updates.

From his home in Dunoon, John is studying for a degree in business and management with the University of the Highlands and Islands. He credits his success in building his website in part to the HNC in digital design and web development which he previously completed at Argyll College UHI. John Frace

Ellie McLaren

As well as providing high quality job opportunities for faculty and support staff, the university is helping students into employment too.

“It had a big focus on web design and what makes a good website good,” explains John.

And with almost 15 million visits to his site to date, as well as national news coverage, it seems certain John’s website has been a resounding success.

With a flexible online learning model, Ellie was able to combine her own studies with valuable teaching and performance opportunities she wouldn’t have been able to take advantage of had she been learning in a traditional university setting.

“It was a much more intimate and engaging learning experience. I felt more comfortable speaking up and asking questions in a group of 10 than I would have in a packed lecture hall. We all met up for residencies four times each year, and it was great to see just how many students there are in the same boat as you. The residencies were definitely a mixture of studying and socialising!

“I think there’s a lot people need to learn about distance learning – people worry that they might miss out on the student experience, but that’s not been the case for me. Being able to fit studying around my own schedule of teaching and performing has been ideal, and now I’m learning a lot in my new role with XpoNorth. It’s really exciting being able to tell students based in the Highlands and Islands about all the great opportunities they can access in the music business.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE As the partnership celebrates 10 years since receiving official university status, Professor Walker has his sights set firmly on the future.

“I have joined the University of the Highlands and Islands at such an exciting time in its development and growth,” he says. “Our mission is to have a transformational impact on the prospects of our region, its economy, its people and its communities.

“I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with staff and students, partners and principals, community and government as we continue to build and strengthen the university partnership to achieve this aim. I believe the University of the Highlands and Islands is poised for a bright future and I am honoured to lead the partnership through the next chapter of the university’s development.”

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Inverness Campus. Photo credit: Tim Winterburn / UHI

Photo credit: Wilder Ways

HARNESSING THE POWER OF FEMALE RURAL ENTREPRENEURS IN ARGYLL The W-Power Female Entrepreneurs Online Network is an international empowerment programme for women entrepreneurs in sparsely populated areas across northern and arctic communities. Stretching from Ireland to Lapland, W-Power was introduced to Argyll in 2018 as a three-year project supported by HIE.

Photo credit: Wilder Ways

As they developed the business from its base in Campbeltown, Cara had positive encounters with a number of start-up and entrepreneurship support services, including the SJ Noble Trust, but had shied away from groups specifically targeted at women entrepreneurs.

When Cara Gelati set up the adventure company Wilder Ways with her wife Nikki in 2015 she had no background in entrepreneurship. But following a week spent on Islay trekking with Nikki’s two ponies, the pair decided to leave their previous roles to set up a company offering guided horse-riding expeditions, trail-riding holidays and tailor-made outdoor adventures.

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Then, in 2019, Cara and Wilder Ways applied for, and won, an innovation award from W-Power. Presenting her idea for the exciting new activity of horseback archery, Cara was impressed by the detailed training and support available to the businesswomen in preparing their pitches. They won one of five prizes awarded to help support female-led businesses across the international network.

During a debrief with project leader Cathy Higginson from HIE, Cara agreed to join the leadership committee of the Argyll W-Power network. Now chair of the committee, Cara sees her role as helping to ‘pay it forward’ – reaching out to other successful businesswomen in the region to secure speakers and support, helping members move to the next level on their own entrepreneurial journey.

In spring last year, as businesses were impacted by COVID-19 measures, Cara and the committee began reaching out to member businesses to see how the network could offer support. That call came at just the right time for Karen Lindsey, who had launched her craft beer store The Oban Beer Seller the weekend prior to lockdown.

Photo credit: Ellis Butcher

“I thought of that word as being for people like Duncan Bannantyne or Richard Branson,” says Rachel. “It’s been really beneficial to reclaim that term for myself – it’s an empowering label.”

Rachel had been invited to join W-Power by Cathy Higginson.

In contrast to her previous experience with business advisers who took her less seriously despite recognising her sound plans, Rachel felt for the first time that she was respected for both her ideas and her business acumen.

Finding a home among fellow entrepreneurial women living and working in rural communities played a big role in Rachel’s change of mindset and embracing her identity as an entrepreneur.

“I didn’t realise how much I needed some extra help,” says Karen. “I knew what I had to do but in the face of the pandemic I didn’t have the motivation to get started. Speaking to Cara and having the friendly encouragement of the network gave me the confidence I needed – it came at the exact right moment.”

With an online delivery model that pre-empted the pandemic, collaboration is common among W-Power members despite their wide geographic spread. From formal video-based training sessions to informal drop-in online chats, members can pick and choose the topics and type of support to suit their circumstances.

For both Cara and Karen, discussions online were important signposts to sources of information on eligibility for pandemic support. Discussing shared challenges with fellow entrepreneurs in other rural communities also offered valuable social support during a worrying time.

“I still haven’t met any of the other W-Power network members in person,” says Karen, “but I felt like we were all friends by the end.”

The W-Power network has also delivered new business opportunities for members. Having worked to help members develop their sales and pitching skills, the Argyll network now offers a social selling opportunity every two months where members can showcase their businesses to fellow members.

Capitalising on advice from the group on how to take The Oban Beer Seller online, Karen used one such occasion to run an online beer tasting event. Her in-depth knowledge of her products and skill in running the online tasting impressed fellow W-Power member Rachel MacNeill of the Islay Whisky Academy, so much so that Karen and Rachel are now hoping to work together to deliver ‘half and half’ tastings both online and in person.

Despite having built a thriving business, offering whisky education and tours on Islay, Rachel had never considered herself an entrepreneur until she joined W-Power.

Photo credit: Ben Shakespeare Photography

“I’d never worked in retail before so there was a lot I didn’t know, but the network was so generous. Nobody was gatekeeping the information, and people really helped me with the specifics,” Karen explains.

Rachel MacNeill

Having launched a bricks and mortar retail business, Karen lost her only route to market overnight when lockdown was implemented. With support from other members of W-Power, Karen pivoted her new business, setting up an e-commerce online offering.

Membership of the network has brought other benefits, too.

Following an online workshop with a brand storytelling trainer from South Africa, Rachel has been connected to a professional copywriter and is completely revamping her website and online presence.

“That was the most valuable training session I ever had,” recalls Rachel. “It was the first time I’d ever been contacted in advance so that the training could be tailored to my needs, there was no waffle – it was all usable information. And it was all thanks to W-Power.”

Just like Karen, Rachel feels more confident in her entrepreneurship thanks to W-Power, and is keen for more women to claim this identity for themselves.

“I would love to say to young girls that ‘entrepreneur’ can be a career choice, and that equally it is a term that can apply to creative people too. I think the economic models used in the past have largely failed the world, particularly women and rural communities, because they told us we didn’t fit into a particular box. Now I have the confidence to say I’m good at this – it’s the box that’s wrong.”

With the three-year project timeframe drawing to a close in early 2021, both the committee and the members were keen to ensure the valuable support continued into the future.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Cathy Higginson of HIE and Pamela Looper of Tuminds,” says Cara. “They made it their mission to make sure the momentum wasn’t lost. They managed to extend our funding by four months to make sure the network was there to support our members while they reopened their businesses after lockdown.”

With the committee now taking over the running of the group to ensure its continued success, Cara is optimistic about the future of W-Power in Argyll. “I’ve seen how important the network is to our members and I think we have a great opportunity to build on the progress so far. We’re here to help our members dare to believe.”

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COMMUNITIES INVEST IN READINESS TO WELCOME BACK VISITORS More than 50 community-led tourism venues across the Highlands and Islands have tapped into a £1.59m capital fund to help them prepare to welcome visitors again.

Cafes, heritage centres, visitor attractions, and community accommodation operators are among those carrying out community building upgrades, adaptations for kitchens and takeaway points, and introducing outdoor seating and public walkways.

The HIE Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Fund has also supported capital projects to address local environmental challenges. Community organisations are protecting natural capital with campervan waste disposal and enhancing safe toilet provision. They are also improving car and campervan parking, providing electric vehicle (EV) charging points and introducing e-bikes as a more sustainable way for people to explore destinations.

Neil Ross, HIE’s head of community growth, says: “All through the pandemic community organisations have been vital in ensuring emergency funds have reached those most impacted. We’ve seen demand grow for help as organisations prepare to restart normal activities. Our short-term COVID-19 investment funding has helped kickstart local supply chains and prepare community buildings and social enterprises for a safer re-opening.”

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LOCH NESS HUB One of the projects investing is the Loch Ness Hub. This new community benefit company is revitalising the former tourist information centre in Drumnadrochit. The hub has an ambitious business plan to deliver wide-ranging services, including a shuttlebus and baggage service, and green initiatives for local residents and visitors.

Russell Fraser, manager of Loch Ness Hub, comments: “We’ve been carrying out a complete refurbishment programme of the existing Hub building, new toilet renovations, paintwork throughout, a motorhome service point and a digital booking system for our services. We want to provide a one stop shop for visitors and locals to discover and enjoy our history, heritage, landscape, local products and services.”

Developed following a very successful community shareholders buy-in, the Hub’s aim is to generate profits that will be put back into the community. The Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Fund has supported their renovation work, EV charging point and motorhome hook up points with £86,000.

Find out more about them at www.hie.co.uk/lochnesshub These capital investments have come from HIE’s own funds. They aim to support community organisations, local infrastructure, and the restart and recovery of a key sector as an economic driver for the region. See another feature on the importance of community-led tourism at the UK’s most northerly location at www.hie.co.uk/unsttourism

INNSE GALL A’ FAIGHINN BUANNACHD ÀS AN TASGADH Tha tasgaidhean Bun-structar Turasachd nan Coimhearsnachdan a’ cur taic ri pròiseactan calpa tarsainn na roinne gus cuideachadh le ullachadh airson tilleadh sàbhailte do luchd-turasachd.

Tha deich buidhnean coimhearsnachd ann an Innse Gall ag obair a dh’ionnsaigh soirbheas nas fheàrr a choileanadh às dèidh a’ ghlasaidh-sluaigh, le taic maoineachaidh air a riarachadh le Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd ’s nan Eilean (HIE).

Tha tasgaidhean ann an Innse Gall air taic a chur ri coimhearsnachdan gus bun-structar a thogail a tha a’ dèiligeadh ri dùbhlain àrainneachdail ionadail sna h-eileanan. Tha iad sin a’ gabhail a-steach goireasan cuidhteis sgudal bhanaichean campachaidh, meudachadh solar sàbhailte de thaighean-beaga, cruthachadh ghoireasan ithe a-muigh agus toirt a-steach e-rothairean mar dhòigh nas seasmhaiche do luchd-tadhail air na h-eileanan a rannsachadh.

Chaidh taic a thoirt gu Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (UOG) airson bunstructar turasachd air a’ bhlàr a-muigh air feadh Oighreachd Ghabhsainn.

IMPROVED TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN NORTH LEWIS Ten community groups in the Outer Hebrides have been supported by the tourism capital fund for projects that help prepare for the safe return of visitors.

One of these is Galson Estate Trust, which has been working hard to provide infrastructure to address local environment challenges in the islands, including building outdoor eating facilities, introducing e-bikes and providing campervan waste disposal.

Lisa Maclean, chief executive at Galson Estate Trust, says: “The investment enables us to be better prepared for visitors and complements the work we’ve already been doing by way of promotion and destination management. We want to ensure the experience is positive for both those visiting, but also for the community who live here.”

Thuirt Lisa NicIllEathain, Àrd-Oifigear UOG:

“Mar thoradh air ar cultar agus ar n-eachdraidh shaidhbhir, ar costa iongantach agus ar pàirce-cluiche a bhuannaich duaisean, tha mòran aig an sgìre ri thabhann do na h-uile. Tha an taic bho HIE a’ toirt comas dhuinn a bhith nas deiseile a thaobh bun-structar còmhla ris an obair a tha sinn air a ghabhail os làimh mar-thà le adhartachadh agus làimhseachadh chinn-uidhe. Tha sinn airson a dhèanamh cinnteach gu bheil an suidheachadh deimhinneach don dà chuid iadsan a tha a’ tadhal, ach cuideachd don choimhearsnachd a tha an làthair.”

Lisa Maclean

“Tha an tasgadh air ar cuideachadh le aonad cuidhteis sgudal campachaidh a shuidheachadh, taighean-beaga a thogail, agus àiteachan nas fhasgaiche a-muigh a chruthachadh a thuilleadh air àiteachan suidhe air feadh na h-oighreachd. Dh’fhoillsich sinn làrachlìn ùr o chionn ghoirid, www. visitgalsonestate.com gus ceann a tuath Leòdhais a chur air adhart mar cheann-uidhe agus sgaoil sinn pasgain turasachd le fiosrachadh ionadail gu solaraichean àite-fuirich uile.

19 Port of Ness in north Lewis. Photo credit Mairi Gillies

AWS Ocean’s Waveswing device

WAVE ENERGY TO MAKE BIG SPLASH OFF ORKNEY The deployment of two high-tech devices in the waters off Orkney this year will represent a major milestone in the programme to make Scotland’s wave energy industry commercially sustainable.

Development of a new and innovative industrial technology was always going to be a huge challenge, but the future of Scotland’s wave energy sector has never been brighter.

Two exciting prototype devices are all set to be put to the ultimate test off Orkney this year, representing a significant milestone for the industry. The programme is led by Wave Energy Scotland, a subsidiary of HIE established in 2014, to take forward wave energy development in Scotland.

Tim Hurst

Demonstration of Mocean Energy’s Blue X unit and AWS Ocean’s Waveswing device will be the result of more than six years of innovation, development and testing, £41.6m Scottish Government investment, and the combined efforts of more than 230 organisations from 13 countries.

“The country is ready to fully capitalise on all that has been achieved in the wider wave sector and the specific opportunities now offered by Mocean and AWS,” says WES managing director Tim Hurst, who leads a team of 12 across offices in Inverness, Benbecula, Stornoway and Edinburgh.

The demonstration programme for the scaled devices is part of a long-term plan that includes deployment of nextgeneration units in 2023, multi-device arrays in 2024-25 and commercialisation on a utility scale in 2030. The focus throughout will be on performance and reliability.

The timeline dovetails with welcome backing from the UK government. Its Contracts for Difference scheme, the main programme for supporting low carbon electricity generation, is expected to smooth the route to market for wave power.

Deployment also coincides with this year’s upcoming COP26 climate conference in Glasgow and the acceleration of efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions in Scotland by 2045 and in the wider UK by 2050.

Next-generation renewable electricity generation including marine energy is expected to play a key role in the UK and globally in helping to keep global warming well below two degrees celsius.

Other sectors are also interested in the technology, particularly oil and gas. Mocean will, for example, incorporate its Blue X technology into a subsea battery storage and remote underwater vehicle concept being developed by EC-OG for Chrysaor, supported by the Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC).

“Our test programme in Orkney will allow us to prove our concept at sea,” says Mocean managing director Cameron McNatt.

Cameron McNatt

“Deployment of these devices is the culmination of 96 different projects carried out since 2014 across five competitive workstreams. The watchwords from day one have been collaboration, cross-fertilisation and shared knowledge,” adds Tim.

TIME TO SHINE

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“This enables the development of commercial scale technologies suited to the oil and gas and other industries,” he adds.

“It is a genuine opportunity to showcase the potential for renewable energy to power a subsea application.”

ECONOMIC RETURNS ACROSS SCOTLAND

PIONEERING APPROACH PAYS DIVIDENDS

Supply chains for the WES demonstration pair are 80% Scottish, which is a dramatic increase on rival renewable energy technologies including wind and solar power. And all involved in wave are adamant that the country should benefit in the long term from development of the sector.

WES drove the development programme from day one, evaluating the participants and their technologies – including materials, controls connections and the ability to harness power – on the basis of rigorous testing.

“Wave energy works,” says Tim Hurst. “The wider energy industry has long wanted to see the technology proved and we are now at that point. It is clearer than ever that we have a big part to play in meeting Scotland’s net zero target in 2045.”

Towards that end, the ongoing test and demonstration programme is expected to provide the environment necessary to attract a heavy-hitting industrial partner – a crucial step in the journey to utility-scale deployment.

And while wave remains a few years behind tidal power, as a sector it is optimistic of taking advantage of the trails already blazed. The rewards could be many times larger: the available resource is almost unlimited when compared with the much narrower range of sites suited to tidal devices.

Progress was built on intellectual property garnered at the outset from a number of wave sector pioneers and was focused on incorporating that first generation of learnings as part of the drive to reduce risks. Results since 2014 have been so positive that the European Commission is mirroring the approach through its own EuropeWave initiative, which supports the most promising wave energy ideas.

Indeed, a recent independent evaluation of the WES model for HIE reinforced the success of WES to date. Audrey MacIver, HIE’s director of energy and low carbon welcomed the report: “WES brought stability to the sector and has promoted greater confidence in the technology. It has helped retain jobs and skills and Scotland’s tremendous prospects in indigenous wave energy development. Thanks to WES, we can now be confident and excited again for the opportunities wave energy can bring to our region and to Scotland.

Audrey is optimistic that the WES approach could be adopted by others. She says: “In driving forward technological innovation, the WES model could be transferred to other complex low carbon technology development, and indeed to other sectors too.”

“The Wave Energy Scotland programme has been a success, certainly, but more importantly this technology is a success,” says Tim. “A credible, viable wave sector is taking shape in Scotland. That is a world-first and it should be celebrated.”

WES managing director Tim Hurst and Mocean managing director Cameron McNatt with the Mocean Energy’s Blue X unit

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WHY I LOVE RUNNING MY BUSINESS IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

RHODA MEEK Founder and Director of Isle Develop WHY IS ISLE DEVELOP BASED IN TIREE? Because I am! Our goal is to be a remote company distributed across all of the islands. Currently we have two members of our team in Tiree, one in Harris, and we’ve recently recruited another in Unst thanks to support from HIE. WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS IN TIREE? Being based here means I can continue to live in my family home and work on our family croft, in addition to running Isle Develop, doing my full-time day job, and running Tiree Tea. I really do enjoy the variety of being able to do different things! I love being able to get outdoors too, and savouring the feeling of space and freedom.

WHAT CHALLENGES DOES YOUR LOCATION PRESENT, AND HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM?

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought an immediate halt to tourism on the islands, Rhoda Meek knew she would have to pivot to online sales for her Tiree Tea brand. A late night tweet offering to feature other small island businesses on her website quickly grew into isle20.com, a directory and e-commerce shopping site offering island based businesses a vital new route to market.

With a mission to help the islands thrive and build strong economies which depend less on tourism, Rhoda and her team added island takeaway and delivery service isleEats.com during the pandemic, before forming Isle Develop CIC to oversee these and future projects.

As a Community Interest Company (CIC), Isle Develop now reinvests profits into local communities.

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Our location doesn’t really pose any challenges to be honest – our island locations are the reason Isle Develop exists! I think it’s actually hugely beneficial to be island based. We’re a part of these communities, so we understand the needs here and know what makes our islands tick.

We work together remotely, which I’m well used to: even prepandemic I had done that for over a decade, with teammates based in Latvia and the United States.

HOW HAS HIE SUPPORTED YOUR BUSINESS TO THRIVE IN TIREE? We’ve recently been awarded a capacity building grant from HIE, which allowed us to hire our first employee. This has been a huge step up for Isle Develop, because we were operationally ready to scale but we didn’t have the financial resources to do so without the grant. We really needed to bring someone on board to help us with the day to day running of things as isle20. com and isleEats.com expand, and the extra hands means we have time to keep looking at other new projects and working on how best to reinvest our profits as a CIC. We also got an innovation grant to help us upgrade the isle20.com website. I did a DIY job on the site at first to get us up and running, but as we grew, we needed a professional to come in and impose some order behind the scenes! Ultimately, a better and more user-friendly site will help our island businesses make more sales.

Isle20.com - cothroman ùra do ghnìomhachasan eileanach ’B e an galar sgaoilte an adhbhar iomlan airson Isle Develop a thighinn gu bith. Chuir Rhoda Meek isle20.com air bhog mar àite margaidh airson luchd-malairt nan eilean a chuideachadh gus am bathar a thoirt a-mach gu margaidh nuair a nach robh an àireamh turasach a bha iad an urrachd ri, ann tuilleadh. Cha robh tairgse e-malairt aig mòran ghnìomhachasan agus mar sin, às aonais, luchd-turais a’ tighinn dha na h-eileanan bha iad air an gearradh dheth gu tur.

HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS? The pandemic was the whole reason for Isle Develop coming into being. I launched isle20.com as a marketplace to help island traders get their products out to market when the tourist footfall that they relied on suddenly was no longer there. Many businesses lacked an e-commerce offering, so with no tourists coming to the islands they were totally cut off.

Isle Develop was formed as a CIC to take forward this and other projects such as isleEats.com. The hope is that Isle Develop will help get other projects off the ground to help our island economies develop with less reliance on tourism.

TALK US THROUGH YOUR IDEAL WORK DAY… On an ideal day I’d have a long lie and wake up to a nice pot of coffee, spend a few hours working on emails and thinking about my business, walk the dog and check on the sheep.

In reality, I clatter between my computer and various different tasks, frequently involving tracking down escaped sheep and running to the post with packages of Tiree Tea. Island life is fantastic, but it’s not quite the rural idyll some people imagine!

CAN YOU TELL US IN THREE WORDS WHY YOU LOVE RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS? It’s my home!

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What does innovation mean to your business?

It’s been a challenging time, but as we recover and look to the future, the businesses of tomorrow will need to adapt and grow, whilst keeping the planet in mind.

For Scotland to reach its net zero target, innovation and more sustainable business practices must go hand-in-hand. However, embracing innovation doesn’t have to be difficult – it can be more efficient and cost-effective than you think.

Whether you’re just starting out with the spark of an idea or your business is needing a reboot, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is here to help get you started on your innovation journey.

We deliver a wealth of resources and support across the Highlands and Islands to businesses who are looking to make improvements, big or small. This could mean a change to product design, manufacturing processes, packaging or how you transport your goods.

Some of the support we offer includes: • Research and development • Implementing new ideas

• Improving existing services • Finding new areas for your business to explore • Developing a strategy for future innovation

• Protecting your intellectual assets

• Funding for businesses and communities that are responding to COVID-19 challenges.

Businesses who have benefited from our Innovation support have seen accelerated growth and increased efficiency, whilst cutting down their carbon footprint.

Are you ready to innovate your way towards a greener future?

Visit hie.co.uk/innovation