Marine energy developers from around the world converged on Caithness and Orkney this week at the invitation of the North Scotland Industries Group (NSIG) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The two-day event enabled 10 national and international companies interested in securing sea bed leases for wave and tidal sites in the Pentland Firth region, to find out exactly what the region has to offer in terms of services and facilities. They were able to meet representatives from local supply chain companies and to meet potential local partner companies.

NSIG represents renewable energy and service companies, and those in the oil and gas industries. Ian Couper from NSIG said, "We like to work in co-operation with other organisations and appreciated HIE's assistance in organising this event which was designed to address any queries regarding planning and developing marine renewable energy business in and around the Pentland Firth."

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During the two day event the group travelled to Caithness where they heard about the current development background from Louise Smith of HIE, the Pentland Firth Tidal Energy Project Manager. As well as presentations on facilities which are available locally (ports and harbours, factories and industrial estates) and on the supply chain companies, the group visited Scrabster Harbour to find out more about current port operation and the harbour's development plans.

Dr David Woolf from the Environmental Research Institute in Castle Street, Thurso spoke about their involvement in marine energy research programmes and their survey work in the firth.

In Orkney the deputation shared their experiences during an informal dinner at the Kirkwall Hotel and the following day opted for a choice of tours to tidal or wave sites or a tour of local infrastructure including Flotta terminal, and Kirkwall and Stromness harbours.

The visits in Orkney were organised by Gareth Davies of Orkney company Aquatera. He said: "On route to Orkney the group were immediately introduced to the practical issues associated with working and deploying devices in tidal waters, hearing at first hand of the experiences of skipper Stewart Gunn of Northlink ferry, Hjaltland, and his crew, who jointly have over 100 years of seagoing experience in the Pentland Firth.

"From the visits the group also appreciated that, whilst Orkney borders the Pentland Firth, it also has many other important energy related sites for potential wave, tidal energy and land based infrastructure."

At the end of the event, delegates were able to contribute suggestions for a forthcoming action plan based on their requirements and on their experiences during the visit.

(GK/JM)