A £1.6 million project in Easter Ross is set to boost the local economy while championing net zero construction and skills development, thanks in part to up to £450,000 in funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The Gro For You Community Innovation Campus in Tain, led by Farmer Jones Academy (FJA), will not only serve as a community learning hub and tourism gateway but will also showcase and promote sustainable building practices and provide crucial training in green technologies. The campus, currently operating from leased premises with a learning centre and café, has secured planning permission for a dedicated site development.

A key element of the project is the construction of a new training centre that will incorporate net zero building methods and materials. This will serve as a practical demonstration of sustainable construction in action. Furthermore, the campus will host interactive net zero waste and sustainability training courses and workshops, equipping the local workforce with the skills needed for the green economy.

The development will also include visitor facilities such as waste disposal for campervans and electric vehicle charging points, aligning with sustainable tourism principles. Additionally, the campus plans to engage in zero-waste food production, further embedding its commitment to environmental sustainability.

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Currently, FJA supports around 220 students through a one-year Foundation Apprenticeship in hospitality. The new hub will significantly expand training capacity, particularly in food technologies and hospitality, with an emphasis on sustainable practices within these sectors.

The Gro For You Community Innovation Campus is anticipated to open in 2026 and is projected to attract 26,000 visitors annually, creating more than 20 full-time jobs and providing apprenticeships for young people, many of which will be focused on green skills and sustainable construction methods.

HIE's funding contribution will support the site development and servicing for the initial phase of the project, which includes the construction of the training centre and associated infrastructure.

Brian Robson, senior development manager at HIE, highlighted the project's dual benefits: "This project will not only help address skills shortages, particularly in the hospitality sector, but will also be a valuable asset in the transition to a net zero economy. By showcasing sustainable construction and providing training in green technologies, the campus will play a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce for the future."

Sarah Mackenzie, co-founder and chief executive of FJA, emphasised the project's potential to address multiple challenges: "This project offers a catalogue of community and economic benefits, providing solutions to challenges faced by Highland rural communities. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to create a centre of excellence for net zero skills and sustainable practices, which will be vital for future generations."

She added: "We are seeing first-hand the demand for skills in the green economy and we hope that this transformational innovation campus will be of great benefit to our local community and future generations by providing accessible training and learning opportunities, including those in sustainable construction and renewable energy."