Council Supports New Vision For Caithness and North Sutherland

Highland Councillors have agreed to contribute £120,000 over the next three years to support an initiative aimed at promoting the economic growth of Caithness and North Sutherland in the wake of the Dounreay rundown. The grant of £40,000 each year will help the running costs of the project. The Council has also agreed that two members of Council staff be seconded to the Programme Team taking forward the new vision for the area.

The Council is a key representative of the Caithness and North Sutherland Socio Economic Strategy Group, which has produced a strategy which aims to develop new businesses bases on existing skills; support local businesses; exploit the skills base at Dounreay and attract public sector jobs.

The Caithness and North Sutherland Socio Economic Strategy Group is an independent body which also comprises representatives from the HIE Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise;  UKAEA, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Wick and Thurso Trades Union Council, the Association of Caithness Community Councils, North Highland Initiaitive, private enterprise, North Highland College/UHIMI, Jamie Stone MSP, Dounreay Stakeholder Group. It is chaired by John Thurso MP.

Caithness Area Convener, Councillor David Flear said:  “For 50 years Dounreay has been at the heart of the Caithness and North Sutherland economy.  Government, its agencies, the private sector and the community must all now work together to counter the economic decline following decommissioning.  The strategy which has been produced has a clear vision and I am delighted that the Council has shown its commitment and support to develop a strong and sustainable economy which will attract people to the area and ensure its growth for years to come.”

A new Partnership Team will now be established in Thurso to co-ordinate and implement the action plan laid out in the strategy.

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