Early-stage considerations of a Marine Renewables campus for Orkney are set to be progressed following a recommendation by Councillors at a Development and Regeneration Committee for OIC to contribute up to £20k towards development of a business case.

It follows on from a series of meetings between OIC, HIE and Heriott Watt University and a subsequent report commissioned by HIE in October which suggested the creation of such a campus could bring significant economic benefit to Orkney.

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The project to explore market demand for the campus, investigate possible funding sources and develop a business case will be jointly funded, up to £60k, by OIC, HIE and Herriott Watt University.

OIC will coordinate the business case development stage.

Chair of the Council’s Development and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Ian Johnstone, said: “It’s important that we keep an eye on skills and training in our efforts to make Orkney a world class centre for Marine Renewables.

“I look forward to the Council playing a role in building the best possible business case for developing a dedicated campus in Orkney.”

The recommendation will go before Full Council for final approval on July 5.

The project will go out to tender early next week and will be advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland website and in the local press.

(GK)