Around 90 businesses and individuals interested in exploring opportunities in the growing renewables industry in the Highlands and Islands attended a fact finding session on woodfuels in Alness last week.

Local architects, property developers, plumbing and heating businesses, biomass installers, forestry workers and energy saving specialists all came along to the free event organised by Highlands and Islands Forest Industries Cluster (HIFIC) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Robin Gilbert, senior development manager at HIE, who attended the session, said that it was invaluable in allowing local businesses to share information and experiences about an industry which is experiencing significant growth.

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He said: "This was an inspirational session offering everything from advice on the importance of having a good quality fuel supply to tips for those designing systems for commercial and domestic premises."

HIFIC chairman, Steve Conolly, said: "The Highlands and Islands has the resources and the expertise to lead the way in micro-renewables and it is no surprise to me that this session generated such interest. It was particularly useful to see first hand some organisations which are already successfully using biomass systems."

During the session HIFIC Co-ordinator Stewart Meikle outlined how easy it was to access funding to help pay for things like solar panels, mini wind turbines and biomass systems.

"Households and can get help with costs through schemes like the Scottish Community and Household Renewable Initiative, which offers 30% grant up to a maximum of £4,000, as well as other grant schemes available through the Energy savings Trust, the Carbon Trust and people can also register an interest in the Scottish Biomass Heating Scheme through the Forestry Commission," said Stewart.

(GK/JM)