Renewed plea for scotch whisky duty to be frozen
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has used a leap of more than 10% in the value of international sales to press its case for a duty freeze on Scotland’s national drink in its domestic market.
Enterprise blueprint to kickstart global growth
Plans to close Scotland’s productivity gap, including support to help firms trade intentionally, have been set out.
Island electric plane service to cost £10m
The boss of the company working with airline Loganair to launch the world’s first electric-powered commercial air services in Orkney has said the project will cost around £10million to get off the ground.
‘Labour of loves’ lands right to use Harris label
A retired engineer has earned the right to weave his own Harris Tweed after undertaking a “labour of love” to restore two vintage looms to their former glory.
Electric planes taking to the skies in a world first for Scottish island
Scottish regional airline Loganair could be heading for a global aviation first with the introduction of electric-powered planes on its island hopping passenger services in Orkney.
More firms take RGU’s workplace apprentices
Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University (RGU) has partnered with more businesses to expand its programme of graduate apprenticeships.
Losing bidder says Dales Voe to cost taxpayer £100m
The taxpayers’ bill for developing facilities to create a North Sea decommissioning hub in Shetland could reach £100 million, the leader of the unsuccessful attempt to win the work for Dundee has claimed.
Collaborative project aims to reintroduce oysters to Highland firth
In the first environmental project of its kind attempted in Europe, divers have begun restoring Highland oyster reefs fished to extinction more than a century ago.
Hazard management project given £22 million for extension at Dounreay
Northern Irish civil engineering company Graham Group has been awarded a £22 million contract to build an extension to a radioactive waste store at Dounreay.
Diageo shows taste of things to come
A stillhouse dating back almost two centuries is to be dismantled and rebuilt stone-by-stone as part of drinks giant Diageo’s £35 million plans to bring two “lost” Highland malt whisky distilleries back into production.
Drinks giant’s plan for visitor centre on island
Drinks giant Diageo has unveiled plans for a new island distillery visitor centre that will play a key role in its £150 million whisky tourism initiative.
Securing jobs at heart of LifeScan’s £1.6bn buyout
The Highlands’ largest private sector employer, LifeScan Scotland, is under new ownership after Platinum Equity completed the £1.6 billion acquisition of its parent company from health care giant Johnson and Johnson (J&J).
Two brothers launch new business allowing people to buy shellfish fresh from a boat
Two brothers have launched a new business giving locals and visitors to the island of Scalpay, in the Outer Hebrides, the opportunity to buy live shellfish direct from their fishing boat each day.
Scots salmon firm’s healthy profits leap
Independent salmon farming company Loch Duart has said it invested more than £5 million in developing the business during the 12 months after an “extraordinary” year that saw its profits leap.
Renewables and cruises add up to a record year
Turnover at the Highlands’ busiest port hit a record high last year, boosted by increasing renewable energy activity and booming cruise liner business.
Diabetes testing firm to create device and jobs
A diabetes-testing company saved from the brink of closure a year ago aims to develop a new blood monitoring device in a £2.4 million project that could create more than 40 new jobs in the Highlands.
Harris Tweed launch school competition to create new design
A competition has been launched for school children to create a unique Harris Tweed design for the island’s only distillery.
Sales leap leaves whisky specialist in high spirits
Whisky specialist Gordon and MacPhail (G&M) has unveiled record results for a year that saw it raise £8 million through bulk sales of single malt to help finance the building of its planned new distillery.
Gael expanding into force to be reckoned with
The managing director of Inverness-based marine equipment, technology and services firm Gael Force Group has hailed a “hugely successful” year which saw its profits almost quadruple and turnover leap by around £7 million.
North sea dry dock ideally suited for lucrative projects
The huge refurbished dry dock at Kishorn Port is the only facility of its kind in the UK ready to accept major North Sea decommissioning projects, the Oil and gas Authority’s (OGA’s) head of supply chain Bill Cattanach has said.
Changes announced at top of Nevis Range Mountain Experience
Lochaber outdoor sports centre Nevis Range Mountain Experience has announced a raft of changes to its senior management team, including the promotion of commercial manager Chris O’Brien to the role of chief executive.
Islands of enterprise
Around 50 people from around the world are in the Outer Hebrides this week to attend the Social Enterprise Rural Symposium 2018.
‘North must not miss out on green energy scheme’ says Energy Group chairman
Global Energy Group chairman Roy MacGregor has called for government and public sector backing to see the north designated as a specialist hub for development of the offshore renewables sector.
NC500 gets digital with updated interactive technology
North Coast 500 chiefs have launched updated interactive technology to help travellers get more out of their journey on the now world-famous road trip.
Initiative hopes to reduce the average age of people visting Scotland
The organisers of the annual Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (Hita) have joined forces with Inverness College UHI in a drive to market the region’s appeal to younger people.
Highland smelter plans to double future capacity
The owner of Fort William aluminium smelter has said it wants to alter plans for its £120 million alloy wheel factory at the site to enable it to double its output.
Inverness Airport generates £33.3m-a-year for Highland and Moray economies
Inverness Airport generates £33.3 million-a-year for the Highland and Moray economies and supports the equivalent of 748 full time jobs (FTEs), according to a new study.
HIE boss hails agency’s year of ‘good progress’
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) chairman, Lorne Crerar, has hailed “good progress” by the development agency in the 12 months following a Scottish Government climb down on plans to axe its board.
Resounding entertainment from veteran Scots rockers Simple Minds
A huge, good-natured crowd gathered at the Northern Meeting Park to pay homage to veteran Scots rockers Simple Minds and fellow enduring 1980s stars, The Pretenders, on Saturday.
Moray construction firm ready for future as profits leap
Entrepreneur Bill Robertson has said restructuring has shaped his huge construction, infrastructure and support services group for continuing success without him and his family at the helm.
Family ensures Coll Pottery shaping up
One of the most famous potteries on the Outer Hebrides has reopened after being brought back to life by a family of local artists.
North firms hail young talent
Nearly four out of five firms in the north have highlighted the importance of hiring and retaining young people to their future success.