Measures to ensure that local businesses and communities derive the maximum benefits from the development of the renewable energy sector were discussed at a meeting in Inverness recently.

Senior representatives of Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Crown Estate and The Highland Council met at the council's headquarters in Glenurquhart Road, Inverness.

The Crown Estate is currently going through the tender process for the development of offshore wind projects in the UK Continental Shelf and the Round 3 partners will be appointed by the end of the year.

The ambition is to generate around 40 GW of energy from renewable sources - a third of the UK's electricity supply - from Scottish Territorial Waters together with Rounds 1, 2 and 3.

It is anticipated that around 3 GW of this could be developed off the coast of the Highlands and Islands. In addition, the wave and tidal leasing round in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters is expected to deliver at least 700MW of energy by 2020.

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At the meeting it was agreed that the Crown Estate and its development partners will work with the various public bodies in the Highlands and Islands to ensure that tangible benefits accrue to communities and local businesses.

The potential for maximising construction, maintenance and training opportunities were discussed as well as mechanisms that could provide substantial financial benefits.

Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of the Administration, The Highland Council, who chaired the meeting, said: "This region offers valuable natural resources for a vital global industry. We will work together towards one common goal - to maximise the benefits that are in prospect for Highlands and Islands communities. We will be embarking on joint work on trade fairs, maximising the use of local companies; discussing training and we need input into the generality of leases."

Orkney Islands Council Convener, Stephen Hagan commented: "We felt it was a very constructive meeting with a positive commitment from the Crown Estate to work with us to ensure that the considerable investment in Marine Renewables, which is taking place brings direct benefits to the Orkney community.

"We will be working in partnership with them together with our colleagues across the Highlands and Islands to make the most of these tremendous opportunities."

Charlotte Wright, HIE's regional director - Highland, added: "Delivering community benefit from development involves work in which HIE has considerable expertise. This will be significantly strengthened by the support of our partners and I'm confident this coalition will be able to secure a proper return for our communities from this emerging industry."

The matter will be discussed at the next meeting of the Highland and Islands Convener's Group.

(GK/KMcA)