WATCH the films: Over 160 attend Wick summit for creating a sustainable future in Caithness and Sutherland

This week's Focus North conference in Wick set the scene for the future of Caithness and Sutherland and urged attendees to "take control of the growing opportunities".

Over 160 attendees heard from a dynamic lineup of speakers covering nuclear decommissioning, renewable energy, peatland restoration, and space – which featured spokespeople from NRS Dounreay, Net Zero Nation, Orbex, West of Orkney Windfarm, Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm and Meygen.

Focus North is an informal partnership established to deliver "transformational initiatives" in Caithness and Sutherland to generate economic growth and lead the low carbon economy. Those attending the conference heard from a lineup of speakers covering nuclear decommissioning, renewable energy, peatland restoration, and opportunities in the space sector.

Central to the agenda was an industry panel session which featured, Richard Copeland, project director for Pentland Offshore Windfarm, Lesley Still, chief of spaceport operations at Orbex, Fraser Johnston, O&M manager for Meygen, and Stuart McAuley, project director for West of Orkney Wind Farm, who each discussed project challenges, opportunities, and regional impact.

Following the industry panel, attendees heard from The Flow Country Partnership which was recently registered by the Office of the Scottish Charity Register. The charitable status will allow the partnership to directly carry out actions, with the potential of becoming the coordinating body for the World Heritage Site. It will now also be able to apply for and manage charitable funds to deliver future interpretation, a visitor facility, and other projects on the ground, while providing community benefit.

Furthermore, attendees received an update on the progress made by Focus North, learning about how the programme is meeting challenges underpinned by three key pillars – inspire our people, prepare our region and grow our economy.

During the conference, a bank of films was introduced to inspire the region – showcasing what makes people live and work in Caithness and Sutherland. The films artfully construct a compelling proposition that will attract more people.

The funding has also allowed for the appointment of a talent attraction specialist, Lindsay Matthews, who will be on hand to support people looking for roles in the region and navigate relocating with a family. There will be enhancements across the website and a toolkit will also be produced for local businesses.

To prepare the region and grow the economy Focus North has:

• Launched the Future Skills Initiative with initial funding of £100,000 via Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and NRS Dounreay which will support a minimum of four businesses employing an apprentice over three to four years
• Focus North will support young people move into STEM jobs through a local partnership
• Launched a regenerator accelerator – established in partnership with Net Zero Nation to support 15 local businesses reach net zero
• Focus North has been successful in securing £30,000 towards supporting the initial cohort of peatland training which will see around 15 participants embark on a week of training and onsite learning delivered by the local college
• Completed a detailed study of transport requirements and modelling to understand where they are and what is needed with partners, Highland Council and NRS Dounreay collaborating on a pilot programme based on findings
• Significant partner investment to support Wick Harbour in emergency repairs
• Successfully retained the Public Service Obligations status for Wick-Aberdeen flights​with a detailed business case ​showing 20 per cent passenger growth

Focus North demonstrates that "partnership working can deliver impactful results".

Focus North is made up of representatives from the Caithness Chamber of Commerce, NRS Dounreay, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Skills Development Scotland, UHI North, West and Hebrides and the Scottish Government.

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