A new shared building for three partners in Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services (SEARS) which will increase efficiency and cut bureaucracy in the Highlands has been opened by Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham today.

'The Links' in Golspie will be shared by staff from Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Government's Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID).

Together with the building's other residents - Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Community Energy Scotland (CES) - the partners will share facilities and provide more efficient and effective service in a single location.

-- Advertisement --

Ms Cunningham said: "I am very pleased to see that three SEARS partners have come together to share this well-designed and wonderfully-located building.

"The green credentials of 'The Links' are also very strong, having been built using locally-sourced wood, heated by a wood pellet boiler, fully insulated, and making use of low energy lighting."

Dave Mackay, SNH Operational Manager for North Highland added: "Working in the Links is great and has permitted officers to work much more closely with staff in the other organisations, which has been a big help when assessing applications to the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and advising land managers."

(GK/BMcc)