Wick Harbour Takes A Big Step Forward With New Funding
3rd July 2013
Wick Harbour Authority's ambitious plans to attract new jobs to the area from the offshore wind industry have received a boost with the combined support of £450,000 from two partners in the Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP).
The Harbour Authority is positioning the port to attract business from the two large offshore wind developments in the Moray Firth, and is currently working on a multi-phase programme to ensure that its facilities meet the requirements of industry. The first project will be the installation of heavy lift facilities at the port's commercial quay and the dredging of the entry channel to the quay, which has attracted grant support of up to £250,000 from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and up to £200,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The Harbour Authority has also been successful in attracting private funding for this phase of work.
Wick Harbour Authority Chairman Willie Watt welcomed the funding boost to WHA's plans:
"We are extremely happy with the support received from HIE and the NDA on these two vitally important projects. Since 2005 the Board at Wick Harbour have consistently worked towards achieving commercial sustainability for the Harbour in the long term. The support and confidence that HIE and NDA have shown is testament to the long term vision we have planned.
Our stepping stone approach has created new opportunities and confidence around the port and we look forward to developing the Harbour in response to the potential that will come from the two major offshore wind projects just off our shores. The number of jobs that could be realised will be in excess of 300 and this is just one part of our portfolio that will bring new opportunities to Caithness and North Sutherland."
Wick Harbour Authority has been working on its plans with CNSRP partners, attracting support for a range of background and technical studies. CNSRP Chairman Sir Antony Cleaver said:
"The Partnership identified Wick Harbour Authority's plans as a priority because of the potential to attract a significant number of new jobs to the area in a key sector, so I am delighted to see this evidence of progress. The ability of partners to come together in this way is one of the key strengths of CNSRP as we continue to address the area's future economic sustainability."
Anna MacConnell, the NDA's Stakeholder and Socio-economic Manager, said: "Wick Harbour Authority is an example of community-led economic development at its best. The role of the public sector, to support and encourage sustainable economic growth, is made so much easier when working with a Board as adaptable and innovative as Wick Harbour Authority. The NDA is pleased to continue our long association with Wick Harbour Authority."
Roy Kirk, area manager for HIE, said: "This is an excellent example of good partnership working to develop a harbour which is strategically important to the region. By combining private and public sector finance we are developing the facilities that Wick Harbour Authority needs to deliver services for the growing renewables energy industry. HIE is delighted to support the growth of the infrastructure required to allow the region to get maximum benefit from the sector."
Related Businesses
Related Articles
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
Shell-volution is an ambitious industry-wide initiative supported by the public sector and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) which has been awarded £4.4 million of investment from the UK Government as part of the Islands Growth Deal. This innovative, ground-breaking project is set to transform shellfish aquaculture, bringing sustainable growth and additional quality jobs in mussel farming, based on detailed investigations (mapping and monitoring) and creating a model for improving security and reliability of wild spat recruitment, through industry best practice.
On 27 November 2024 the Community and Places committee will consider a report on play parks in Highland. 94 play parks across Highland including 26 in Caithness are scheduled to close over 5 years.
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
A Nairn-based foundry, which has achieved international recognition for its larger-than-life bronze castings has invested in a £200,000 expansion to help it reach greater heights. An award of £60,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has helped Black Isle Bronze to improve infrastructure and purchase equipment to extend the range of projects the firm can undertake.
On Thursday the 21 November 2024, the Education Committee will be presented with an Education Trust Fund report that asks Members to approve the formation of an Education Trust Fund Sub Committee. There are significant funds held by The Highland Council in trust for the educational benefit within different communities.
At the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday 14 November 2024 councillors adopted an ambitious action plan to tackle biodiversity loss and support a nature-positive Highland. The Council's Ecology Strategy and Action Plan Strategy sets out and defines a series of key actions and activities that will assist the Council to deliver positive action to tackle biodiversity loss and start to address the ecological emergency for the benefit of its environment, economy, and communities.
The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have approved the rural Housing Supplementary Guidance which will now be used to inform all planning advice and decisions. Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "Following the decision by members today, I am pleased that we now have a positive, clear and consistent basis for considering and determining rural housing planning applications across the whole of the Highland Council area.
Young businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands looking to increase productivity, innovation and employment can apply for funding from HIE. The fourth round of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Young Business Capital Grant (YBCG) is now open to businesses that have been trading for less than five years with up to 250 full-time equivalent employees.
New guidance to support schools and organisations working with children and young people to develop comprehensive anti-bullying policies and improve behaviour and relationships has been published. ‘Respect for all' includes updates for staff on how to deal with specific incidents of bullying, including online bullying.
