This article 'Potential Pentland Firth Electricity' generation was commissioned by the Energy Institute; it appears in this month's edition of its magazine aimed mainly at the renewables sector called 'Energy World' ; its monthly 'Petroleum Review' covers international oil and gas matters. Potential Pentland Firth Electricity by Bill Mowat The Pentland Firth, the narrow channel between Northern Scotland and the Orkney Islands, has been hailed as both the 'Holy Grail' and the 'Saudi Arabia' of British renewables, because of the massive amount of kinetic energy in its swift-moving currents (up to 12 knots).
Last Friday (30 May 2008) saw the annual Old Pulteney Prohibition Ball being held at the Pulteney Distillery in Wick. Beating last year's record intake, an astonishing £5265 were raised and donated to Wick's RNLI Station.
The Highland Council's Planning Environment and Development Committee today agreed funding of £495,000 towards VisitScotland's local operations in recognition of the fact that Tourism is the Highland's biggest industry. This contribution helps strengthen the close working relationship between the Council and VisitScotland that has been forged since the 2005 reorganisation of VisitScotland.
In the last financial year 2007/8 Highland Opportunity Limited (HOL) awarded over £1 million of investment into Highland businesses, matching the previous record level of investment seen in 2005/6. In a report presented to The Highland Council's Planning, Development, Europe and Tourism Committee, members were told that 300 Highland jobs created or supported through HOL's activity last year, again matching the previous record from 2 years ago.
Highland Councillors are set to step up their campaign to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices. A report to be considered by the Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee on Thursday highlights that the Council alone faces an increased fuel bill of £725,000 in the current financial year.
FORT WILLIAM, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (May, 30th) sold 337 store cattle, 39 breeding cattle, 29 OTM cattle and 855 sheep. Bullocks (172) averaged 158p and sold to 199.3p per kg for a pen of 281kg Charolais crosses from Moy Farm, Fort William and £700 gross for a 433kg Charolais cross from Keppoch Farms, Arisaig.
Taking time out to enjoy your local environment might make you and the planet feel that little bit better this Summer, says the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Avoid the traffic jams, take a walk.
An action plan which aims to transform the image and appeal of Fort William is to promoted by four key agencies. The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, British Waterways and the Crown Estate are to commission consultants to prepare an urban design strategy to achieve a comprehensive enhancement of the waterfront at Fort William and maximise development opportunities in the town centre A brief will be drawn up by a working group of agency representatives, who will then seek consultants or consultant teams with proven experience in urban design, economic and marketing, engineering and environmental expertise.
Scotland has increased efforts in recycling and composting waste over the past five years, but is it enough? The latest recycling and composting figures were released today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and show a small increase in figures reaching 31.2%. It was great news that Scotland met the 30% target for 2008, but it may not be enough to meet the challenging targets set out by the Cabinet Minister Mr.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (May, 28th) sold 980 sheep of all classes. Store lambs (130) sold to £56 gross for a pen of five Charollais from Ballicherry Farm, Balblair.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (May, 27th) sold 82 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (58) averaged 151.6p (-0.4p) and sold to 165p per kg and £1,136.00 gross.
A retired surgeon from Caithness has been given a prestigious award for his contribution to teaching surgery. Mr Pradip Datta, 68 set up his world renowned course in 1981, one year after starting work at Caithness General Hospital.
Wick's Walls is a newly established venture offering an exclusive mural and canvas design service. Elspeth Durrand will design and hand paint a mural or canvas to fit perfectly into the surroundings in your home.
The Highland Council is to strengthen its commitment to welcome migrants and their families settling into Highland communities by increasing English language tuition to assist their integration. Members of the Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee on 22nd May 2008 agreed that the Council would apply for future European funding.
Tourism will be top of the agenda next week when The Highland Council's Planning Environment and Development Committee welcome VisitScotland's Chief Executive Philip Riddle. As well as outlining the recent changes to VisitScotland's structure that follow on from last autumn's government review, Mr Riddle will brief Councillors on VisitScotland's new market segmentation approach to marketing.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (May, 20th) sold 266 prime sheep. Old season lambs (263) averaged 154.5p (+7.1p) and sold to 168.6p per kg and £78 gross.
One of the UK's largest aquaculture events will be opened by Environment Minister Michael Russell in Aviemore on 21st May 2008 This new event is expected to attract up to 1,500 people who will get the chance to discuss the future development of the industry. An exhibition will host more than 60 stands from local companies through to international players from countries such as Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Canada.
Colin Stewart joined the Wick Training Centre at the start of April as Business Support Coordinator. He will be responsible for meeting the training requirements of businesses in Caithness, which will entail meeting with local businesses, finding out about their training needs and letting them know what Wick Training Centre can offer.
The principles and requirements for near-surface disposal facilities dealing with radioactive waste have been set down in a new guidance document being consulted on by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). As Scotland's environmental regulator, SEPA is responsible for ensuring that people and the environment are protected both now and in the future.
- Meetings with UK government and Europe requested - Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead today (Monday) headed to Brussels demanding urgent talks with the UK Government over what can be done to help the Scottish fishing industry over increasing fuel prices. He said that the Scottish fleet is being particularly hard hit with the industry facing the prospect of having to pay an increase of tens of millions of pounds in fuel costs over the last year.
