Pentland Firth and Orkney Energy Brings Folk Out

15th November 2010

OVER 400 people from Caithness and North Sutherland turned out in Thurso last week to find out more about the world's first commercial wave and tidal stream energy projects in the Pentland Firth & Orkney waters.

Taking place over two days, the exhibition in the Pentland Hotel was hosted by The Crown Estate and developers. Residents and community representatives were invited to the information days to view site development plans and meet staff from The Crown Estate, developer companies and other organisations including Marine Scotland, the management authority responsible for marine licensing.

Duncan Mackay, project manager from The Crown Estate commented on the turn out and positive response: "The development of wave and tidal energy in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters is of huge significance to this area, and with hundreds of people coming to this event, it shows how important that is to the community.

"The feedback we received from visitors was hugely positive, and the developers were delighted to have a chance to speak directly with local people about their plans and all the work that has been going on so far."

Annemarie Monteforte, head of business growth for Highlands and Islands Enterprise commented: "It's great to see these companies here in Thurso meeting the local people. We are very encouraged to see such a great turnout of people wanting to understand more about the projects and explore how local economic benefits could be gained from them. The Pentland Firth and Orkney waters projects are an exciting opportunity for future investment in the Highlands and Islands, particularly in Caithness, North Sutherland and Orkney."

Dr Ian Davies, theme leader for Renewable Energy at Marine Scotland said: "Marine Scotland is delighted to be in Thurso encouraging the development of the new wave and tidal power industries. Renewable energy can make a significant contribution to counteracting the effects of climate change, providing sustainable new jobs into the future, and be a centrepiece of the Scottish economy."

Information about the events was sent to 26,000 households across Orkney, Caithness and North Sutherland. The event went on to Kirkwall, Orkney on Friday and Saturday last week.

Developers are planning to hold further public events to make sure local residents are kept up-to-date.