Caithness and Sutherland economy on the menu at HIE business breakfast

13th November 2012

Business and community leaders in Caithness and Sutherland will be meeting enterprise bosses tomorrow to discuss local and national issues.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is hosting a business breakfast in Thurso with representatives from around 30 business and community groups operating locally. They will be meeting with HIE Board members, HIE Chief Executive Alex Paterson, Chairman Professor Lorne Crerar and staff from the local offices in Thurso and Golspie.

The meeting ties in with a two day visit by the agency’s Board to various groups, projects and businesses across the area, including Pulteneytown Peoples Project in Wick, Scrabster Harbour Trust, North Highland College UHI and an update on the John O’Groats redevelopment from Natural Retreats.

HIE’s Area Manager for Caithness and Sutherland, Roy Kirk commented: “This visit by the HIE Board will help provide them with an insight into the ambition and innovation of business and community groups across Caithness and Sutherland. The business breakfast gives the local community the chance to put forward any issues they may have and have a discussion about the best way forward for the local economy.

“The scale of change underway in Caithness and Sutherland is unlike that in any other part of Scotland. It is important we review the challenges we face and what progress has been made in boosting the economy. This includes recognising the exciting developments in industries such as tourism, renewable energy and food and drink.

“The progress made so far is impressive – from the £6 million investment in John O’Groats and £20 million redevelopment of Scrabster Harbour, to the talent emerging from UHI’s Engineering Technology and Energy Centre in Thurso. The people of Caithness and Sutherland have proven that they have the confidence and skills to make the most of the opportunities which are arising.”