£250k boost for new whisky distillery in Caithness
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
Make your life easier with a MyHIE account. It’ll save you time, help you find and organise content based on your needs and interests.
Eann is from Thurso and graduated from Glasgow University with a degree in Scottish and English Literature before gaining an MSc in Tourism.
He has held a variety of HIE roles in the area, including head of strengthening communities and programme manager of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP).
He was appointed acting area manager in August, following Roy Kirk’s move to head up the new spaceport development.
Confirming the appointment, David Oxley, HIE’s director of business and sector development, said:
“Through his work with the Regeneration Partnership in particular, Eann has repeatedly proved himself as a focused and motivated leader. He has wide experience of Caithness and Sutherland and has built strong relationships with many key partners. I am delighted to confirm his permanent appointment as area manager.”
Eann added: “This is an exciting time for Caithness and Sutherland. The ports at Wick and Scrabster are ideally placed for oil and gas and offshore renewables opportunities. The NC500 is boosting tourism to the benefit of the many businesses and attractions around the route, notably food and drink firms and accommodation providers, as well as vibrant community-led work in Dornoch and the Kyle of Sutherland.
“We are also involved in the growing technology and advanced engineering sector, with companies such as Denchi Power, while the likes of Ashley Ann in Wick is an example of a strong manufacturing business.
“With all of this going on, as well as the prospect of a new spaceport, I am very pleased to be taking on the area manager role, working with colleagues in the area and beyond for the benefit of the region.”
The HIE funding will help meet the costs of plant and equipment and help lever in significant private sector investment to the project.
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
There was support for businesses and social enterprises to lower emissions and improve efficiencies within their operations.
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
Joanna Peteranna took up the role on 1 July.
A new report published today (Tuesday 16 July) outlines significant economic opportunities associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Highlands and Islands.
Figures show HIE approved £1.5m investment across 18 Shetland projects in 2023-24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
Six talented young people working at HIE over the past two years have secured permanent positions, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to HIE’s economic and community development efforts.
£250k helped leverage a further £3.6m in national investment
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, has approved three-year terms as non-executive directors for Allan Clow and Melanie Collett.