MSPs say spaceport plans offer ‘giant leap’ for Highland economy
MSPs have hailed plans to build the UK’s first spaceport in the Highlands as a “giant leap” for the local economy – and an “absolute lifeline” for the remote north coast.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Scottish Government wants ‘at least one’ spaceport developed
A Scottish Government minister has said its ambition is to have “at least one” spaceport in Scotland – but he warned that Brexit could create “challenges” for the sector.
Shetland Space Centre believe it is ‘winning’ race to host UK’s first spaceport
A former RAF officer leading Shetland’s bid to host the UK’s first satellite-launching base has revealed why he is convinced his team is “winning” the space race.
Police were called as spaceport row boiled over in north community
Police have been called and one couple have emigrated amid simmering tensions in the remote Highland community earmarked for Britain’s first spaceport.
Shetland and Cornwall join forces to boost space centre plans
Shetland’s bid to send rockets into space has been boosted by the signing of a new deal with a similar project at the opposite end of Britain.
Cairngorm funicular to remain shut over the summer
The Cairngorm mountain funicular is to remain closed throughout the summer months and possibly beyond to address concerns about the structure.
Future of Lochaber hangs in the balance as major investment needed to protect future of the once-thriving area
The future of Lochaber could decline dramatically over the next 20 years without a major “renaissance” of the area’s working population.
Trade ‘premier league’ exit awaits companies
North businesses must prepare for relegation from the “premier league to the fourth division” of international trade after a hard Brexit, a senior enterprise agency chief has said.
Protestors say proposed Skye aerodrome reopening will ‘subsidise rich people’s flights to the island’
Skye residents have urged agencies to think again over plans to trial the reintroduction of air services to the island’s Ashaig Airport.
Work to begin on £3million Oban culture centre
Work to renovate the main building in a £3million project to create The Rockfield Centre in Oban will begin early this year.
Eden Court bosses look at revamping main theatre
Bosses at Eden Court Theatre - which is facing massive funding cuts - are exploring how its main 840-seat auditorium can be redeveloped to be more profitable.
Cairngorm funicular report delayed again
A report into the safety of the Cairngorm funicular railway has been further delayed – and will not be published until after the New Year.
Researchers developing a canine cancer registry
Researchers believe a pioneering Highland project to gather information about cancers among dogs in Scotland could improve prevention and care and help efforts to combat human forms of the disease.
Chances of luring young talent now less remote
Continued investment is needed to boost the number of young people and families choosing to live and work in the Highlands and Islands, the head of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in the area has said.
New company ‘on hold’ to take over Cairngorm Mountain ski centre
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has established a new limited company “in anticipation” of taking over operations at Cairngorm ski centre.
Young people want to stay in the Highlands
Almost half of young people living in the Highlands and Islands want to stay here, according to a report published today.
Minister says work is ‘flat out’ to save CairnGorm Mountain season
A Scottish Government minister has insisted that officials and agencies are working “flat-out” to resolve issues at CairnGorm Mountain.
£27 million vision for Cairngorm Mountain unveiled
An ambitious £27million, 10-year vision to revamp ski operations at Cairngorm Mountain – including new chairlifts, a mountain coaster and a zipline tour – was unveiled yesterday.
Cairngorm funicular could close for season in worst-case scenario
The Cairngorm mountain funicular could be closed for the whole season in a worst-case scenario, enterprise chiefs have warned.
Cairngorm Funicular Railway closed over safety fears
The Cairngorm funicular railway has been forced to stop operating “for several weeks” as a safety precaution.
Fort William wheel plant could help secure UK car industry after Brexit
A new alloy wheel production plant in Fort William could help secure the UK’s car manufacturing industry after Brexit, it has been claimed.
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.
Fears of toxic fallout from rocket launches at planned Sutherland spaceport
Environmentalists have urged the developers behind the UK’s first planned spaceport to address concerns over the possible toxic fallout from rocket launches.
Highland Council could move to save closure-threatened banks
Highland Council is considering taking over closed bank buildings and saving local services amid growing fears over the impact of axing branches.
Ness Islands set to get £40K children’s water feature
The Ness Islands are set to get a £40,000 children’s water feature inspired by Victorian engineering, the botanic gardens and the islands themselves.
Belladrum tickets and Netflix vouchers up for grabs for young people taking Highland survey
More than 1,500 young people have already taken part in an online survey about changing attitudes and aspirations in relation to the Highlands and Islands.
Improved slipway completed to delight of Ullapool community
The widening and extension of a Highland town’s slipway was met with delight as the Ullapool Harbour Trust’s project reached completion.
Fish farms ‘need workers’
New efforts are needed to attract workers to Scotland’s fish farming sector if it is to achieve ambitious growth plans, a report has warned.
Remote bank closures could ‘push’ elderly to hand over decision-making power
Bank branch closures in remote communities could “push” vulnerable and older people into handing over power of attorney early, a survey has found.
BiFab deal raises hopes of new work and “vibrant future” for Western Isles yard
A mothballed fabrication yard on the Western Isles was on the brink of being reborn last night after a landmark deal was struck to take over troubled firm BiFab.
Highland firms intend to recruit staff this year
More than half of Highlands and Islands businesses plan to take on new staff in the coming year, new research has revealed.
BiFab urged to continue closure of its yard on Lewis – so it will be “ready to go” in the future
Engineering firm BiFab is being urged to place its closure-threatened yard on Lewis on “care and maintenance” so it can speedily restart operations when the market improves.