Inverness renewables firm Ri Cruden has unveiled a modernised, green workshop that is expected to boost efficiency, support its large apprentice workforce, and cut carbon emissions.

The company invested £311,000 to revamp part of its premises into a dedicated off-site fabrication workshop, with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) contributing up to £77,805 towards the project.

The upgraded facility features energy-efficient systems powered by the site's existing solar panels and battery storage, alongside new equipment such as a robot welding machine and a space-saving vertical carousel machine.

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These investments are projected to deliver significant benefits:

• Increase productivity by around 20%.

• Reduce annual energy and maintenance costs by 15%.

• Cut the company's carbon footprint by reducing travel.

• Provide a safer, more controlled training environment for apprentices.

Rory Cruden, Ri Cruden managing director, said the project is a "true example of our company's values," noting the ability to nurture the next generation of talent while making a "substantial leap forward in our sustainability impact through the use of technology." More than a quarter of the company's workforce are apprentices.

Brian Robson of HIE stated that supporting firms like Ri Cruden helps them "capitalise on these opportunities" in the expanding renewables sector while helping to "accelerate our journey to net zero."