A wood-based energy project may be sparked into action soon with news that the Caithness Heat and Power (Chap) initiative has been given a chance for a new life.

Ignis Energy has bought the equipment used and plans to restart the scheme that was first launched in 2004 to provide a wood fuelled heating system to up to 500 houses in Wick.

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But the £13.8m project experienced technological and financial problems and was scrapped by Highland Council.

Earlier this month, Highland Council had the equipment, including a boiler and a wood chip dryer, put up for auction online.

Buyer, Ignis told the BBC that it hoped the biomass plant's former customers would sign up to have their heat supplied by them.

(BMcC/GK)