Funding boost for Easter Ross recycling project

A £1m project by a family-owned business in Easter Ross will significantly reduce the carbon emissions of its own operations and those of its customers and has already created new jobs.

Northern Recycling Solutions Ltd, secured up to £150,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the project through the Green Jobs Capital Fund.

The funding helped towards the building cost of a new waste sorting and material recovery facility on the company’s site in Alness and fitting this out with associated plant and machinery.

Northern Recycling Solutions was established in 2008, collecting and sorting waste from businesses around the Highlands. Run by brother and sister, Ewan Calder and Katherine Mount, the company has shown continued growth and profitability and was already providing employment for 31 full time equivalent (FTE) posts.

The Resource Recovery Centre, which came into operation on 30 October, makes the process of sorting materials for recycling significantly more efficient and will reduce operating costs.

As well as improving the recovery of recyclables, it will minimise waste to landfill and reduce traffic on the A9. It will also cut the company’s carbon footprint as well as the environmental impact of their customers’ operations.

The project has created five new jobs, three of which have already been recruited.

Brian Robson senior development manager with HIE’s Inner Moray Firth team said:

“There are many benefits to this innovative project by Northern Recycling Solutions, which is a valuable local employer in Easter Ross. It will contribute to the region’s transition to net zero, while saving costs and creating jobs. I am very pleased we have been able to provide support, which will ensure the project goes ahead sooner than would otherwise be the case. We very much look forward to continuing to work with the company as it develops the new facility.”

Ewan Calder, Northern Recycling Solutions managing director, said:

“The Resource Recovery Centre is another great step forwards for our business and our Customers. It will increase our capacity, improve recovery of recyclable materials and provide a robust energy from waste disposal solution. That means a reduction in the carbon footprint for both us and our customers and a reduction of traffic on the A9.

“I can’t stress enough the impact HIE Support for businesses like ours can make. Their help secured the project, allowing us to invest and grow and create more local jobs. It is a real boost to our business confidence and outlook. Thanks to all involved.”