Electric plane plan for islands receives UK government cash
A project which could see the world’s first electric –powered commercial passenger flights take off in Orkney has won £9 million backing from the UK government.
Key sectors ‘bargaining chips’ in US-EU dispute
Moray Chamber of Commerce has added its voice to a growing chorus of concern over the impact of punitive US export tariffs on three of the area’s key industries.
Speyside producers counting cost of punitive 25% US tariffs
Punitive 25% US tariffs imposed on a number of traditional Scottish products are having a “marked impact” on Speyside, the boss of a Moray-based whisky specialist has warned.
‘This is Forres Ground Control’: Highland rocket launches to be monitored from Moray mission centre
Rocket launches from the proposed spaceport in the north Highlands will be monitored at a “mission control centre” in Forres, it has been announced.
EXCLUSIVE: Law firm linked to HIE boss paid £120k for legal work connected to crisis-hit Cairn Gorm snow sports centre
A law firm headed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) chairman, Lorne Crerar, has been paid more than £120,000 for legal work connected with the quango’s crisis-hit Cairn Gorm snow sports centre, the Press & Journal has learned.
Gordon and MacPhail team up with UHI to offer on-the-job training
A new course for business leaders, developed by Moray College UHI in partnership with Elgin-based distiller and retailer Gordon and MacPhail, starts today.
Winter bargains boosted October’s selling figures
The Eastgate Centre in Inverness was among those to feel the benefit as bargain-hunting shoppers brought a slight boost to Scotland’s retail sector last month.
New training course for entrepreneurs in Lochaber to be launched
A new training course for entrepreneurs in Lochaber will be launched next week during the local chamber of commerce’s annual Ideas Week.
Free help for north firms wanting to export to United States
A free event is taking place in Inverness next for businesses interested in exporting to the US.
Concern at number of shops lying unoccupied in Scotland’s town centres
The proportion of shops lying empty in Scotland’s town centres rose to more than one-in-10 last month, according to figures published today.
Spirits up as Isle of Raasay distillery expansion gets underway
Isle of Raasay Distillery is expanding its facilities in advance of the launch of its first single malt whisky next year.
Plans for Fort William car wheel plant trapped in the slow lane
Fort William aluminium smelter bosses have said plans for a £120 million car wheel plant on the site are moving more slowly than they had hoped, with Brexit uncertainty playing a part.
TRAVEL: Recapturing the bygone era of luxurious rail travel in the 1930s
The Northern Belle vintage train will set off from Aberdeen for the first time in more than a decade next year, calling at Dundee and Perth to pick up passengers for a nostalgic, luxury-filled Scottish day trip.
HIE build case for financial bail-out from Scottish Government over Cairngorm funicular
A final decision on whether to recommend saving or scrapping Cairngorm funicular will depend on “detailed numbers” currently being compiled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the agency’s boss has said.
School dinners at risk due to post-Brexit shortages
School dinners across the Highlands could be hit by post-Brexit produce shortages, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said yesterday.
Whole of tourism sector opposed to tax, says Federation of Small Businesses
A leading business organisation has urged Highland Council not to introduce a tourist tax, warning it could damage growth of an industry that is the “only serious game in town” for most of the area.
Highland firm Carbon Dynamic showing promising signs
A Highland businessman has said he is “encouraged” by levels of interest in the products of a modular building firm he re-launched after it went into administration last year.
Distilling industry’s growth highlighted
Scotland’s largest independent accountancy and business advisory firm, Johnston Carmichael, has revealed new figures showing it advised on £17 million worth of investment in the distillery sector in the last financial year, helping to deliver three new distilleries.
Boats to trial technology tracking cod catches in ‘real time’
A pioneering collaboration between Scottish fishermen and scientists will use new technology to avoid unwanted catches of cod and whiting.
Marine equipment firm targets fish farm growth
Marine equipment, technology and services firm Gael Force Group has set its sights on growth in the international fish farming industry after a year of acquisitions and product development.
Walkers ‘robust’ despite increases in butter price
The boss of the world’s most famous shortbread brand has said the business remains “robust” despite enduring two of the toughest years in its history as the price of its key ingredient soared.
Economic challenges in focus at Highland gathering
Delegates from organisations involved in tackling socio-economic challenges across Europe are visiting the Highlands.
£5m contract to develop isles air traffic control
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial) has launched a drive to find contractors for work worth up to £5 million to develop its planned centralised air traffic control system.
North-east woman lands top regional role at UK law firm
A leading property lawyer has been appointed head of law firm Pinsent Masons’ Scottish and Northern Irish operations.
Port of Cromarty Firth on crest of a wave as annual profits leap
The Highlands’ largest port has reported the most successful year in its 46-year history, with a 90% leap in annual profits.
Rising cashmere prices dent Johnstons of Elgin’s profits
Soaring prices for its main raw material, cashmere, resulted in a 35% fall in profits at Johnstons of Elgin last year, despite a rise in sales.
The Cluanie Inn reopens after refurbishment – and this is what it looks like now
A well-known Highland hotel, bought by an Indian entrepreneur, has reopened after an extensive refurbishment.
Ships give Highland port wide berth
Scrabster Harbour Authority is upbeat about the progress it has made in attracting cruise traffic to the port despite the latest season ending on a low at the weekend.
Elgin-based housebuilder’s profits are on solid foundations
A “buoyant” private housing market in Scotland and an acquisition that bolstered its presence in the Edinburgh commuter belt have brought a huge boost to results at rapidly-growing housebuilder Springfield Properties.
Inverness is next stop on property firm’s journey
Springfield Properties is planning to build 90 houses on its first site in Inverness, as the Elgin-based company continues an expansion into the Highlands.
Highland property market gets major boost with second home sales
Second home buyers boosted the property market in the Highlands in the first quarter of this financial year, according to figures from estate agency Galbraith.
Law firm Brodies gets shipshape
Law firm Brodies has added four solicitors specialising in shipping and transport to its team to meet increasing demand for its services in the sectors.