Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Moray receives £5.6m approval
Plans to establish a new facility in Moray that is expected to support up to 300 manufacturing jobs in the next ten years have secured up to £5.6m capital investment.
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.
A major project is under way to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of Glenfinnan House Hotel in Lochaber.
The business has entered into a new contract with Inverlochy Castle Management International Limited who will take care of day to day operations.
The owners have secured up to £175,900 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the works, which will help boost annual turnover and support local jobs.
The renovation works include winter-proofing the building, installing double glazing, re-routing pipework and upgrading insulation.
This will help enable the hotel to expand its offering and remain open throughout the year.
The business, which plans to employ 20 people under Scotland’s fair work principles, is working towards becoming as environmentally sustainable as possible. In addition to improving energy efficiency, it will use local produce and minimise food waste.
Glenfinnan continues to be an attractive visitor destination, considerably enhanced by its proximity to the famous viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films. The area attracts around 500,000 visitors a year and this is expected to grow.
The provision of accommodation and food places is in high demand, particularly during peak season.
As well as helping to meet this demand and improve the capacity of Glenfinnan as a destination, Glenfinnan House Hotel is a key asset to the local economy, supporting other local businesses and providing rural employment.
Confirming the HIE funding, Elaine Jones senior development manager with the agency’s Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross team, said:
“There are many aspects to this project. The improved energy efficiency will reduce costs and strengthen the business’s financial as well as environmental sustainability. It will enable business growth too and provide valuable rural employment all year round. This in turn will benefit other local businesses and help attract and accommodate more visitors.
“I’m very pleased we have been able to provide support and look forward to continuing to work with the new management company as the project develops.”
Jane MacFarlane Glasow, hotel owner, said:
“While we were devastated to say farewell to our excellent managers of 20 years (Duncan and Manja Gibson), we are very excited about Glenfinnan House Hotel’s new chapter under general manager, Johnny Ormenisan of ICMI. The hotel will once again be an integral part of the local community and economy, and we are extremely grateful to Elaine and her team at HIE without whom this project couldn’t have gone ahead.
“We would also like to give a big shout-out to Marie Lewis, our exceptional interior designer, and Stephen Faryma with his crack team of joiners, plumbers, tilers and electricians. Many other superb local businesses are also involved in the project – Fiona King of Grey Shed Interiors, Coast Construction, William Martin Decorators, Lochaber Stainless and more. Johnny and his team are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the hotel in May.”
Plans to establish a new facility in Moray that is expected to support up to 300 manufacturing jobs in the next ten years have secured up to £5.6m capital investment.
Partnership supports childcare career development in Skye
Event in Portree on Saturday 27 April to encourage more people into the profession
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Scotland’s enterprise agencies and the world’s largest shipbuilding company could bring economic benefits for the Highlands and Islands.
A programme of remedial works to bring Scotland’s only funicular railway back into service at Cairngorm Mountain is entering a new phase during week beginning Monday 15 April.
HIE awarded silver accreditation for progress in becoming carbon literate.
HIE funding will support the element of the project that focuses specifically on reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.
The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands exhibition has been created by communities across the region as part of the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands Project.
Community trust to convert steading to create new distillery
Wednesday 6 March event will help local businesses identify and make the most of new opportunities from the growing cruise ship tourism market.
A community project is under way in Knoydart to improve cycling facilities for visitors and residents.
Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables Ltd plans to establish major operations in the region, supplying high voltage cables to the growing offshore wind energy sector.