NOVEMBER 2020 The NorthofScotland’s leading business magazine

BUILDING BRILLIANCE We exclusively reveal the winners of the 2020 Architectural Association Awards

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Framed original scenic art, rolled, mounted and framed prints to enhance homes and businesses across the Highlands. Aine range of Christmas and occasional cards, small framed gifts and ine scented candles. Also in stock Dew Products disinfectant sanitiser products, along with reusable face masks and Smart Keys. call 01349 369206 to order,orvisit invergordon Gallery, 106a high street, invergordon, ross-shire, iv18 0Dr openinG hours: Mon -Fri 0900-1600, sat 1000-1500. closed for lunch 1315-1400 *Weadvise on purchase of aULV cold fogger.**Minimum order applies. *** Postcodes: IV1 -IV11, IV14 -IV20 &IV25 only. 2 EDITOR’S EXECUTIVE/Contents NOTE IN THIS ISSUE Issue 412 / November 2020 SOMETIMES we forget, but there arealot of people wholookto theHighlands andIslandstotake COVERSTORY theirleadfromthe pioneering workwhich goes on here. We exclusively Theobvious exampleisin reveal the winners renewableenergyand especially, of the Inverness but not exclusively, thewaveand Architectural tidalpower innovation being AssociationDesign developed in Orkney. Awards. In tourism too, many others Page 6 look to the Highlands for examples of how to balance sustainability and adeveloping tourism industry. INSIDESTORY Houseand homebuilding is also an area where the Highlands and Islands lead, as Inverness Architectural Association presidentKaren Anderson tells us on pagesix. In the main, this is in the area of individual homes, but as another contributor this month, architect Neil Surveyorsasked to have their say on Sutherland suggests, why cannot the sector’s future. the virtues of these homes Goodnews fromthe north–asnew North Page 16 –sustainability, sympathetic Point Distillerysells outits first whisky design and integration into their Newstudy environment –not be upscaled release –kicks off ourCaithnessspecial examines the for new diverse and exciting impactofescaped settlements for the future? focus. Page 18 salmononthe wild Create those and there will be population. many more regions which follow Page 49 the Highlands’ lead. We takealook at Scotland’s independent is brought to you by: schools andwhat Editor: Calum Macleod theycan offer. Business to business sales team: DarrelPaterson |Linda Shaw Page 28 Contact us Editorial: 01463 246575 Sales: 01463 732216 New study Email: [email protected] Social: @ExecutiveHNM showsvital Facebook: executivebusinessmagazine role of Executive magazine is published monthly by Highland News &Media, financial Suite 3.04, Moray House,16-18Bank advisers Street, Inverness, IC11QY during lockdown. Page 42

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4 NEWS /Young Entrepreneurs

Unlike previous years,2021’s IMPACT30group may have less opportunity to meet. Theyoung business leaderslistentoatalkfromMarkBell, of AABConsulting.

well as improving business skills and supporting aconfident workforce. “By extending the programme, Wider impact for we’ll be able to build on its success so far and widen the impacts across the whole region. We look forward to welcomingthe next cohort for onboarding in January.” £100k project Mark Bell, directorofeconomic development at AABConsulting, said: “IMPACT30welcomed 19new businesses in August. It was great ABUSINESS support programme IMPACT30forms part of the region is expected to benefit at least to feel how energised they all are aimed at developing the next NorthernInnovation Hub, aproject another 10businesses over the about fighting the uncertaintyhead generation of entrepreneurs is to led by Highlands and Islands next year in addition to those in the on. Our immediate task is to help be extended across the Highlands Enterprise (HIE) with £11 million Highland Council area. them focus their energy on the things andIslands. from the UK government and ClaireMunro, HIE’s senior project that aremost important today, and IMPACT30iscurrently operated £1.7 millionERDF support as part manager for the NorthernInnovation that they arebuilding their resilience by Highlands and IslandsEnterprise of the Inverness and Highland City Hub, said: “Entrepreneurship is a in away that they can respond to (HIE) in the Highland Council Region Deal. key driver for successful business disruptions tomorrow, of which there area, as part of the Inverness and So far, the programme has run development and economic growth. will be many.Each business benefits Highland City-Region Deal. four times in Highland, with 49 Supporting the next generation of from havinganindividual coach, a Delivered on HIE’s behalf by AAB businesses taking part, including 19 entrepreneurs is essential to future network to shareand learnfrom, and Consulting, it offersbespoke support currently in the programme. The job opportunities, inwardinvestment other subject matterexperts on hand from industry specialists to people average age of participants is 30and and community resilience. to help with discreet challenges.” age 35 and under who areinkey the average age of their businesses is “IMPACT30isabout strengthening Moreinformation about decision-making roles in young less than ayear. entrepreneurship to create amore IMPACT30isavailableonthe HIE ambitiousbusinesses. Extending IMPACT30across the robust and resilient economy, as website, www.hie.co.uk The youngbusiness leaders benefit from 12 monthsofpersonalised coaching and mentoring, just-in-time training, and collaborative learning with other participants. HIE has approved afurther investment of £100,000 to make the programme accessible to businesses in the Northernand WesternIsles, Moray, Argyll and Bute, and North Ayrshire. The investment will be targeted at helping young people develop commercial and employment opportunities as part of the region’s economic recovery.

By extending the programme, we’ll be able to build widen the impacts across the whole region.

ClaireMunro, HIE Last year’s IMPACT30intake. 5 FEATURE/Inverness ArchitecturalAssociation Awards

GairlochMuseumhas turned what was an eyesore into an award-winning communityasset with its impressive laid outinterior (belowright). ‘Eyesore’ building earns top Highland award

THE Highlands and Islands are Thereare five categoriesinthe create asense of place, went to An architectureinthe Highlands and leading the way when it comes to design awards, with asixth award Ta lla, which has transformed the Islandsisexemplary,”she said. good architectural design –and going to the overall winner. former village hall at Dochgarroch Karenagrees. Highlanders are being encouraged This year’s awards attracted entries into ashop, caféand ticket office “Thereisareal sense up here to checkout some of the best from throughout the region from for cruise companyLoch Ness by that we areahead of the game, examplesfor themselves. Lerwick to Ardnamurchan, and from Jacobite, andcreated apopular particularly in the number of Inverness Architectural Association the WesternIsles to Nairn. canal-side destination for locals and beautiful modernhomes on the (IAA) has revealed the winners The overall winner was Gairloch tourists. islands and the mainland,”she said. of its 2020Design Awards, and Museum, which also won the award The final award, for best useof “Wewant to build on that so we associationpresident Karen for new life for an existing building. timber, went to newbuild home see the architectureofour public Anderson is keen for local people to Mill Studio in Portree won the best CarrainBadachro. buildings reflect the high quality go to the IAAwebsiteand see the new build awardwith an extension IAAvice-president and award- of the Highlands because it is very winners for themselves. at Albert Street in Nairntaking the winning designer in her own right, precious. The five winners include both new prize for best small project (under Catriona Hill, believes this year’s “When we see development in the builds and renovations, with the £175,000 or £1750per square awards have set anew standard. Highlands that isn’t sympathetic – overallawardfor 2020going to a metre). “The standard of entries has and thereisquite alot –itreally does building that was onceconsidered The place making award, for new been higherthan everbeforeand stand out as areal negative, but an eyesore–aconcrete former Cold or renovated buildings whichhelp thereisnodoubt that the quality of thereare certainly good examples Warnuclear bunker –which has now among the winners that people been recognisedasone of Scotland’s should look at.” most excitingnew museums. To pprize winner Gairloch Museum “The awards cover abig area in –one of two winning entriesfor the Highlands and Islands, so what LDN Architects –was particularly has been nicethis year has been the deserving of attention as an example opportunity, because we areonline, of the way acommunity can bring an to open them up to morepeople,” old buildingback to life. Karensaid. “A nd not just any old life–it’s “A ll the entries areonline and we actuallynot just an awardwinner would be delighted if people wentto architecturally, it has also been the website and had alook.” recognisedfor theway thecontent hasbeendisplayedinafantastic, engagingway,”Karen added. The eight-year and £2.4 million redevelopment project is one of only Thereisareal sense two Scottish winners of Art Fund’s prestigious Museum Of The Ye ar up herethat we are award, winning £40,000 as its share ahead of the game, of the £200,000 prize fund. “The interior of the building is particularly with really veryexciting and attractive modernhomes backdrop for the collection,”Karen continued. “It’s like taking aslightly forgotten, KarenAnderson by Jacobite’s An Ta lla visitor centre at Dochgarroch is apopular but important part of our history destination. that no-one knew quite what to 6 FEATURE/Inverness ArchitecturalAssociation Awards

Adetail from new buildingwinner, Mill Studio on the Isle of Skye.

Carra’s interior use of timberand light particularlyimpressed the judges. Thisextension at Albert Street, Nairn, has revitalised the clients’ home.

entrances to the building it becomes it is actually aesthetically beautiful Inverness Architectural something than canserve anumber and the client was pointing out that Association 2020DesignAward of users, whether they be on the they get wonderful light effects,” Winners canal or in the village or on Karenrevealed. BestNew Building:MillStudio, the towpath, so that is hugely “They particularlypraised Portree, designed by Rural Design useful in times likenow.It builders Simpsons because they Highly Commended: Eric Gray @ has been areal plus, the tookanimmense amount of care Seafield, RichardGibson Architects; way it has been designed to in the detailingofthe ceiling and it Invisible House, Rural Design accommodate people.” wasn’t an easy task at all. It was a Smallerproject winner, complicated installation, beautifully Best New Life ForExisting Building: an extension to ahouse at executed.” GairlochMuseum, designed by LDN Albert Street in Nairnfor The 2020IAA DesignAwards were Architects clients Steven and Karen to have taken place at Eden Court Highly Commended: Storehouse, Keenan, had also shown its following aconference organised Kirkwall, Leslie Burgher Architects, worth during lockdown. by the IAA, the northernmost Beatriceoffshoremaintenance base, “The extensionallows what chapter (area organisation) of the Wick, HRIMunro Architecture is really afairly straightforward Royal Incorporation of Architects in house to become exciting,”Karen Scotland (RIAS), and which covers BestPlacemakingAward for said. the whole Highlands and Islands buildings or interventions that “The clients felt they had no real region. enhance their locationand/or connection with the garden, and As with many events planned create asense of place: An Ta lla, do with because it wasmadeof by dint of the imagination of the for 2020, Covid restrictions ruled Dochgarroch, designedbyColin mass-concrete, andfindanew use architect, Printie James Architecture, out the usualawards event, so the ArmstrongArchitects that actuallycelebratesitselfand they now feel afantastic connection. announcement, still overseen by its history and at the same time They have had –inrelative terms –a usualhost Nicky Marr, movedonline. BestSmaller Project: 3 Albert becomes areally important part of really good time during lockdown However, this has allowed the Street, Nairn, designed by Printie the community.” because it has brought sun and light ceremonytointroduce new elements, James Architecture Similarly the An Ta lla project had into the space. It was afantastic way such as interviewing the winning Highly Commended:Croick given new life and purpose to a to take an ordinaryhouse and make clients via Zoom. Mission Hut, Ardgay, CH Architects buildingthat had been abit unloved, it veryspecial.” Karendescribed this as areal Karensaid. Also impressive was anew design game-changer and likelytobecome Best Use of Timber: Interior, “It is adestinationand has by Forres practiceLDN Architects for afeatureoffutureawards. Carra, Badachro, designed by LDN become afocus for people to its Badachrocommission, Carra. “Finding out what the clients Architects come during Covidand sit outside Thiswon the awardfor best use of think is really important,”Karen because they have anicesheltered timber thanks to its exceptionallywell added. Best Project Over All: Gairloch courtyard,”she continued. crafted timber ceiling. “If we didn’t have the clients, we Museum, LDN Architects “The client was at pains to point “It not only performs what it was wouldn’t have any particular reason Highly Commended:Raining out that because of all the different meant to, whichisfilter the light, but to be around.” Stairs, Inverness, Tr aill Architects 7 CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECTURE

CIOB chief executive Caroline Gumble backed the creation of the new hub. Ms Gumble planned to visit local projectssuchaswork underway at InvernessCastle.

“The Highlands and Islandshub team arealready working in plans for 2021 and this is whereyou canstart Construction body to get involved. “I would verymuch welcome interest from members, and non- members, with adesiretocontribute to the futuresuccessofour new hub, restoreslocal hub and of course, the wider construction community.” Alasdair Murray, Highland Council’sprincipal building standards THE world’s largest professional Thissaw thereplacement of its five refocus its support for members and surveyor, has been appointed bodyfor construction sector local centres in Scotland withjust two the wider construction community in chairman of the new hub, with his managers andprofessionals, the east and west Scottish hubs, based in the Highlands, WesternIsles, Orkney councilcolleague Sharon Barrie Chartered Institute of Building and Glasgow respectively, and Shetland. taking the vice-chair role. (CIOB), is to once againhave overseeing the activities of its 2400 In her video message, Ms Gumble Officially open as of January 1 its own Highlands andIslands Scottish-based members. regretted being unable to travel to 2021, the new hub will runaseries members’ hub However, the local membership in the Highlands in person, but told of events to establishthe network, The announcement was made the Highlands and Islands remained members: “I do hope the message welcome new members and provide at avirtual launch event by CIOB veryactive in the community, and has reached you that Iamkeen to events of specificinterest to the chief executive Caroline Gumble, earlier this year agroup from the support you and your work and the construction and builtenvironment along with contributions from John area met Ms GumbleinPerth during wider construction community in the community in the Highlands and MacLennan of the Construction her pre-lockdown visit to Scotland to Highlands and Islands. Islands. Theseare likely to be online Scotland Innovation Centre, LDN put the case for the restoration of a “This is an exciting opportunity for unless Covidrestrictions ease. Architects’ Stuart MacKellar, who is Highlands and Islands hub. us as your professionalinstitute to To get involved with the new hub, currently involved in the restoration The CIOB agreed to the proposal, further support, involve and represent contactregionalmanager Lynne of Inverness Castle, and hub which will allow the organisation to members in the industryinyour area. McKay via [email protected]. committee member Sharon Barrie of Highland Council. Ms Gumble had originally planned to visit Inverness for the announcementand meet local members and see some of the projects they areinvolved in locally. However, Covid restrictions led to the cancellation of her travel plans and forced the launch event online. The CIOB, which has some 44,000 members in 219countries worldwide, had aformal Highlands and Islands identity until afew years ago, when the CIOB reorganisedits local centre structure.

This is an exciting opportunityto further support, involve and represent members.

Caroline Gumble The new hub will support professionalsinthe region’sbusy construction sector withevents andotheractivities. 8 ADVERTORIAL /Logistics

Youname it,we probablyship it

BUSINESS owners may “Thereisuncertainty, but we will understandably have had their minds just have to adjustifand when the on other things over the past few agreements aremade,”she added. We areagrowing company, months, but as we get closer to the “I think it is going to be abit of a particularly with our air end of the UK’s European Union struggle at first, especially in January transition period on January 1, more with any additional requirements freight and road freight and moreare asking what afull, needed for customs entries, but with offering external border will mean for them. Drac’s expertisewewill help you get Which is why so many areturning through.” Charlotte Bowfield-Gray to import/export experts to see Customers who come to Drac what they need to do to ensure Logisticsfor help in negotiating the However, the company also works and drink offering of the Highlands their business thrives and survives – new rules surrounding imports and with clients importing or exporting a and Islands. experts like Drac Logistics. exports candraw on the experience wide range of goods, from fruit and “Weare agrowing company, “Wehave seen ahuge increase of afirmthat for the last decade refrigerated products for export, to particularlywith our air freight and in new customer enquiries,”Drac has been providing aseamless umbrellas and walking sticks. road freight offering, so if therewere Logistics director Charlotte Bowfield- transportationservicetoclients in a “Wepretty much ship anything opportunities for morefrozen fish or Gray acknowledged. number of sectors, and in turndrew and everything –you name it, we sea food to be exported into Europe, The company, which has recently on the vast industry expertiseofits probablydoship it,”Charlottesaid. that is something we would really like addedanair freightdivision foundersmanaging director Alex “It’squite avarietyand we likea to look into,”Charlotte said. alongsideits sea, rail androad Hayes and directors Allan Donaldson challenge as well. We areadecent “Wehave talked about opening shipping options, has already made a and Gareth Evans. sized, well-established company, another Scottish base. It is an big investment in anticipation of the Based at Stone in Staffordshire, but we aresmall enough to care opportunity we will lookatdown inevitable changes. Drac Logisticsopened asecond and have agood customer focus. If the line. It would be good to have “Wehave been preparing for office in Falkirk in 2015 to develop customers come up with some weird another depot in Scotland.” Brexit, bolstering our customs Drac Logistic’s growing customer and wonderful problems, then we clearanceteam, and putting anew base in Scotland, at the same time will always tryand come up with system in placethat will give us bringingonboardnew directors solutions.” anew basisfor customs entries,” Charlotteand Craig Scrimgeour. Drac Logistics’ Scottish base Charlotte added. Food products have also been may be in the central belt, but the “Wehave also been periodically amainstay of the Falkirk branch, business is looking north for further training our staff throughout the year primarily seed potatoes in season, opportunities, especially with the via BIFA, the British International and fish exports, includingmackerel thriving aquacultureand wider food Freight Association, the training body and shellfish, all year round. for the freight industry, because as you can imagine, customs rules and regulations can be quite complex. Drac We’ve alsobeenhelpedbyHMRC, Falkirk BusinessHub,45Vicar Street, which hashad ahugegrant scheme Falkirk FK11LL this year to help withrecruitment, T: 01324 614065 training and the installationofnew softwareand hardware, so we have Head office, Reward House, Diamond been able to use these grants to help Way, StoneBusiness Park, Stone, us prepareasmuch as possible.” Staffordshire ST15 0SD However, she acknowledged that businesses did have concerns that T: 01785 815655 the UK and EU had yet to agree E: [email protected] terms. http://draclogistics.co.uk 9 NEWS/InPictures

01 OUTLANDER fans can now show their devotion to the hit historical fantasy series –and heartthrob star Sam Heughan –with acollection of jewelleryinspired by the show. Aurora Jewellery, based at St Ola on Orkney, has launched anew line based on the hit TV show, through acollaboration with Sony Pictures Consumer Products. Owner StevenCooper said Orkney’s abundant links with the past had led to agents for Sony contacting Aurora “out of the blue”. “Our existing range of jewellery and tartans aregreatly inspired by the islands’ history and culture, so the Outlander theme was the perfect fit for us,”hesaid. “A nd, sinceweare also fans of the series, it has been an absolute pleasuretowork on the new range.” Aurora Jewellery, whichhas 12 employees, has been operating for 22 years and its other collections include those inspired by the islands’ famous prehistoricRing of Brodgar. Mr Cooper said it had already had inquiries for its new range –based on the Craigh na Dun stones in Outlander –fromaround the world.

02 NAIRNBID has launched avideo campaign showcasing all the town has to offer in the run-up to Christmas. Morethan adozen Nairnbusinesses arespotlighted in the featureadvert, whichisbeing shown alongsidesmaller films on BID’s media channels as local shoppers preparefor Christmas. LucyHarding, BID manager, said: “The videosreally do put Nairnand our fantastic businesses in the spotlight and show that we have such avibrant and varied offering. “It was important for us to not only focus on the product, but the people behind the businesses as well, as people buy from people and if it wasn’t for these business owners being so creative and, in this difficult time, adaptable, we wouldn’t have such agreat offering.

03 THE biggest new hydropower scheme in the UK in the last 30years has been approved in the Highlands. SSE Renewables has been granted consent for a 1500MW projectatCoire Glas near Loch Lochy in Lochaber.Ithad previously gained consent from the Scottish Government for a 600MW scheme at the site in December 2013, but revised plans weresubmitted in April 2018. If it gains commercial approval, the projectwould see the UK’s first new pumped storagehydroscheme in over 30years. It would be capable of apower output of up to 1500MW for 24 hours non-stop and apumped storage capacity of up to 30GWh.SSE Renewables says it is one of the most flexiblestorage technologies and the output from Coire Glas could power around three million homesfor periods of up to 24 hours.

10 NEWS/InPictures

05 ELGIN’S new Tr avelodge hotel officially opened to guests, eight months after the pandemic scuppered its planned big Easter opening. Hotel manager, Ann Howie (53), from Forres, said: “Wewereall set to open in March with quite abig fanfare –but then the UK was officiallyshut down. It was verysad, disappointing and verystrangeand surreal. “I had recruitedand trained my full team andweweremega-excited. The news that we weregoing into a lockdown was abig blow.” The hotelonthe Barmuckity BusinessPark will offer 61 bedrooms. 06

HIGHLAND Hospiceplans to turn 04 ahigh profile Inverness unit into a flagship store. PROPERTY consultancy Galbraithhas The charity is to move its Inverness appointed twonew graduate surveyors in shop from Queensgate to the former Inverness as part of anationwide expansion home of Laura Ashley in Falcon of its rural business division. Square. ClaireMacDonald (above) and Rachel Andrew Leaver, hospice head of Urquhartwho have respectively completed fundraising and development, said: aBA(Hons) Rural Business Management “Weare alocal charity committed at SRUC Edinburgh and aBSc Biochemistry to the city centre of Inverness and at Glasgow University and MSc Rural Estate it is in our interest to make sure and Land ManagementatHarper Adams the Falcon Squareshop is of the University. highest standard, both to ensure we Ian Hope, Galbraith’s rural department make goodincome and to maintain head, said: “Our rural division has continued Inverness city centre as an attractive to grow.Rural businesses face ahigh degree and thriving shopping district. We of uncertainty but thereremain significant look forwardtowelcomingcustomers opportunities for estates and farms.” in the New Ye ar.” 07 08 MULTI-NATIONAL consulting, technology and outsourcing services giant ONE of the Highlands’ Capgemini is to create up to 250new jobs in Inverness and Nairn. best known landlords The move follows Capgemini’ssuccess last June in landing afive-year has promised to take a contracttorun the MinistryofDefence’s IT servicecentre. break –but not to fully Innis Montgomery (below), head of the firm’s Inverness command retire–after selling centre, predicted a“real growth period” for the company in the local area. Inverness’sPhoenix Ale House. George MacLean has owned nine pubs, bars and hotelsinthe Highlands over his career in hospitality, and part owned and managed two more. 09 THEowners of Loch Ness Spirits, Dr Lorien Cameron-Ross and Kevin Ross, have won the fight to retain use of the name. Although the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) ruled in December that Duncan Ta ylor ScotchWhisky Limited had failed to provide “convincing evidence” that it had an earlier right to use the phrase, the Huntly-based whisky merchant lodged an appeal.This has now been dismissed. Dr Cameron-Ross (right) said the support she had receivedwas amazing. NEWS DIGEST

11 ADVERTORIAL/Changesand challenges in surveying

Thereisalot of demand and I thinkeveryone is playingcatch-up. Forexample, we are seeing amassive surge in housing at the moment.

Jim Main Caintech operates avariety of drone types, both fixed wing and multirotor.

Drone images are avital tool for many of the sectors in which Caintech operates. Caintech’s expertise is in demand across Scotland.

AS with most businesses,2020has from initial design to construction been achallenge for Inverness-based management and maintenance, and Jim Caintech.But with new staff, new kit and decided therewas aneed for afull time aflurryofnew inquiries from potential member of staff to quote, manage and clients, the prospectsfor 2021 lookmore deliver the scanning service to clients. SURVEY FIRM’S than positivefor the surveying and site Laser scanning allows vast amounts engineering specialist. of data to be collected in amuch shorter Although lockdown did bring abrief time than using conventional survey halt to Caintech’s activities, its close techniques. involvement with the utilitiessector meant This can then be manipulatedusing a BUSY FUTURE that its services weresoon requiredonce variety of softwarepackages in order to again, with the 32-year-old business produce anythingfrom 2DCAD drawings having to adapt quickly to the new ways of to 3Dmodels and animated fly-throughs. working requiredinthe midst of aglobal The firmalso receivedacommission AS DEMAND pandemic. to carry out alaser scan of Glasgow’s As restrictions eased, clients from the Kingston Bridge, creating adigital model other sectors Caintech serves –such as to showcase the bridge as it marks its 50th construction, energy, survey and marine anniversary. GROWS services –also resumed their call for the Anothervital component in surveying, as company’s expertise. it is in so many other sectors, is the UAV “Weare finding now thereisalot of (unmanned aerialvehicle), more popularly demand and Ithink everyone is playing referredtoasadrone. catch-up,”director and business founder Information from UAVs is oftenusedin Jim Main said. conjunction with Caintech’s laser scanning “For example, we areseeing amassive andtopographical surveying capabilities surge in housing at the moment, although to create acompleteand accurate 3D it is the utilities sector whichkeeps us model of any site or structure, providing busiest.” invaluable information to assist with Caintech is not only busy, but continuing visualisation and detailed design. to grow with the recentaddition of five This has allowed Caintech to carry newmembers of staff, bringingthe out surveysfor awide range of projects Caintech total to 29. throughoutScotland, from fire-damaged Theyinclude civil engineering and unsafe structures, to overhead power technicianCalum MacLennan, whohas lines, manufacturing plants and sea walls. been broughtonboard to assist with Caintech operatesboth fixed wing civil engineering and drainage design, and multirotor UAVs, andincreasing further expanding Caintech’s growing civil demand for this service has resulted in the engineering department. Fellow recruit recruitmentoftrainee UAVoperator, Lee Nicky Yo ung, Caintech’sBIM (building and Avis, whowas picked from 240applicants information modelling) manager will add for therole, to join Caintech’s unmanned to its cutting edge technological offering. operationsmanager Craig McDonald. “A BIM modelis3Dmodelling and This aspect of the business is becoming designinthe constructionindustry,”Jim steadily busierand Caintech is currently explained. working with the CivilAviationAuthority’s “The technology has been used in the Pathfinderprogrammetoreceive oil industry for years. It has been slower to clearance forBVLOS (beyondvisualline of be adopted in the building industry, but it sight) operations. is now quite crucial and we arefinding we “These arerequired when you areflying have moreand moreprojects wherelaser- aUAV beyond what theoperator can scanning is involved.” see, so thereare alot of additional safety BIM has become avital tool of the features andproceduresyou have to be Alaser scan of Connel Bridge in Argyll construction and engineering process, awareof,”Jim explained. 12 ADVERTORIAL/Changesand challenges in surveying Historically BVLOSflights areused for “It is not aquickprocess, but developing avariety of applications, such as long- our own staff is agood thing because you distance aerial surveysofinfrastructure then get staff exactlyhow you need them,” including power lines or roads, or he explained. in circumstances whereitmight be “While it is important to take on staff dangerous to carry out aphysical with existing experience, thereisarisk inspection in person. they may come in with their own pre- However, Caintech will make use of its conceived ideas or adifferent way of doing BVLOSaccreditation to seek out marine things.” life –specifically, jellyfish and kelp, which If current trends continue, Caintech’s can be an unlikely but expensive hazard new recruits andthe established team for the power sector. will continue to be busy for sometimeto “Jellyfish can be quite costly to facilities come. While otherswereonfurlough, Jim likenuclear power plantswhichuse spent much of his time duringlockdown seawater for cooling,”Jim explained. preparingquotes for new contracts “They canblock the filters in the water and the business is startingtoreap the intake, causing shutdowns. If the plants benefits. know they arecoming, they cantake “Wehave quoted for ahuge amount of appropriate action. Astaged shutdown work across anumber of sectors for new costs alot less than an emergency and existing clients and I’m hoping that shutdown.” will continue to come in,”Jim said. However, not all Caintech’sunmanned With prospects also positive for Caintech’s van fleet is afrequent sight on roads in the Highlands. vehicles fly over the water.Two years ago Caintech’s sister company Northern the companyinvested in an unmanned Survey Supplies, the Highlands’ own surface vessel (USV), which uses survey sector supply company, Jim hints multibeam sonar equipment to identify therewill be further good newstocome and inspect underwater features in sea from the company in the new year. and river environments, becoming the first “Weare advancing in all directions and Highland surveying business to have its in all departments,”Jim said. own underwater surveying capability. “But the important thing for me is Caintech is now building asecond, having the staff to do that. If you were smaller unmanned marine survey vessel. micromanaging all the time, it just This time the company has been designing wouldn’tbedoable. the USV itself, starting by creating the “You have got to have people you can fibreglass hull from a 3Dmould. trust and I’m veryglad to say I’ve the staff “The marine side has been verybusy, Ican trust verywell.” including assisting majorconstruction projects, so we have been doing various surveys for that, but also we have also been carrying out various other projects dotted around Scotland,”Jim added. Indeed, the demand for this and other Caintechservices, takes Jim and his team across Scotland and even further afield. At the same time, Caintechisalso 36BLongman Drive, Inverness, IV11SU involved in work as far south as Lincoln in T: 01463 545000 the English Midlands, wheretwo members of staff arepermanently based. E: [email protected] Caintech’s all round capabilityis www.caintechltd.com enhanced by the ability of its land survey The Inverness firm has staff at work from the Midlandstothe Shetlands. worksteam, under manager Gordon Noble, to undertakeland surveys for private and commercial worksall around Scotland. Thesecan range from singlehouses up to large commercial developments. “Historicallythat has always been a strong side to the company and that has continued through lockdown,”Jim said. “Because we offerthat service, that allows our civil engineering designteam to carryout their work knowing the data they have is accurate and current.” Thisinturnensures that the setting out worksteam, led by site engineering manager Ryan Miller, also works from the most accurate information. In addition to working to Caintech’s in-house designs, the team will also work to other designs on arange of other projects such as setting out roads, drainage, earthworks structures and commercial buildings. Being able to draw on its own expert staff and specialised equipment means that on even on complicated tasks such as mapping out cables for wind farms, Caintech can be involved in all stages of the process from the initial survey on. As abusy and forwardlooking company, Caintech is also investing in its futurenot only by investing in the latest technological tools, but by investing in people and recently employedanew trainee surveyor, who will be studying part-time at Inverness College UHI. Although this represents aconsiderable investmentintime and resources before he is fully qualified, Jim believes this is justified by the advantages nurturing your own staff can bring. Caintech’s USV (unmanned surface vessel) allow surveyors to inspect hard to reach places. 13 Founder and directorMakar Homes Neil SUTHERLAND

www.makar.co.uk @makarneil Future settlements must meet today’s needs

uilding well is aconcept relating to sustainable Bdevelopmentwhich relates to everything around us, from clothes to infrastructure, from individual homes to villages. In last month’s article Iclaimed that the Highland region was ahead in relation to other parts of Scotland whenitcomes to one-off custom built homes. This is thanks to an informal collaborative approach across the private and public sectors. The next logical stage in this positive evolution is with the mainstreaming of this attitudeata larger scale, ascale that includes new and additional settlements across our region. Many of the towns and villages now revered are 200 years old. Not to be confused with medieval settlements such as Ta in or Inverness, towns including Beauly, Grantown and Wick were planned settlements which have emerged in relatively recenttimes.These new places borrowed the mix of functions found in their medieval predecessors; places to live, work, learnand gather. Set out on agrid, the axial routes areterminated by achurch, bank, Tr ees for Life’s East West Wildproject takes afresh approach to land use in the Highlands. harbour or jailetc.Thereare perhaps 250suchsettlements large and small to respond to the big issues of our shared and delightful places. With to take afresh approach to land in Scotland, mainlyinthe Highlands times. As quality places they need IT connectivity improving year on and its people across one of the and Aberdeenshire. to representsocial, economic and year, nowhere is remote in relation to Highlands’ most special landscapes, Theseresult from the disruptive environmental responsibility and, in communications. So places planned encompassing the Glens of Cannich, economic dynamics of their times addition, inspire. and deliveredfor the futureseven Affric, Moriston and Shiel. affecting industry, infrastructure, By necessity this present day generations – 200 years –would The partnership is based on two improvement, displacement. challenge in place-making will be be distinctlyHighland, taking their convictions. Firstly, that everyone with So if we wereinaposition to functionally mixed-use, supporting formfromhistoric and contemporary astake in these places has ashared create 21st centuryplaces what diverse economic activityand precedents and sourced from short interest in the health of nature, would be our present day drivers and enterprises. It would be mixed- local material supply chains such as communities and business and that what would their expression be? tenure, displaying arange of scales the timber industry. they can use this common ground My belief is that authentic village of individual homes both for sale and Such abreak from the as abasis for improving all three extensions and new settlements have rent. Thesewould require to respond monoculture of the single use cornerstones of life there. to the need for decarbonisation by developments of the 20th centuryis Secondly, that collaborating on being net-zeroand generating more relevanttorural and edge of existing such ashared agenda will benefit on-site power than they consume. settlement sites. everyone morethan working in small Green infrastructurebyway of The healthofour rural and remote groups under the status quo. natural and engineered water flows rural places is dependant more As we rapidly approach the Village extensions would be integrated within the than ever on resilient and diverse five year anniversaryofthe Paris and new topography of the sites, along with economies. Many opportunities AgreementonDecember 12, we structural landscaping and tree areopening up in rural Highland, need to take stock.This powerful settlementsneed planting for biodiversity, shelter and based on renewal, re-peopling and agreementbacked by 197 nations to represent social, delight. Space for community and regenerative approaches to land. set the world on acourse of amenity facilities such as allotments, One exciting project launching decarbonisation. Fossil fuels have economic and bowling and village greens or tennis this month exemplifying this trend had their day.Five yearsinand Iam courts, would be incorporated has been developed by Dundreggan clearly not alone in believing that the environmental from the outset. Mobility would be based Tr ees for Life. East West Wild real power and opportunity lies with responsibility and, carefully planned and implemented represents avision for nature, people ourselves in implementing this brave allowing pedestrians, cyclists and and business to come together new world into our own lives and in addition, inspire. vehicles to function in balance with ashared goal on alandscape into our current and futureHighland safely with streets taking the formof scale. This partnership initiative aims communities. 14 ADVERTORIAL /Construction and architecture

One of Makar’sdesignsfor anew Highland settlement. Neil Sutherland is calling for afundamental rethink of our approach to communities.

settlements. Certainly withinany development thereshould be opportunities for home working or to Newthinking for walk to work. Thereisnothing new about this. Other countries do this well. And it’snot just about cities or towns. It is relevanttorural areas as well.” newcommunities The Covid-19crisishad presented an opportunity to look at the creation of regenerative and diverse community models, he added. IN planningfor the future, the and in village extension contexts, and the need for afundamental The crisis had unveiled the Highlands should take some where we plan to deliver much more rethink of the approach to housing dangers of an economy which lessonsfromthe past, architect Neil appropriate local development.” development in the region. was over reliant on tourism, but in Sutherlandbelieves. Makar, whichisbased just outside “It’s clear that single use order to diversify, the region needs The 18thand 19thcenturies Inverness, is already working on development doesn’t work,”hesaid. to get serious about making use saw the creation of awaveofnew plans for amajordevelopment in “Creating car and energy of its own resources, including its towns and villagesacross the region, Easter Ross, with the aim of work dependent settlements in this day rich renewable energy assets, and Grantown, Helmsdale and Ullapool on the site getting under way next and age is just not acceptable. We create shorter supplychains for all among them, to support industry, summer, and Neil has ambitious need places that aresafe for cyclists the requirements necessarytolive fishing or agriculture. plans to double Makar’s workforce and pedestrians and safe for children well in the Highlands, from foodto They werecreative, diverse and in from 50to100 over the next five to play, so what we need aremuch building materials. Neil’s view far moreinspiring than years to achieve this goal. morediversedevelopments where “Thereissomuch morewecould the “soulless” single use housing The driver is the creation of people canlive and work. be doing in the Highlands if we developments of our own time. amoresustainable Highland “Weneed opportunities for decide to do it,”Neil said. “Whereare the conservation community than the current model, people to be enterprising and To do so would also require a places of the future? Why can’twe whichhebelieves has had its day, entrepreneurial withinfuture shake up of aplanning system be as ambitious as the 18th and which is not yet fully engaging with 19th centurymodels that developed the solutions requiredtomake this these places?” he asked. fundamental change. Forhis own part, Neil does have “Planning policydoes not have an that ambition as he turns the focus especially rural focus. It tends to roll of his own award-winning design and out urban policies in rural areas. We home building business Makar from need to change that,”hesaid. single house projects towards larger “The big issues of our time – settlements. climate action, ecological issues and “Weare going to take the best aresilient economy –need Highland partsofworking at arelatively small specific solutions. We can make scale at an individual house level and theplace richer again in termsof mainstream themtoamuch larger biodiversity and health and in doing capability,”herevealed. so create employment opportunities “Wehave sites we arelooking at and places for our children to live, across the Highlands, both in rural work and develop.”

Thereissomuch morewecould be doing in the Highlands if we Clachandreggy, Dores Road, Inverness decide to do it. IV26DJ T: 01463 709993 E: [email protected] Neil Sutherland New settlements must offer green space and opportunities for work and leisure. https://makar.co.uk 15 CHALLENGES AND CHANGES IN THE SURVEYING PROFESSION

Measurement of the outside grounds. Call for apprenticeship support

SURVEYING’S professional body is Aled Williams, who co-authored apprenticeships, also contributed to Thissuggeststhatapprenticeships calling on government to improve the report and is CIC champion the report. aregaining traction in oursector and the UK’s apprenticeshipsystem and on highereducation and UCEM’s “This research has confirmed what arebecomingamorepopular career create abetterskilled workforce director of research, innovation RICS and others have been saying choice.” thatwillmeet demandfor future and partnerships, said: “The for awhile: that many employers in However, the report also noted vital infrastructure projects. construction industry is integral to our industryare fully committed to therehad been some criticism of the The Royal Institution of Chartered the UK’s financial healthand can apprenticeships and it is now time for scheme, with respondents failing to Surveyors (RICS) joined the provide the catalyst for an economic government to work with RICS and securethe maximum benefit from Construction IndustryCouncil recoveryacceleratedbythe Covid-19 others to build on our successes to their spend, and called for greater (CIC), University College of Estate pandemic. date,”hesaid. transparency in how the levy is used. Management (UCEM) and the “A pprenticeships arehugely The study found that two out of CIC chief executive Graham Watts Te chnical Apprenticeship Consortium importantfor employers to train three respondents werealready believesthe government should (TAC) in contributing to new report, workforces with the appropriate paying the apprenticeship levy, which do moretopromote the career Build Back Better, which is calling skill set to achieve the ambitious was introduced in 2017 to fund new opportunities within the sector. for improvements to take place in infrastructureprojects projected apprenticeships. The levy is only “For too long construction has the apprenticeship systemtobetter across the nation. applicable to employers with annual suffered with outdated perceptions support infrastructuredevelopment. “However, both businessesand paybills in excess of £3 million, of muddy boots and hardhats, often Recommendationsinclude the education providers needtohave meaning that only two per cent of associated with low level jobs,”he need for governmenttowork moreinput in how these arerun. UK employers will actually pay it. stated. “Now is the time for the with employers andprofessional “The research shows that thereis The report states: “Our employers government to work with our sector bodiestorecognisethe value adesirethroughout the construction arenow financially supporting to showcase and promote the careers of apprenticeships leadingto industrytoget apprenticeships right apprenticeshipslikenever before. across the full spectrum of employers professional registration, join up and, if government listens and acts “For those involved in and occupational roles,showing the and improve apprenticeship systems upon the recommendationsoutlined, apprenticeshipsalready, the levy opportunity that futuretalentcan across the UK, and celebrate therecould be huge benefitsfor the itselfisdriving up the recruitment have in drivingforwardinnovation and promote apprenticeships to UK.” of apprenticeswithnearly 60per and technological solutionsthat encourage moreyoung people to Mike Cox, theRICSfuturetalent centoflevypaying employers having will shape their environment for the follow this career path. manager for universities, skills and increasedapprentice recruitment. better.” RICS ethics surveylaunched

THE Royal Institution of Chartered “Society and the way we live our from RICS professionals, consumers Surveyors (RICS) is calling for its lives is changing –it’s why we are and stakeholders on the new members to have their say on the now clearly embedding principles of rules. new ethical standards requiredbythe sustainability and respect into what it These areintended to ensure fast changing sector. means to be an RICS professional. professionals aresupportedin As demand grows for businesses “Our professionals work tirelessly maintaining their skills and expertise, that strive to be good for the planet to overcome challenges no one including providing advice on wider and contribute positively to society, could have thought of adecade ago sustainability to help clients make the the RICS is updating its ethical –fromCovid-19totechnological right decisions. standards to enable professionals to innovations that transformthe The new standardswill also demonstrate how they can respond marketplace –soit’sonly right we promote decency, inclusion and to these changing priorities and help provideanupdated framework that respect in the workplace, as well as make sustainable decisions. gives them the best opportunity to remove unnecessarycomplexity to Dame Janet Paraskeva, who succeed.” allow everyone to clearly understand chairs the independent standards The consultationwill rununtil the high standards expected from and regulation boardatRICS said: December 7 and will seek views members.

16 ADVERTORIAL / Energy

And options arenot limited to Preparing to plug cars: electric- powered utility vehicles, such as quad the north into the bikes, as well as traditional work vans and a handful of electric revolution heavy- goods vehicles, have been introduced as Savills energy consultant Silvia Manzoni. Energy consultant Silvia Manzoni looks at how investors, developers and landowners well. to establish aplethora of charging Althoughthe average purchase the Electric A9 will bringnew possibilities for points alongside hotels, offices, petrol price of an EV is slightly higherthan stations, retail parks, supermarkets an internal combustion engine (ICE) Highland landowners and otherbusinesses and new residential developments all vehicle, the overall lifetimecost is in over the UK. The sector is preparing fact considerably lower with cheaper THERE is no doubt that Covid-19 And EV infrastructure is developing for this evolution and thereare many fuel, road tax and MOT costs all has createdagreener environment rapidly.Transport Scotland is opportunities to participate and take playing their part. And as the second- with aconsiderable decreasein currently creating the Electric A9 in advantage within what is already a hand market widens consumers carbon emissions within ourtowns the north of Scotland, an exemplar rapidly growing marketplace. will be able to access even more and cities. projectwhichwill bring EV provision The largest cities in Scotland affordable electric cars. Tr ansport contributes afifth of along the entireroad, which at 273 have already introduced low or The most significant development overall greenhouse gas emissions. miles is the longestinScotland. The zero-emission zones and many local in the EV revolution will be improved And as the Scottish Government’s project will incorporate EV charging authorities areswitching their fleets consumer confidenceand changing deadline of hitting its net-zerotarget for long-distance journeys and local from internal combustion engine behaviours, and according to Shell by 2045 draws nearer, with the UK charging for businesses and residents vehicles to PIVs. Indeed, the range Energy two-thirdsofpeople are ambition of eliminating the need for within local communities, between of vehicles available is growing year already considering an EV as their petrol and diesel cars by 2035, a Falkirk Stadium in the south to on year with car manufacturers next vehicle. surge in demand for electric vehicles Scrabster Harbourinthe north. increasingly swapping their internal Formoreinformation about (EVs) will be essential. Savills energyteam is assisting combustion production lines to EV. utilising your property assets to Akey factor in the relatively slow participate in the EV revolution, uptake of electric vehicles has please contactSilviaManzoni on been aperceived lack of charging 01738 477 514 or silvia.manzoni@ infrastructure. Ye tthe average daily savills.com mileage for avehicle in the UK is just 21 miles, which is well within any plug-in vehicle (PIV) range so drivers can charge their cars at home themselves. Astandardthree-pin charge is okay once in awhile, but it is not designedtosustain power for long periods of time. Aspecially fitted home-charging point ensures faster charging speeds and built-in safety measures.

Akey factor in the relatively slow uptake of electric vehicles has beenaperceived lack of charging Elm House, Cradlehall Business infrastructure Park, Inverness IV25GH T: 01463 215120 Silvia Manzoni The e-carrevolution will present new opportunities for north businesses. www.savills.com 17 CAITHNESS FOCUS

Kerry and DerekCampbell of 8Doors Distillery. Early buyerssnap up dram ofer

ACAITHNESS couple are delighted been developed by renowned whisky influenced by the local climate and The inspiration for the8Doors with the public response to the first master John Ramsay –who has over its situation right beside the sea – Distillerybranding comesfromthe release of their whisky which sold 40years of experienceinthe industry hence its strapline “Whisky. From the story of Jan de Groot, from whom out just 48hours after launching. –for the 874 club. The bottles Edge”. the village of John O’Groats takes its The limited-edition cask sale from packages are£420 (including VAT), Mrs Campbell said: “It’s great to name. 8Doors DistilleryofJohn O’Groats – andthere is an option to pay£42 a see our vision of buildingScotland’s Mr de Groot, aDutchmanwho Scotland’s most northerly mainland monthfor 10months. most northerly distilleryinJohn once plied aferry from the Scottish whisky distillery–was launchedlast Both packages have additional O’Groats come even closer to reality mainlandtoOrkney, built his weekand provided the opportunity benefits, includingamembers’card now that we have sold all of our 874 legendaryhouse in the area during to buy casks of Highland single malt entitlingthe individual andafriend Founders Club packages. the reign of James IV.MrdeGroot’s whisky as part of an 874 Founders to free tours for life. “Wewereconfident our 874 sevendescendants quarrelled about Club package available from £1600. The distillery is the dream of local packages would prove popular, but succession, so he decided to build The initial launchwas limited to husband and wife Kerryand Derek we weredelighted to see the limited an octagonal housewith eight doors 250members, but whiskyloversstill Campbell, who developed apassion edition caskpackages sell out within –one for him and each of his seven have the chance to jointhe 8Doors for Scotchover many years. They are days of being offered. We still have sons –and an eight-sided table so Distillery874 Club whichisopen to pressing ahead with their plans for a 874 club bottle packages available, that nobody could sit at the head of 1250members. distillery, visitor centreand bonded giving whisky lovers the chance to the table. Named after the distanceinmiles warehouse with the aim of opening become part of our story. We see Mrs Campbell said: “Wecouldn’t from John O’Groats to Land’s End, next summer. the packages as an ideal giftfor think of anywherebetter than John the 874 club gives members the The distillerywill initially have eight Christmas, or any other occasion, or O’Groats to make whisky, partly opportunity to own three 70cl bottles positions, including amaster distiller just for someone who wants to treat thanks to the climate which we of single malt whisky, matured in and avisitor centremanager who are themselves to something different. believeisperfect for distilling and first-fill tailor-made Spanish casks. still to be appointed. “Wehave apassion for whisky and maturation, and the great people Each bottle comes from adifferent The £1 million projectwill establish for the local area in Caithness where who live here.” variety of oak cask to showcase the the first whisky producer in the village we both grew up. We’resopleased Anyone interested in buying8 influence of the wood type on the since 1837 and will utilise water to be abletobring them together Doors Distillery874 bottle packages final whisky flavour profile. extracted from aborehole on the withthe developmentofour distillery should visit www.8doorsdistillery.com/ This limited-edition collection has distillerysite. Its flavour profilewill be andvisitor centre.” bottle-packages Cyber crime awardcomesnorth

CAITHNESScyber security expert “Then when my name was In making the awardthe judges Keith Nicolson has been named read out as the winner Iactually said that Dr Nicholson had security specialist of the year at the gasped in disbelief.Ijust stared at “demonstrated impressive work that 2020UKComputing Digital Leaders the screen with my name under could truly change the faceofcyber Awards. security specialist of the year.To security across the UK”. Dr Nicholson, the founder of Cyber be recognisedfor my expertiseby “That is aremarkable statement,” Security Scotland, said he had not my peersinthe industry is very he said.“The newframework was expected to win, but was pleasedto rewarding.” the productofover ayear’s work, so be listed againstfinalists from the The nominationand awardwas it’sgreat to see this recognisedwith Bank of Eqypt, Neustar and Simply for Dr Nicholson’s work in creating such an incredibleaccolade.” Businessatthe online event. anew security standardframework. Dr Nicholsonservesonthe “A ll large London-based Thishas now been adopted by the Scottish Government’sNational multinational companies. And here’s Scottish Government as astandard Cyber Resilience AdvisoryBoard and me sitting in the north of Scotland in cyber security whichall public is now carrying out asecurity review almost 700 miles away,”the Mey- bodies arebeing encouraged to of everyScottish heath boardfor the based businessman said. follow. Scottish Health Competent Authority.

18 CAITHNESS BUSINESS NEWS November 2020 | caithnesschamber.com Chamber Comment Chamber looks page 3 News page 4-6 CAITHNESS forward to 2021 CHAMBERof COMMERCE

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page 2 November 2020 | caithnesschamber.com Chamber Comment

In normal circumstances, Iwould use this in the region in areas like renewable energy and aerospace.Asa introduction to our final newsletter of the Chamber, we will be doingeverythingwecan to ensurethatthis year to look back over the ups and downs region –and ourmembers –see the benefits of these opportunities. of thepastyearand look forwardto What youwill see over the comingpagesisarange of businesses what we can expect in the yearto which are surviving and thrivingdespite everythingthe yearhas thrown come. Ye t , as we are all too aware, at them. We may not know what 2021 will bring, but we can be sure we remain in anything but normal that businessesinthe North Highlands will face down thechallenges circumstances. and graspwhatever opportunities may come. As with so many other organisations and businesses, Tr udy Morris the Chamber’s plans for Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce 2020havebeen upended by COVID-19, and the outlook for 2021 remains uncertain. It is important, however, that despiteeverything the year has brought we remember that there are still substantial, PREMIER PARTNERS long-term challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the North Highlands. This yearhas seen the Chamber continue its fightfor aPublic Service Obligation fromWick John O’GroatsAirport, which would ensure thatthe business community of the NorthHighlands has accesstothe airservices it needstosustain and grow oureconomy. Sustainability remains akey focus for the Chamber.Whilewehave had to postpone arange of planned pilot projects with Zero Waste Scotland, we remain committedtoensuring that the economyof the North Highlands grows and develops in asustainable fashion. With both UK and Scottish Government pushing hardfor anet zero CAITHNESS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NaverBusiness Centre economy, this will be of crucial importanceinyears to come. NaverHouse | NaverRoad | Thurso | Caithness KW14 7QA Last but by no meansleast, there are new growth opportunities T: 01847 890076 E: [email protected] W: caithnesschamber.com Doing Business In Caithness?

Enhance your presencewith aserviced ofhce in Naver BusinessCentre, Thurso. Easy-In/ Easy-Out terms with serviced ofhces from£140pcm,all-inclusive. For further info T: 01847 630 390 07768 943545 To discusshow we canhelp, contact: or go to our websiteat RossBeveridge www.naver.co.uk [email protected] page caithness chamber of commerce stronger together 3 Dunnet Bay Distillers unveil their ‘Refill Rewards Club’

Hotoff the heels of the launch of its innovative fully recyclableand freepost return Rock Rose Gin pouches, Dunnet Bay Distillers haveunveiledanew reasonfor gin lovers to raise acelebratory glass. Notonlyare the recyclable pouches nowavailable across all Seasonal and Signature Spirits, theyare launching a‘Refill Rewards Club’, amonthly subscription service of spirit pouches. Eithermonthly, bi-monthly or quarterly, members willreceive a pouch of their choice of Rock Rose Gin or of Holy Grass Vodka, designedtorefill the distillery’s nowiconic ceramic bottles. What’s more they’ll receiveaselection of mixers, garnishes and a lovely weesurprise gift in eachdelivery too. Plus, members can even changetheir pouch choiceasoften as theylike - providingan MackaysHotel celebrates opportunity to taste the full Dunnet Bay Portfolio. These pouches were the very first in the UK to have apartnership 65thanniversary with Royal Mail, meaning they can be sent back to the distillery via freepost. Once at the distillery, the pouches willbecollectedby Mackays HotelonUnion Street in Wick has been aleading accommodation aspecialist recycling company and recycled intonew items.To provider and acornerstone of localcommunity life in Caithnessfor over six recycle, the pouches simplyneed to be popped into the post box - decades since being purchased by the firstfamilymember in 1955, Murray no stamp required! Lamont’s maternal grandmother. The hotel is now owned and operated by third generation of Lamonts, Murrayand Ellie, along with their 34-year-old daughter, Jennifer, supporting 25 local jobs and welcoming around 54,000 globalvisitors to the North Highlands each year. Murrayand Ellietook over the management of Mackays Hotel in 1983 and went on to purchase the property from the rest of the family in the 1990s. Since then, the hotel has gone from strength to strength winning anumber of industry awardsand accolades, including ‘Caithness Business of the Ye ar’ in the Highland Business Awards 2016, overall winner of the ‘Developing the Yo ung Workforce’ category at the Highland Business Awards 2017, and aGold To urism Award as part of The Green To urism Business Scheme. The family-run hotel continues to go the extra miletosupport those in need around the region. During the recent lockdown, the Lamont family worked with Legion Scotland project to provideCaithness veterans and pensioners withregular hot mealsand companionship whilst self-isolatingathome, as well as amealsonwheels home deliveryservice for people in and around Wick. Accommodation was also letout to key workers shielding from their families. MurrayLamont, owner of Mackays Hotel, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have reached this significant milestone for our family-run hotel and as an integral part of local community lifehere in Caithness. We pride ourselves on ourwarmHighland welcome to guests from across the world every single Whether your simply seeking year and lookforward to continuingthattraditionfor advice or assistance at any stage manyyears to come.” of the procurement and contract lifecycle, M2PCS can offer a Fully Professional Service.

Tel: 07775 519 261 Email: [email protected] Website: www.m2pcs.co.uk page 4 November 2020 | caithnesschamber.com BBM Solicitors celebrates 10th birthday!

BBM Solicitors celebrates its 10th Birthday on 22 November 2020! The firm was set up to provide market leading ILM (Highland)pivots quality insolvency, litigation and business to launch corporate legal services.BBM online retail shop! was founded by brothersEricand Alasdair Baijal, and supportedfromthe beginning by their ILM (Highland) is delighted to announcethe launch of their new online friend and colleague JenniferSimpson (then Hamill- alot has changed in 10 Electrical Retail Shop. Like manybusinesses, lockdownand the impact of years!).Alasdairleftthe practice in 2016 to undertake fulltime Christian coronavirushas adversely affected us, so this newsmeansthat ouroffering missionary work in South Africa, but Eric and Jennifer still lead the practice. cannow reach the whole of the Highland community all day every day. The firm is still boutique but has grown over the years. The firm now The Electrical Retail Shop sells new and refurbisheditems suchaswashing employs nine solicitors, two trainee solicitors and four administrative support machines, fridges and freezers, tumble dryers, cookers, etc. staff splitbetween the two offices, and having broughtand retained quality ILM is alocal charity and social enterprise based in Alness which delivers and graduate jobs in the Caithness area. valuable services throughout the Highlands. Profits from the Electrical Retail Shop support ourcharitable services to help keep vulnerable BBMare nowrecommended by the leading legal directories for their people living independently at home throughour Care &Repairand litigation and restructuring work, with Eric leading ateaminstructed from Handypersonservices. around the country and the world in relation to Scottish litigation and insolvency. However, the Highlands and Islands, and Caithness and ILM’s Business DevelopmentManager Claire Weaver said, “Having the the Northern Isles particularly, are critical to BBM’s identity and success. online retail shopmeanswecan reach amuchwider audience, where Responding to marketdemands the firm nowalso offers quality legal services people can shopinthe comfort of their ownhome. All of ourstock is also to private individuals and for those involved in property transactions. available for home delivery throughoutthe Highlands –which can even be on the same day depending on where the customer lives. We want to BBMhad planned aseries of events to mark the occasion, but celebrations makethings thatlittlebit easier for people.” will have to be deferred because of thepandemic. Formore information on ILM (Highland) or to browse their Electrical Retail Shop youcan visit www.ilmhighland.co.uk/shop/

OCA continues to deliver despiteCOVID challenges

Despite the challenges that 2020has brought with the COVID-19 pandemic, Ormlie Community Association has continued to deliver vital services to those who need it most. AMums Group every Tu esday and Thursday with crèchefacility gives Fibre 1securesnew access to arange of advice sessions and talkswith professionals. Silver Citizens activities are delivered twice aweek for adultsover 65.With affiliate partnerships crafting, internet and social activities in awarm, friendly environment, these help combat social isolationand loneliness –akey needfor We are delighted to announceour new affiliate partnerships with Ross manyatthis difficult time. County FootballCluband Inverness CaledonianFootballClub As an affiliatepartner the Club’sreceive acommission for everycontract At the other end of the age spectrum, the “Fun, Yo ung and Involved” signed withusfor Energy (Ross County) Energy &Telecoms (Inverness and “Teen Scene” groups meet regularly to offer crafting, pool CaledonianThistle).Agreat wayfor local businessestosupport theClubs tournaments, cooking baking, games night and much more to young and makesavings. people in the area. We believe strongly in supporting the community.Weare currently the Last but by no meansleast, the GetItservice operates threedays short sponsors for both League Tw osideElgin City FC and Lossiemouth aweektooffer adviceand support on employability, job seeking, FC whocompete in the Highland League.Bothclubs haverecently signed trainingand accessing benefits. Service userscan also access the affiliate deals which will see revenues go back to each club to support internet, telephones and photocopying to assist with their activities their fundraising strategies and community development programmes and get other adviceand support, for example on energy costs. and we are extremely pleased to add Premiership sideRoss County and To learnmoreorfindout about joiningour Board of Directors, Championshipside ICTFCtothe mix. becoming aMember, Volunteeroraccessing ourservices, contact us These partnerships support Ross County’s and ICTFC’sstrategies to on 01847 891789. diversifystreamsofincomefor the long-term success of the Clubs.

page caithness chamber of commerce stronger together 5 Amentum –anew name, 116 years of experience

Amentum has been supporting governments with safenuclear management, operations, decommissioning, wastemanagement, disposal, and site closure for the past 116 years.Webring four decades of experience in supporting UK clients, regulators and communities to safely deliver complex nuclear missions. We are committed to continuethis work and are currently actively involvedat several nuclear clean-up projects in the Caithness area. Our team consists of the most experiencedengineers, technical experts, programme and projectmanagers, having delivered the WindscaleAGR decommissioningprogramme, implemented the national integrated low-level waste strategy, managed the low level waste repository, developed the waste strategy at Dounreay and executed the Plutonium Contaminated Materialsdecommissioning programme. In Amentumweare proud to have • Achieved a97%reduction of annual volumeoflow-level waste across the UK. • Realised savings of £1.9 billion by removing the need for asecond repositoryuntil 2130. • Movedspecial nuclear materials off the Dounreay site. • Overseen the full lifecycle of thetwo low level waste vaults at Dounreay. • Saved morethan £400mofthe Sellafield Lifetime Plan. David Batters, ourUKSeniorVice President, says: “Wecontinue to look for new partners -particularly local small medium companies as well as committed people to help deliver our mission”. Please visit our webpage www.Amentum.com and contact us directlyifyou will like to know more. We lookforward to hearingfromyou. Contact: [email protected]

FORTHCOMING

CAITHNESS CHAMBERof EVENTS North Point Distillery brings the COMMERCE Caribbean to Caithness Coffee and aChat AFar North distillery has launched after completing an international funding roundworth over £250,000. Co-founder’s Struan Mackie 26 November 2020 and Alex MacDonald aim to bring ataste of the Caribbean to Caithness, while showcasing the history and heritage of the region. Join the Chamber team for an informal chat Struan Mackie, aformer spirits industry advisor with PricewaterhouseCoopers stressed the significanceofthe investment, Coffee and aChat despite global uncertainty.“Completing acompetitive fundraiseduring apandemic is testament to North Point Distillery and the qualityof ourteam.We’ve been blown away with the response from investors, -Festive Edition and we are delighted to have secured valuableforeign direct investment for the region. Creating long-term jobs in the community 17 December 2020 is incredibly important to us.” Commercial Director Alex MacDonald said“the fantastic local support Join the Chamber team for an informal chat - we have received since launching has been mirrored in our pre-order this time with amince pie! sales for the Christmas season, with our North Point Pilot Rumbeing lined up by overseas buyers too! Given the profile of our investment, Keep up-to-date with the latest news and events: we feel we are uniquelyplaced to use our brand ambassador network in North America to secure further sales which is an exciting visit caithnesschamber.com, follow us via opportunity for us. We hope thatwecan play our part in beinga Facebook.com/caithnesschamber or prominent exporter for the region going forward.” Twitter @CaithnessCoC Alternatively,email the team to be added to our mailing list. page 6 November 2020 | caithnesschamber.com ADRuVERTORIALml/CaithnessaunchFocus for northern distillery

LOCALingredients andaninternational outlook as ahotbed of spirits productionthanks to its mix arethe recipe for success for one of the north’s of new and established whisky and gin distillers. newest distilleries. “It is fantastic to be apart of that community Struan Mackie leftbehind acareer in London and while our path is verymuch about rum, I to pursue his dream of setting up adistilleryinhis hope we will be able to work with other local spirit home county of Caithness. makers,”Struan said. Distilleryco-founder and fellowrum enthusiast North Point Distilleryplans to welcome visitors Canadian-bornAlex MacDonaldput his to their site next spring to take advantage of its background as asales director and international proximity to the North Coast 500 and the area’s connections to gooduse to secureasignificant historic and natural attractions. investment from NorthAmerica in mainland Moreimmediately, however, is the delivery of the Scotland’smost northerly rumdistillery. Thisseems first completed product that will be ready just in only appropriategiven NorthPoint’s trans-Atlantic time for Christmas. inspiration. “Wewerecompletely blown away by the “Rum is our drink of choice, and thereare also response to our pre-order launch, but our main incredible links between the FarNorth and the priority now is getting everything finished up so we Caribbean,”Struan explained. can hit the shelves at Christmas,”Struan said. “The morewelooked into that, we realised very “It’s really exciting for us because this has been quickly thereweresomany stories which linked acouple of years in fruition, so it will all become these two places, so rumwas verylogical for us Struan, Alex and marketingmanager Laura MacKenzie. real when Isee North Point Pilot Rumonthe in being able to sharethese stories about that can, so we have sourced the vast majority of our shelves.” period of navigationand explorationbycreating a ingredients as locally as possible. Unfortunately, n The NorthPoint range is available now for rumthat is Caribbean inspired, but with our own I’m yet to find away to grow sugar cane in Christmas pre-order at www.northpointdistillery. unique Highland twist. Caithness, so we take the raw cane and molasses com “Weare trying to be as sustainable as we from Jamaica and Barbados, but pretty much everything else comes from the immediate vicinity. “Weuse ex-whisky casks from Highland distilleries, and amix of traditional and local We aretrying to be as botanicals. It’snicetohave that immediate relationship with the area and the land.” sustainable as we can, so North Point Pilot Rum, named in honour of the we have sourced the vast pilots who guided ships through the Pentland Firth, will be the distillery’sflagship offering, but it will majority of our ingredients also be joined by alimited-edition Distiller’s range Forss Businessand Energy Park, ThursoKW14 7UZ beginning with Skerra Spiced Rumand Crosskirk as locally as possible. BayGin. T: 01847 808120 Struan Mackie NorthPoint’s products, especially its rum, add E: [email protected] another element to aregion that is already known www.northpointdistillery.com

Established for forty-eight years, our Inverness and Elgin bases areinvolved in contracts throughout the country and the Highlands & Islands in particular. Areas of expertise include: •Quantity Surveying •Employer’sAgents •Project Management •CDM Advisers

Offices at: 2>E?ZZXYJ 7BEHHBR WY=HEYHCC W5M MS>Q 6H)* OM30I KI,333 KM 8H.J/P=HY 7BEHHBR <)1.Y W5IO MS:Q 6H)* OMI3I 230333

25 Technology, Services and INNOVATION

Part of the VINCI Group, NUVIA is a nuclear specialist with roots in the nuclear industry stretching back over 60 years, providing trusted solutions in programmes and EPC, ield services, technical services and consulting and innovative technology fornuclear and other hazardous environments.

We deliver ground-breaking solutions, based on NUVIA’s cultureofexcellence and in-depth knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the nuclear lifecycle to support clients to deliver their nuclear programmes safely,eiciently and with environmental awareness. MARKETS ACTIVITIES

•Nuclear •Design Engineering &Consultancy •Defence •Engineering &EPC •Science &Research •Health Physics, Safety &Nuclear •Industrial Measurement •Healthcare •Contaminated Land Remediation •Oil &Gas •Decommissioning Operations •Systems &Processes •FireProtection Products BUSINESS LINES

•Programmes and EPC •Field Services •Technical Services &Consulting •Products &Innovation [email protected] nuvia.com Independent schools aim to challenge pupilsinand out of the classroom. More than athirdofScottish boarders come from overseas.

benefit from the resources, and locations which allow pupils to experience abroad range of Scottish education activities, with some having their own golf or tennis facilities alongside the moreusual sports pitches. Others can offer morespecialised outdoor education. is still world class At Moray’s Gordonstoun School, pupils can find their sea legs cruising in the WesternIsles aboardthe school’son80-foot ocean going WITH areputation for educational createdbythe Enlightenment. can enhance pupils’ educational and yacht, while all girl Kilgraston School excellencethat can be measured in Others mightbeattracted by personal development, while also near Bridge of Earnisunique in centuries, Scotland’s independent Scotland’s reputation as asafe and providing convenient international Scotland in having its own on-site schools continue to be adraw secureenvironment in which to study. links. equestrian centre. for pupils and their parents from This has taken on anew dimension Scotland’s Boarding Schools, a But Scottish independent schools’ acrossthe world. in recentmonthswithreports that subsidiaryofthe Scottish Council of commitment to outdoor education by Morethanathird – 35 per cent– the rural surroundings and open Independent Schools, acknowledges no means comes at the expense of of thealmost 2800pupils attending classrooms typicalofindependent the environment as abig attraction academic achievement. Scotland’s 19mainstreamboarding schoolsinScotland have led to a for non-Scotsboarders, commenting Forexample, at Kilgraston,100 schools come from overseas. major increase in inquiries from US on its website: “Scottish boarding per cent of the girls in this year’s S6 Representing atotal of 72 different families who arelooking at sending schools educatethe whole child, class wereaccepted into their first countries, they help bring £30 children overseas to escape the offering an enviable range of choiceofuniversity.Acrossthe sector million into the Scottish economy, a impact of the coronavirus pandemic outdoors pursuits with the incredible as awhole, pupils achieve a93per significant proportion of the £260 at home. great Scottish outdoors always cent pass rate, with 58per cent million total the sector is worth each Scotland also enjoys easy access to playing apart.” awarded an A, providing another year. cultural and natural attractions which Scotland’s independent schools major incentive to think Scottish. They arejoined by boarders from elsewhereinthe UK, as well as pupils from other parts of Scotland. Parents have many reasons to choose aScottish education for their children. These might include family or personal ties with Scotland or the individual school, or they might be drawn by the nation’s educational heritage, which by the middle 18th centuryhad made Scotland one of the most literate nations in the world and helped fuel Scotland’s major contributiontothe intellectual, scientific and social revolution

Scottish boarding schools educate the whole child, offering an enviable range of outdoors pursuits.

Scottish Boarding Schools Kilgraston School near Perth is the only school in Scotland to haveanon-site equestrian centre. 28 “If Ihadn’t moved to Kilgraston Ihighly doubt Iwould be going off to study medicine. Iwouldn’t have achieved my great grades or matured into the person Iam today andthat is all with the support of teachers and friends, and my wonderful year group.” Pip, Class of 2020

Formore informationplease contact: [email protected] or call 01738 812 257 www.kilgraston.com

29 ADVERTORIAL/Investing in your child’s future

Although 95 per cent of students go on to study at their first-choice university, is not an academic hothouse and aims to encourage pupils to grow into well-rounded young men. Pictures:MCS ‘Wewant our boys to be the best versions of themselves’

WHILE Merchiston Castle School lockdown was imposedasitgave “Thereisareal sense that when can trace its historyback to the the school the flexibility to continue you get to the top of your journey 1830s, it has always been focused offeringlessons. that you aregiving back to the junior on looking ahead as it prepares its Ye tthereisone tradition which years as well,”MrAnderson added. pupils for the future, giving them a the school remains proud of –being “Mentoring is veryimportant to globaloutlookwhich opens up even the only boys’ boarding and day us and thereare many posts of more opportunities and encourages independent school in Scotland. leadership in the school. At our them to pursue their ambitions. Headmaster Jonathan Anderson evening homework sessions, we have The school was an early adopter believes thereare tremendous virtues alot of boys helping each other, of iPad technology, for example, in Merchiston’sunique position. sometimes older and sometimes somethingwhich proved vital when “Wereally get to know the boys from the same year.Thereisareal and adapt our way of teaching to sense of collaboration.” really teaches them these skills. their way of learning and we find it is Merchistonhas an enviable They learntoget on with people, amuch moreopen community as a academic record, with 95 percent they learncompromise, they learn result,”hesaid. of its students going on to study the art of negotiation, they learn “The key driver for us is the boys at theirfirst-choice university, an the art of listening and responding and what is best for them, and for achievement Mr Anderson credits and respecting one another and get some boys this is absolutelythe right to encouragingthe pupilstoaim the best out of each other.That is learning environment. high, butalsotoknowing them well definitely something you gain from “Peoplemight worry an all-male andbeing able to guide boystothe an education here. environment might be averymacho courses that areright for them. “Then thereisthe opportunity one. The direct opposite is true. However, he pointsout that to trysomany different things, There’s real gentleness, and we talk Merchistonisnoacademic whether it’ssport, drama or music. about that in both ways: they are hothouse, purely focused on I’m agreat believer in getting the gentlemen, but they aregentle men, achieving high grades.Instead, boys to trysomething new and take and we see evidence of that all the its key aim is to create anurturing advantage of all the opportunities time.” environment to encourage the boys that areavailable.” What also helps in getting to know to grow into well-rounded young In response to the coronavirus the pupils is Merchiston’s relatively men, an ambition aided by the crisis and the financial pressures it modest school roll of just under 400 school’s locationclose to the heart is imposing on parents, Merchiston pupils, almost 300 of them boarders, of Edinburgh and all its cultural and has launched anew sixth form with ahigher than typical proportion sporting attractions, but in grounds entryfinancial award. This will allow of them from the UK. spacious enough to feel part of the boys from households which meet Mr Anderson added:“We are countryside. the school’smeans-testing criteria comfortable with the size of school “Wewant the boys to be the very and aresuccessful in the selection The keydriverfor us we are. That’s one of the things that best that they can be academically, process to financial assistance of really allows us to get to know the but we also want them to be the best up to 75 per cent of annual day or is theboysand what boys well. And that’s particularly possible versionofthemselves,”Mr boarding fees. is best for them, important for boarders, it makes the Andersonexplained. Formoreinformation, contactthe school morehomely.” “It is important for us and for them school. andfor someboys Pupils can begin what the school that they personally excel. How they this is absolutely terms “the Merchiston journey”at do that will be different for each boy. Merchiston Castle School the age of seven, and stay to the Forsome it might be straight As, for 294 ColintonRoad, Edinburgh, theright learning end of sixth year,11years later, others it might be achieving aCina EH13 0PU environment. and the older boys play their part in subject in which they struggle. making the younger ones, boarders “A cademic skills areimportant, but T: 0131 312 2201 Headmaster Jonathan Anderson especially, feel at home through so arethe other skills that sit around E: [email protected] mentoring and support. that.Life in aboarding school www.merchiston.co.uk 30 31 ADVERTORIAL /Investing in your child’s future Giving children the best of both worlds

BRINGING together some of the best known names in Scottish independent education, Edinburgh’s Thereisareally Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS) is afamily of schools, set strong aspirational in beautiful grounds in the heart of ESMS caters for awiderange of agesfrom nurserytosixth form. Edinburgh. This family ethos is also cultureand astrong reflected in the ESMS approach to work ethic nurturing its pupils. Principal Linda Moule explained: Linda Moule “Pastoral careisanimportantpart of school life. Our teachers love what and mathematics) areparticularly they do and go the extra mile to popular at The MaryErskineSchool. build close relationships with all of Girls aremorelikely to take up the children in their care. Te achers theseoptions because at MES every arealso responsible for running subject is agirls’ subject. extra-curricular activities across “The diamond model also has the the schools, from sport, to outdoor advantage of enabling the school learning trips, to drone club, creating to offer awider range of subjects, astrong family atmosphere.” allowing everychild the opportunity ESMS is the only diamond model to excel.” school in Scotland. It comprises a All the schoolssharethe same co-educational Nurseryand Junior ethos whichinstils core values, School and single sex but closely such as kindness, integrityand twinned education for the early responsibility. teenage years, when girls move to “A cademically we arevery The MaryErskine School and boys to successful,”Mrs Moule said. “There Stewart’s Melville College. Children is areally strong aspirational culture continue to take part in and astrong work ethic. The children co-educational extra-curricular want to succeed and we encourage ESMS students enjoy the annual Carbisdale project. activities to maintain the close this but not just on the academic from nursery. As they get older outdoor skills and stamina. relationships between boys and girls front. We focus on their all-round forest school activities develop into The outdoor learning element is and at sixth formthey come back development, encouraging them to hillwalking and mountain biking at also reflected in the large take-up together again to help preparethem have agoateverynew opportunity, weekends, taking advantage of easy for the Duke of EdinburghAward for life after school. The boarding pickthemselves up when they fail, access to Scotland’s countryside Scheme everyyear, whichalso housealso sees girls and boys living find their confidenceand their or camping out in hammocks provides pupils with opportunities together. voicesothat they become not just overnight, supervised by the school’s to volunteer and give backtotheir “A diamond model provides accomplished but resilient and ready own qualified instructors. This community. children with the best of both worlds, to face life’s challenges. commitmenttousing the outdoors “ESMS pupils understand the giving children the important social This commitment to all-round as alearning tool is exemplified importanceofhaving agood heart skills offered by co-education, while development is reflected by abelief by its annual Carbisdale project. and that was veryevident during avoiding gender stereotyping of that learning is not just confined Namedafter the Sutherland castle lockdown when they got involved particular subjects and activities to the classroom. In addition to and former youth hostel where it in so many activities to raisefunds during key stages of their the extensive sporting facilities was formerly based, the 10-day for those most in need, in the development,”Mrs Moule continued. made possible by the school’s adventurestill takes ESMS’s S3 community,”Mrs Moule said. “For example, STEM subjects combined resources, the school pupils to the Highlands where they “This is an important part of (science, technology, engineering, also introduces outdoor learning can sleep in abothy and test their what it means to be an ESMS pupil because we want everychild to be good citizens and contribute their Stewart’s Melville College skill set and their talent to abetter boysonthe rugby pitch. world for everybody.Thatiswhat makes ESMS so special.Webelieve in the whole individual.” Contact ESMS admissions at any time for moreinformation.

ESMS Junior School, Queensferry Road, Edinburgh EH43EZ The MaryErskine School, Ravelston, EdinburghEH43NT Stewart’sMelville College, Queensferry Road, Edinburgh EH43EZ T: 0131 311 1111 E: [email protected] www.esms.org.uk 32 ADVERTORIAL /Investing in your child’s future

Chromebooksare used more now.

Senior pupilsatAlbynSchool. School’sout for Christmas…

What will the new year bring for education? Lessons can be accessedonline while self-isolating.

There is no disputing that 2020has been accesstheir lessons through Te ams On our returntoschool, parents an unprecedented time for everyone, none while self-isolating/quarantining. wereanxious about their children Blended learning has also opened getting Covid –but our verythorough moresothan our children and young people. up new opportunities for those protocols have instilled confidence From school closures to online learning and pupils who arejoining us from other in our approach. We have struck classwork, this pandemic has put an enormous schools and other countries wherewe acautious and careful approach strain on pupils and completely changedthe can provide online learning for them to being safe, whilst maintaining a during their transit/transition. friendly and ‘normal’ environment for ‘normal’ school experience. David Starbuck, everyone. acting headofAlbyn School talks to Executive What, if any, willbethe longer-term about how the schoolhas adapted to the impact on children’s learning? What have the highlights been? impact of Covid-19, what challenges they have It will make pupils more We gained the local reputation of faced and how the school community has been independent and resilient. While we havingprovided the best lockdown don’t predict any long-termimpact experience of all the schools in NE shaped in recentmonths. on pupils’ academic achievements, Scotland. As such, parents who the effects of the lockdown and the wantedtochoose private education Te ll us about Albyn School sacrifice from all the staff to make continuing restrictions on arebound chose Albyn. We estimate that Albynisahappy, safeand vibrant that happenfor our pupils. And to have amajor impact on children’s around 20per cent of our new pupils community wherepupils have therewas alot of gratitude in return. wellbeing if not now, in time to come. came to the school because of what come to learn for morethan 150 This has created arenewed sense we achieved during challenging years. In that time, we have helped of prideinour community, and has Whathas beenparents’ biggest times. many young people to achieve significantly bolstered our reputation concernsand how have you things others might tell them were as one of the few schools in Scotland overcome these? What will 2021 looklikein beyond their reach –becoming the to delivermeaningful educational We surveyed parents, pupils and education? first female graduates of Aberdeen experiences. Parents, pupils and staff staff to see what we should prioritise Across the world, it is going to University; completing Antarctic have returned to the buildings, proud in the coming 12-24 months. be messy.With exams either taking expeditions; leading breakthroughs and excited to be part of the Albyn Universally their response was: place, or not taking place, therewill in cancer research; and becoming community. kindness, happiness, respect, be alot of uncertainty as we progress Olympic athletes. confidence and resilience. Parents through 2021.This is all uncharted Have you developed any practices want their children to feel safe and territory, but our job at Albyn is to When lockdown took place, what that you willtakeforward? happy at school, whichthankfullyhas bring about as much stability as we did you do? Ye s–our pupils each have tablets always been akey featureofbeing can, and be ready to respond to any When the pandemic hit, we or Chromebooks and these arenow an Albynpupil. Pupils areremarkably last-minute changes in direction. We adapted extremely quickly, continued used far morethan they werebefore kind, respectful and accepting of think creatively and we areready to with our timetable and delivered lockdown. Also, pupils can still each other. deal with anything that comes our lessons live online through Te ams way. and Zoom. We still had formclasses n Albyn School’snext Virtual Open and pastoral care. Day will take place on Friday, December 4.See the school website Whatworked well? for details. Ifelt verystrongly that live teaching would not only allow us to continue educating pupils, but it would help pupils remain connected to eachother, to their teachers, and to their school in general. The connections we formed made everyone appreciateeachother all themore. Parents could see their children’s teachers working 17-23 Queens Road, Aberdeen AB15 their magic first-hand and we 4PB became apart of families’ lockdown experiences, supporting parents to T: 01224 322408 cope as we continued to educate E: [email protected]/ their children. [email protected] Therewas alot of personal Face masksand socialdistancing arenow part of dailylife. www.albynschool.co.uk 33 Academic &Adventurous Tucked away in breathtaking countryside, Ardvreck Prep Schoolnurtures and educates children in acaring, and loving, family environment. Visitors gasp at the where good humour and fun awe-inspiring views of doorstep permeateevery undertaking. Munros as theymake their way And what of their leavers? up the school’ssweeping drive. They are happy, well-rounded Their attention is soon diverted and fulhlledchildren who are to the evenmore thrilling full of hope and ambition. spectacle of laughing, Last year’s cohort received an be-kilted andwellied children impressive 19 scholarships to hanging out of trees,hiding in top UK schools, including Eton dens or building dams in the and St Mary’s, Ascot. burn which gows down the Headmistress’ lawn. At the end of it all, any school can provide Ardvreck School hrmly excellent academic rigour,a believe classrooms do not strong pastoral ethos and a need walls. As well as outdoor broad co-curricular programme, lessons, the entire school all of which Ardvreck School do regularly adventures into the outstandingly well.However, exciting, natural playground on they truly believe that the their doorstep. real value of aprep school This is most dehnitely the education lies in the things school every grown-up wishes that are remembered long they had attended as achild. after what was taught has It’s an environment where been forgotten, the things that working hard and playing hard contribute to dehning not what are of equal importanceand we know,but who we are.

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34 INVESTING IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

Independent schools offer an exciting array of clubs and experiences to help pupils grow physically, socially and in confidence

Alison Herbert

Independent schools often have the resources to offer pupils more choice of both extra-curricular activities (above) and academic subjects (right).

Independent schools cater for abroad rangeofages.

PARENTS will naturally have alot of However, independent schoolsalso questions when it come to choosing the recognise theimportance of what goes ideal schoolfor their child. The Scottish on beyond theclassroom andrecognise Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) thatacademicachievement alone is can help them find the answers. notenoughtoproduce fully rounded PARENTSARE SCISrepresents 72 of the 102 individual. independent schoolscurrently in operation “Independent schoolsoffer an exciting in Scotland, with acombined roll of some array of on-site clubs and experiences your 30,000 pupils. child canwrap around their academic day MAKING THE These include co-ed and single-sex, day to help them grow physically, socially and school and boarding schools, but all with in confidence,”Alison added. acommon ethos of providing their pupils “Your child will have the opportunity to with asafe and nurturingenvironment, in tryall sorts of endeavoursfromcoding INDEPENDENT which to achieve their full potential. to musical theatrewithoutyou having It is the independent sector’s reputation to worry about how they’regoing to get for academic excellence which remains thereorwho is going to pick them up.” the key draw for parents. Independentschools arealso more CHOICE Smaller class sizes allow teachers to diverse than often imagined. developamuch deeper understanding Almost athirdofboarders come from of the child’sstrengths and needs, with overseas, and in 2019-2020over aquarter strategies to help everychild excel, of pupils receivedsomesortoffinancial Calum Macleod whether through extra stimulation for assistance. someone showing clear ability, or a “This healthy mix of backgrounds, different approachtogive additional abilities and nationalities makes for a support when the topic is tricky. vibrant, modernstudent body that mirrors Examinationchoiceisoften greater too, the real world and will serve your child well with subjects likeMandarin, philosophy, for the future,”Alison added. environmentalscienceand drama on offer “Schoolsare sensitive to the sacrifices at Higher and Alevel, while significant many parents make in order to afford investment in modern, stimulating school fees and all schools offer some teaching facilities attracts ahigh calibre of level of fee assistance which is usually teachingstaff. awarded on the basis of financial need. Like all sectors of society, independent “In 2019-20, over 3000 children schools have also been impacted by the receivedmeans-tested feeassistance with coronavirus pandemic, but Alison Herbert 18per centofthose benefitingfromafree of SCIS says the schools have adapted to place.” this new challenge. Parents and children areencouraged to “They have succeeded in keeping their see what independent schoolscan offer pupils on trackbyfostering asense of for themselves. All schoolswelcome visits community while apartand ensuring they from prospective families throughout the keep abit of fun everyday to keep the year to provideafeel for lifeatthe school spirits of staff, pupils and parents high,” and answer any questions. she said. Details of open days canusuallybe Independent schoolsalso work hard found on the school’s website, although to developastrong working partnership this year things might lookabit different with parents in recognition of thebig with schoolsworking hardtocreate virtual investment they aremakingintheir child’s open days. future. Formoreinformation, advice and Parents aregiven clear indicators of the guidance on choosing an independent child’sprogress through frequent parental school in Scotland visit the Scottish consultations, goodcommunicationand Council of IndependentSchools (SCIS) Independent schools look beyond just academic achievement. obvious homeworksignposting. website at www.scis.org.uk. 35 ADVERTORIAL / Investing in your child’s future

The school is currently conducting Covid-safe drive-through Glenalmond College is set in 300-acresofgrounds in Perthshire. Pictures:GraemeHart/Copyright PerthshirePictureAgency tours on its grounds for prospectiveparents and pupils. lots more. We have alivelycombined cadet force –with Army, Navy and RAF sections –and an active eco- Clear valuesat group, currently sowing awildflower meadow.Wetake part in arange of charity activities, including a 24-hour cycle in our quad this year, which raised £4000 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Our new indoor golf heartofcollege hub with its simulationscreens is apopular indooralternative to our nine-hole golf course. And, of course, FOUNDEDin1847, Glenalmond What benefits will achild gain from Youare based in rural Perthshire. that’snot to forget orchestras, choirs, College is set in its own studying at Glenalmond? What advantages does that location academic societies, debating, drama, 300-acre grounds within the Every member of our staffis bring? art, and so on. beautiful Perthshire countryside. genuinelyinvested in the welfare We really have an ideal central Home during termtime to around and success of pupils and helping location, at the gateway to the What sort of person wouldyou 360pupilsaged 12 to 18, mostly full them fulfil their potential and their Highlands, but just an hour away expectthe idealpupil to be when boarders, with equal numbers of boys ambitions. We offer awide variety from Edinburgh and Glasgow, they leave Glenalmond? and girls, the lively, happy campus of subjects, and our pupils regularly meaning cultural, sporting and other At Glenalmond, we have two bustles with activity seven days a leave us with three Alevels, a trips usually only involve ashort bus simpleidealsinmind for our week. language higher, and an EPQ –a journey.Webenefit from the largest pupils: we want them to be happy, Head of Glenalmond College, Dr veryattractive combinationfor area of grounds of any Scottish and we want them to be decent, Michael Alderson, introduces us to university entryand futureemployers. school, which provides astunning to have clear values, and have life at the school. location for our school and asafe the courage to stand by them. How much individual attention are and healthy learning environment. The best academic education How wouldyou sum up you able to provide to pupils? We aredelighted to welcome prepares them to facethe future Glenalmond’seducational At under 400 pupils, everypupil many pupils from the Highlands with the greatest number of philosophy? is known: tailored support and and the West Coast of Scotland. choices, while experiencing arich Glenalmond’s philosophy is encouragement ensures all pupils Geographically, we aresituated range of opportunities developing simple: afoundation of clear fulfil their potential. The opportunity right at the heart of Scotland, just competencewhich, in turn, will values, confidencedrawn from for pupils to find themselves in a 10minutes from Perth, conveniently provideconfidence. Our pupils leave wide-ranging competence, and wide range of activities is another key close to the A9. us awareoftheir responsibilities, and academic challenge to help our to this success –whether CCF, pipe proud of their school with respect for pupilsdevelop into responsible young band, drama, music or sport. Whatextracurricular activitiesdo others and lifelong friends. adults who respond with agility in The fact our teaching staff live you offer? this ever-changing world. Our setting on site is incredibly important and With 300 acres of grounds, is unique, but Glenalmond is an makes ahuge difference. We have including our own outdoor exciting and restless place of learning agenuine community of staffand classroom, this is along list! A and aplace of activity, of warmth, pupils, whereeveryone really knows snapshot includes: skiing, golf, Glenalmond College, Glenalmond, Perth and most importantly, of community. everyone else. The school is as much The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, PH13RY The college is holding on to what is ahome for our staff as our pupils kayaking, and Munro-bagging. We T: 01738842000 best from the past while equipping and this helps to generate areal buzz also offer rifle shooting, orienteering, the pupils for tomorrowwith avibrant and also an immense, lifelong pride bushcraft, archery, fishing, E: [email protected] and moderneducation. in the school. horseriding, mountain biking, and www.glenalmondcollege.co.uk

Glenalmond marked becoming the first school member of the SupportersScheme, run by agricultural charityRSABI, with avisit from Head of Glenalmond College Donald the Highland bull. Dr Michael Alderson, Pupils enjoyawalk in the grounds of the college. 36 Wherequality counts in childcare Childcarefor children aged 0-12 yearsinTainand Alness

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37 HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Oneinfour of us will experience amentalhealth issue. Lots of us could benefit from improving our mentalhealth through diet.

Dr MeganRossi

Granola (above) is a good source of fibre and gets your day off to the rightstart in keepingyour gut in good health.

Author and diet expert Dr Megan Rossi.

TAKING afreshlookatyourdiet could now appreciate that diet can have a help to lower yourrisk of low moods significant impact on people’s mental during this uncertain period. health.” Aftermanyofusexperienceddisruption A 2017 Australian study took volunteers in our lives as aresult of the pandemic with severedepression and placed half of GUT RESPONSE upending our usual routines suchas them on arandomised gut-boosting diet, amove to home working or being in with advice from adietitian. The other half astrangeand stressful new working stuck to their usual diet, but weregiven environment , it has become even more social support. WILLAID important to lookafter our mental health The two groups weremonitored for 12 with acombination of agooddiet and weeks and then invited back to have their regular exercise. mental health assessed, using aclinical Dr Megan Rossi, aka The Gut Health questionnaire. YOUR MENTAL Doctor, believes an important element of “What the researchers found was that any balanced diet is ensuring your gut is in 32 per cent of those in the gut-boosting good health. group had asignificant improvement in “Rather than ‘you arewhat you eat’, I depression scores, which classified them HEALTH like to think of health as being ‘you are as no longer clinically depressed. In the what you digest’. No matter how healthy placebo group, it was just eight per cent,” your diet is, you won’t be able to extract Rossi noted. the nutrition from your food and absorb “It’s such apowerful study that shows Liz Connor, PA it, if you don’t have ahealthy gut lining,” looking after our gut microbes through Rossi said. diet can clearly have systemic benefits.” Our gut flora can have amajor effect on Rossi explained that the gut-boosting our immunity, too, she pointed out. Mediterranean diet that the Australian “Most people don’t realise that 70per study subjects ate was unique in that it cent of your immune system lies along provided 50grams of fibreper day, which your nine-metredigestive tract –soif could be food for thought for those who you want less sick days and lower risk of arestruggling with depression. allergies, it’s important to keep your gut “Onaverage, most adultsinthe UK healthy,”she said. consume around 19grams of fibreper It’s only been in the last couple of years day, but the government has just released that the thirdelement has really taken off new guidelines to recommend we have at in terms of the scientific literature, which least 30grams,”she said. Rossi says has turned the concept of “gut “The optimal fibrous diet is to make health” into abuzzword. sureyou’re getting better plant-based “Wecontain trillions of bacteria (as well diversity. as beneficial viruses, yeast and fungi) in “Thereare six different plant-based food the lower part of that digestive tract. We’re groups: whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruit, justlearning that it’s this community of vegetables and legumes. The different microorganisms, working together, that do microbes in your body like the different so much for us in terms of communicating types of fibre, so you need to tryand aim to our brain, heartand kidneys,”she said. for diversity across your plate. That means that if you arefeelingblue, “Start with simple things, like adding a it could be down to your gut. teaspoon of mixed seeds to your breakfast, “When Ifirsttrained as adietitian, or acan of kidney beans to your steamed adecade ago, we weretaught that if vegetables. someone has depressionorother health “One in four of us will experience issues, that diet could have asmall role to amental health issue eachyear, so play,”Rossi continued. lockdown aside, there’s lotsofuswho “However, in the last couple of years – could benefit from looking at ways to Theevents of 2020haveleftmanyofusfacing additional anxiety. thanks to some amazingresearch –we improve our mental health through diet.” 38 Does COVID end with D?

sthe sun has hung lower in the Food in the UK does not contain Asky COVID-19 has returned. enough Dfor suficient levels. Coincidence? Maybe not. Finland, in contrast, has much In the winter months the morefood fortiied with vitamin sun’srays areblocked by the Dthan us. They have twice the atmosphere, so we cannot make average blood Vitamin Dlevels and vitamin Dinour skin, particularly atenth of the deaths per million this far north in the Highlands. from COVID-19. Deiciency is widespread and Will taking suficient vitamin D increasing. help in the present pandemic? Many think vitamin Disjust needed Why should we believe it? for bones but actually animals with Alarge number of studies now no bones need it for immunity. show that better vitamin Dblood Vitamin D’simmune function evolved levels reduce severity and infection irst, even beforebones evolved. rate of COVID-19 including one For awell-functioning immune randomised controlled trial which system, we need agood supply of it. treated patients in hospital with COVID-19 with an active form of Helga Rhein, an Edinburgh GP vitamin D. It showed asigniicant says: “My patients reported less beneit; less ICU admissions and colds and coughs, less aches and death. Most importantly,nostudies pains and felt happier after taking a showed any negative effects from decent sized D-supplement” taking morevitamin D. The Scottish Government advises Most can be found on this website: people to take it, especially those www.scotsneedvitamind.com in carehomes and with darker skin and those who have been indoors We areagroup of academics, this year but only avery low writers and concerned citizens. amount -10mcg (400iu), just about We urge you to take enough right to prevent bone problems. vitamin Dand give it achance. However,for our immune systems It is extremely safe.* Youmight just to work best we need more; adults save yourself and your relatives ,%!- #!-' $"&!-#)($!" *$+$( 50-100mcg (2000iu -4000iu) daily. from the worst effects of COVID-19. -$*'#(&,$*+%$")! One expert suggests 69iu per kg *Anyone currently under hospital care body weight. should check with their clinic doctor irst. NORTHERN ASBESTOSSERVICES HSE Licensed HSE Licensed 14ThePerimeteWardsrRoad Springfield HouseUnit 3D, Contractor HeContractalth &Safetyor PinefiELGeldIN,IndustMorayrial Estate 3Central Park3MAuirvenhallueRo, Larbad ert Executive – ElgIV3in,0Moray6AA IV306AF FALKIRK,FKLa54rbRXert, Falkirk FK5 4RF Licensed Asbestos TT- -00130113342435435752654552899650 0 T - 01324574T899- 013132443 552574658990 Contractor

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39 Chief executive of InvernessChamber of Commerce Stewart NICOL

www.inverness-chamber.co.uk @InvernessChambr Chamber can help the low of trade ater Brexit

naround 50days, our nation’s the number of customs declarations, transition fromthe EU will end that will be requiredtobecompleted andall of us in business will find accurately and timeously, are Iourselves operatinginavery expected to increase six-fold to differentworld.Iamabsolutely around 300 million annually.Around certainthateachofour businesses; 180,000 businesses in the UK only allofour communities, everyfamily trade within the EU and each of andall of us personally will be them will be requiredtocomplete impactedbythistransition. customs paperwork for the first time. While all of us will be affected, Additionally, the EU27 accounts for the most immediate impactwill be just over half of all imports into the on businesses that trade globally, UK and being outside of the customs particularly with the EU. union will subsequently mean that Customs declarations will become imports into the UK from the EU will particularly relevantfor any business be treated the same as those from that imports or exports with anew the rest of the world. Chambers of Commerce have almost 100 yearsofexport experience. suite of regulations coming in to Getting this right isn’t just an force on January 1, 2021.Togive academic exercise to comply with ChamberCustoms has been team can clear goods from anywhere asense of scale, it is estimated that made up tomes of bureaucracy. launched by the British Chambers of in the country. Correctly andaccurately completing Commerce Network to respond to Chambers of commerce have each andevery customsdeclaration the demand for the service and cope been trusted by UK government is critical to ensure customsofficials with the rise in declarations that I and businesses to issue export clear thegoods for onward transit have outlined. ChamberCustoms is documentation and paperwork for Despite many and that all appropriate Duty or VAT acustoms brokerage service runby almost 100 years.Duringthis period is paid. Failureofeithercould result Inverness Chamber of Commerce, we have built astrong reputation as assurances to the in unnecessarydelays or fines being who areanaccredited customs atrusted partnerofboth business contrary, be under incurred. broker.Our dedicated team at the and government. ChamberCustoms Despite many assurances to the chamber have the training and has been designed to be an HMRC no illusion, goods contrary, be under no illusion, goods expertisetoprovideimport and compliant service which is both will be subject to will be subject to increased border export declarationservices for all straightforwardand reliable. checks. And these checks will be companies based in the Highlands Our customs brokerage services increased border carried out by people like you and I and Islandstohelp businesses keep areopen to any Highlands and who, while striving to do agood job, trading smoothly.ChamberCustoms Islands based company whether checks. will always have abad day in the is the only customs broker in the UK or not you areamember of any officeorbepreoccupied by other to offer a“one stop shop” with direct chamber. Contact us on 01463 stuff going on in their lives. linkstoall sea, air and road ports 718131 or international@inverness- Given all of the above, and terminals in the UK and my chamber.co.uk

T.F0/.&( 2.,-PM.&( .&, Executive PartnerPackages 1P$$ Inverness Chamber of Commerce .0 07805633388816563767 ., #***( www.inverness-chamber.co.uk 0(-,0P(*.0P$ T,P/- PP,(0-,Ð

40 ADVERTORIAL /Finance

Ta king the time to checkyour financial information is correct cansave business owners from problemsfurther down the line. he sevendeadlysins of management accounts

ensureyou understand the reasons they can’t generally get the stock Sharing inancial information for any movements. If you don’t, then figurecorrect withoutinput from the about your businessthat aphone call to the accountant is in owner.Itisalways worth checking it is doesn’t makesense is asure order. reasonable. Numbers which should be positive The bank doesn’t reconcile way to dent your credibility. arenegative (or vice versa) Not reconciling bank accountsis This is an easy one to miss. Are aclassic error. If your bank accounts Donald Forsyth,partner in thereany numbers in the profit and arenot reconciledthe bank figurein loss account or balance sheet that thebalance sheetwillbeout of date SaferyChampness, looks at should be positive but arenegative, or as will either oneorall thefollowing: vice versa? These can be hardtospot. income, expenditureand amountsdue the sevenmostcommon mistakes made Some for example, perhaps your bank to or by thebusiness. Reconciling the balance or VATbalance mayrightly bank is akey control. If you leave it by business ownersand providestipson changefrompositive to negative. Most for weeks or months at atime it can how to avoid them of thenumbers should only ever be become an unwieldy task and may oneorthe other. add to your annual accountancy fees. WE’VEall seen the scenario. The The balance sheet doesn’t balance All businesses should ensurethat all bank asks for the latestmanagement Again, you don’t needtobea The listsofmoney due from/to their bank accounts arereconciled accounts. Supplying the information whiz with numbers. The clue is in the customers and suppliers don’t agree regularly. could be acondition of atermloan, title –balance sheet. Do both sides with the balance sheet If you work on the basis that the needed for the annual renewal of an of your balance sheet come to the If yourbusinessbuysorsells on numbers must be right because they overdraftoranapplicationfor new same number? If they do, it doesn’t credit, then yourbalance sheetshould came from the computer –you could funding.Some printsare taken from necessarily mean that the numbers are includethe total of theamountdue be in for asurprise! Ta king afew the computer and emailed to the correct;there areseven deadly sins to youbycustomers (trade debtors/ minutes to do theseseven checks bank. Instead of getting the green light notjust one. If they don’t, something accounts receivable) andthe total could save time and embarrassment the bank come backwith awkward is wrong. Don’t let the information go amount youare duetopay your and will show the outsideworld that questions. any further until it has been fixed. suppliers (tradecreditors/accounts you areontop of your game. This article suggests quick checks payable).Ifthis is the case, your you should do beforetoensureyou The profit andloss account and accounting system should produce n If you’d like to have aconfidential don’t commit one or moreofthe seven balance sheet don’tagree alisting of sums due to be received discussion about your management deadly sins of management accounts! Thisisabit trickier.Let’s take it from customers and paidtosuppliers. accounts, or any other business you’vealreadychecked the numbers The totals of these listings should matter, please get in touch Thenumbers don’t look right in the profit and loss account and be the same amounts as appear in with Donald Forsyth at Saffery Yo uknow your business. Yo umight they arereasonable. Most months your balance sheet. If not, investigate ChampnessLLP, Inverness. not have studied accounting or the movement in the balance sheet thoroughly. finance, but experiencehas given you total shouldbethe profit for the agoodfeel as to whether the numbers month minus any dividends paid. For Stockand workinprogressare not areright.Inthe profitand lossaccount example, opening balancesheet total up-to-date lookatthe sales, gross profit, costs £100, plus profit for the period £50, Have you updated the figures and net profit. In the balance sheet, less dividends paid in the period £30, for stockand work in progress? SafferyChampness what about, stock, money due from so the closing balancesheet total Depending on your businessthis could KintailHouse, BeechwoodPark, customers and to suppliers. Do they should be £120. Now thereare rare make abig difference to the numbers. Inverness, IV23BW It could turnaprofitinto aloss, or vice make sense? Do they tie in with your instances wherethis might not work. In T: 01463 246300 expectations? If they don’t they may which case look at the other numbers versa. Although on-line accountancy well be wrong. Investigate any odd in the bottom half of your balance packages have lots of clever short-cuts E: [email protected] numbers beforesharing the reports. sheet (capital, reserves, etc) and and builtinchecks to avoid errors, www.saffery.com 41 FINANCE ANDINVESTMENT

Businesses have turned to accountants for adviceinadapting to the‘new normal’. Almost 45 per centofbusinesses said accountants helped prevent permanent closure.

interpretthe ever-changing rules around furlough and the government support initiatives. Digitisingand Accountantsare automating operationshas helped save time spentonaccounts as well, allowingustospendmoretime on providing business advice.” GaryTurner, managing director of Covid keyworkers Xero, said: “Behind everyresilient small business there’s ahard-working accountant. “They have played sucha SMALL businesses are heralding in recentmonths. Impact Research, said: “Our huge role in saving, and often accountants and financial advisers’ More than half (58per cent) accountant has been crucial to us, transforming, small firms adaptingto increasingly critical role in keeping namedtheir accountant as their most helping us make quick decisions on the pandemic. them running sinceCovid-19 trusted business advisor, assisting in what to do next as abusiness. “A ccountants andbookkeepersare arrived, considering them to be areas such as business advice and “Thanks to them, we have been theunsungheroes of our recovery among the “key workers”ofthe planningfor the future, with 61 per able to plan for various scenarios. andtheir importance hasnever been post-pandemiceconomic recovery cent saying their accountant supports “The pandemichas meant that we greatertoindividual businessesand according to new research. them in areas they struggle with or now have acloser relationship than theBritish economy.” The study by globalsmall business arebaffled by. ever, and they’rereally embedded in The studyof500 businessdecision platform Xero found 43 per cent VAT (37 percent) andpayroll (30 our business.” makers placed accountantsthird in a of small business (SME) owners percent) were two areas in which Pamela Phillips, co-founder and listofworkers whowerekey to firms’ said that their accountant has been SMEs felt particularly supported by managing director at accounting firm survivalduringlockdown, behind crucial to their pandemic survival, their accountants, with 70per cent de Jong Phillips, said:“Accountants deliverydrivers/postal workers and with 37 per cent saying that their saying they felt most supported in the aren’t just number-crunchers – technology firms. accountant helped them retain staff area of tax returns. they’reessential businesspartners. Politicians and political leaders during the height of the lockdown. DarrylSwift, CEO of small business “We’ve been helping clients wereinfourth place. However, while one third (32 per cent) of SME bosses turned to their accountant for businessadvice when Covid-19struck,34per cent turned to governmentwebsites and resources and 15 per cent turned to friends or family. Almost half (45 per cent) of small businesses said their accountant is moreimportant to their business than ever before, while 14 per cent said they have turned to an accountant for the first time. Meanwhile,38per cent of SME owners said they have built closer relationships with their accountants

Accountantsand bookkeepersare the unsung heroes of our recovery.

GaryTurner Firmssay they have builtastronger relationship with their accountants sincethe startoflockdown. 42 Apandemic inancial plan forall thefamily Ensureasafe inancial futurefor yourself, yourparents and yourchildrenduring the coronavirus pandemic

Members of the sandwich generation, those individuals in their 40s, 50s and 60s who arebringing up their own children while also providing carefor their parents, face increased inancial strain in the best of times. Pulled in different directions, they arealso trying to save for their own retirement during acritical period in their working life. In the current coronavirus crisis, the sandwich generation is facing additional challenges, with the pandemic impacting jobs, businesses, schools and home life. It’sthe perfect storm of inancial, emotional and time pressure. Youmight be in asenior role at work and have to juggle management responsibilities with the challenge of working from home. Or you might have been furloughed from your current role and face the prospect of a cut in income. Added to this, thereare concerns about the performance of your pension and other investments given recent stock market falls. So, amid this perfect storm, what can members of the sandwich generation do? Ainancial adviser can help to work out your priorities and put aplan in place to build wealth for the future. In the meantime, hereare some tips on how to support your parents and your children –while also taking careofyourself.

How to help your parents is agreat place to start, and has the added protection arerelevant now morethan ever – Whether your ageing parents live with you, by beneit of introducing younger generations to we may not like to think about death, serious themselves or in acarehome, this is an anxious inancial planning. illness and long-term sickness, but they’re time. And while money is never an easy topic Ask yourself: what areyou currently paying for especially important if others rely on to talk about, having aconversation will allow childcareorschooling? Areyou saving for a you inancially. you to plan for this period of uncertainty child’seducation, or to help with airst-home Use your time in lockdown to give your budget moreeffectively. purchase? Areloans and gifts to your children aspring clean. Aretheremonthly costs that Do you have aclear understanding of your being structured in the most lexible or you could eliminate or reduce? Areyou using parents’ assets, income sources, living tax-eficient way? available tax breaks? Youmay even ind there expenses and debts? Do they have life The impact of the coronavirus may change the is an opportunity to make the most of afall in insurance or long-term careinsurance? Arethey answers to these questions, and ainancial shareprices and invest for the future. claiming all the beneits they areentitled to? adviser can help you identify what to prioritise When markets have dropped, it can be a Involving ainancial adviser at this point can and how to adapt to current circumstances if good time to save and invest. It may seem remove emotion from the equation and restrict needed –while still saving for the future. counterintuitive, but you arebuying the discussion to the facts and igures –for Pensions and Junior ISAs aregreat cheap stocks. example, if you need to adjust your inancial opportunities to give children ainancial head Look after you and yours. If you have any plan due to achange in circumstances caused start, and it’sworth contributing even in times questions or concerns about intergenerational by the coronavirus crisis. of volatility.Inthe Budget in March, the annual inancial planning, just ask ainancial adviser. Talk to your parents about inancial scams in allowance for aJunior ISA was morethan They’retheretohelp. order to help prevent them from falling victim doubled to £9,000. Aparent or guardian must To receive acomplimentary guide covering to online or telephone fraud. Keep in regular set up the Junior ISA, but anyone can pay into wealth management, retirement planning or contact (via phone or digitally) and make sure it, and thereisnotax to pay on any income Inheritance Taxplanning, contact they’reawarethat you’rehappy to discuss any or gains. And even small contributions into a Mary MacFarlane Financial Planning on money concerns that they may have. child or young person’spension can make abig 01463 793542 or difference over the long term. And though it is adificult subject, it’simportant email [email protected] to check that your parents’ affairs areinorder. How to help yourself Will creation and legacy planning will be front Remember,tocontinue caring for your children of mind for many people during this time of and your parents, you need to take care uncertainty,and it’sworth taking alook to make of yourself. sureeverything is up to date. Also note whether It can be tempting to try to predict the future, they’ve speciied who can legally take control or react to events as they happen. Talking of their inances should they become unable to to ainancial adviser can help you make a make decisions on their own. inancial plan in acalm, rational way,rather than How to help your children reacting to news stories or your own emotions. Whether your children areyounger and home Putting the right plan in place will allow greater from school, or older and back living at home opportunities to build wealth over time –fulilling after their university has closed, or they have your retirement plans while still supporting Mary MacFarlane Financial Planning other generations. been laid offfromtheir job, they will likely need Firthview House increased emotional –and possibly If you can, continue contributing to your own Blackpark, Westhill, Inverness IV25BP inancial –support. pension and savings. Sacriicing saving today could result in inancial strain tomorrow.In 01463793542 Thinking about money as afamily,rather than www.marymacfarlanefp.co.uk each generation trying to manage alone, addition, life insurance and inancial

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45 Jenny LIDDELL What’s happening withthe northnetworking club HBWdirector HighlandBusinessWomen @HBWC www.hbw.scot Take up HBW’ssilver challenge

uring these strange days, we’resurrounded by advice Don keeping physically and mentallyhealthy. We know how important it is to keep in touch with others and to havesome fun.Lots of organisations haveset up befriending services to reach isolated people in our communities, such as Age Scotland’s free Friendship line (available on 0800 12 44 222). For 25 years, Highland Business Women has also been extending the hand of friendship to women across the region. Whether you runyour own business, areanemployee, volunteer or aretiree, Highland Business Women is for you. We get together –online for now as we adapt to the circumstances forced on us by the coronavirus pandemic –atleast once amonth for abit of socialising and fun. We offer opportunities for womeninbusiness to showcase what they do as well as providing opportunities to meetother women and make professional and personal friendships. In normal times, we’d be getting together monthly, usually for atwo- course meal followed by aspeakeror activity. These days, we arenow getting together online for activities from cocktails and nibblesatChristmas to Highland Business Women’s silver anniversary‘25’challenge will support the workofHighland arts andculture charityFèis Rois. home décor tips for all seasonsand virtualcoffee breaks. So if Covid-isolation is gettingyou From November 9to14, we are over six days by walking, running or December 7 and 21 2020. down, reach out to us and enjoy looking for daredevils to take on a cycling. Application forms and details will the warmth of friendship with other sponsored challengearound the But you could do whatever suits appear shortly on our website. members. themeof“25”. –walk 25,000steps over the week, We will draw up ashortlistover In this, our 25th year, we’re Tw oofour boardmembers, swim 2500m at your local pool, cycle the festive seasonand announcethe celebrating our silver anniversaryby HannahLloyd and Victoria 25 miles –you get the idea. finalists on January 6. raising funds for our 2020chosen MacDonald, areintending to swim Formoreinformation, see our Shortlisted charities willthenbe charity of the year, Fèis Rois. 250m in sevenlochs (brrr!) over website or Facebook page. invitedtogiveapresentation –which With adiverse programme of sevendays duringthat weekwhile Yo udon’t need to be amember willprobably be online given social activities in Ross &Cromarty, across the Royal Bank of Scotland’s North of Highland Business Women to distancing restrictions –onJanuary Scotland and beyond, Fèis Rois is and Highlands business banking help us raisefunds –everyone can 13 2021, when our membership will widely recognisedasanational team is planning on covering 250km joininand it’sagreat chance to vote for their preferredcharity. leader in thearts, particularly in get some much needed exercise We hope to raisebetween £4000 music educationand supportspeople during the darker months while to £5000 for eachHBW charity of of all ages to reach their potential doing something amazing for a the year –last year HBWmembers through engaging in traditional great cause, in what’sbeen avery and supporters did even better by music and Gaelic language If Covid-isolation challenging year for charities on the raising £5300 for The Oxygen Works. activities.. is getting you fundraising front. However, with acurb on the The charity celebrated asignificant Then joinusonline for our Silver usual programme of events and anniversaryofits own this year, down, reach out ZoompartyonSaturday November activities, including the annual marking the 21st anniversaryof 14 at 6.30pm. awards ceremony which this year its Ceilidh Tr ail with the release of to us and enjoy Full details for our Dareand was moved online and is usually one adouble album featuring several the warmth of Donate event areonthe website: of the biggest fundraisers for HBW’s star of the contemporarytraditional www.hbw.scot/charity chosen charity,2020has proved very music scene who began their friendship with If you areconnected with acharity challenging. performing careers with Fèis Rois. other HBW and would like to apply to be the So, hopefully you can take part We areproud to announce our 25 HighlandBusinessWomen’s charity in the November Dareand Donate year Dare&Donate fundraiser for members. of the yearfor 2021, then we’llbe challenge with us this year and help this leading arts charity. opening for applications between raise funds for another worthy cause. 46 PROTECT

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47 MOTORS

QUIRKY COUPÉ

By JackEvans simple and easy to use, though we’re BMW 220d still not huge fans of BMW’s digital dashboarddesign which still seems too IN amotoring world seemingly The steering is excellent too, cluttered even if it gives the forward Gran Coupé obsessed with niche-busting models, and the engine itself is punchy and area of the cabin acutting-edge feel. here’s another one. The BMW 2 muscular in the way it puts the power Headroom in the back of the car SeriesGran Coupé is essentially a down. The eight-speed gearbox isn’t the best as aresult of the sloping Base price: £33,340 four-doorversion of the two-door 2 tying it all together is one of the best roofline. Though there’s plenty of Model as tested: 220d Seriesand the smallest Gran Coupé in the business, responding well to legroom, taller passengers will find Price: £37,825 model in BMW’sline-up. acceleration inputs and leaving little their headscompeting for space with Engine: 2.0-litreturbocharged The 2 Series GC shares its delay when pulling away from adead the roof if they’resitting in the back. diesel underpinnings with the standard 1 stop. The boot is actually larger than the Power: 188bhp Series and as aresult retains that car’s Against the 1 Series or standard 2 one you’ll find in the 1 Series too, To rque: 400Nm list of enginesand front-wheel-drive Series, this Gran Coupé looks like a thoughbecause of the narrower Max speed: 146mph layout. However, it is slightly longer, distinctlynew propositionand its quirky opening it’sagooddegree harder to 0-60mph: 7.3seconds which helps add to its sleek, stretched- design took some getting used to. access. MPG: 53.4 out design, though at the expense of But thereare plenty of nice touches. Our carwas finished in tip-topM Emissions: 134g/km CO2 interior headroom. Sport specification, whichbringsa Though there’s quite the range of full sport styling package, larger alloy enginestochoose from, we’ve got the wheels and afull sport suspension 220d model, which sees a 2.0-litre setup too. turbocharged diesel engine sending The steering is The Te chnology Pack (£1500) 188bhp and 400Nm of torque to excellent, and broughtfeaturessuchasadaptive the front wheels via an eight-speed LED headlightsand ahead-up display, automatic gearbox. the engineitself alongsidewirelesscharging, adding BMW claims up to 53.4mpg is punchyand genuinely useful kit for not awhole lot combined and, during our time moremoney. with the car, we weregoing above muscular. BMW’s 2 SeriesGranCoupé might and beyond this on longer journeys. be another exercise in niche-filling, but Emissions figures arealso reasonable you can’t say it hasn’t been awell- for acar of this size and type at 134g/ executed one. Those drivers who find km CO2. The bright blue brake callipers on the 1 Series too, well, ordinaryand the Yo uexpect acar likethe 2 Series our car helped to brighten up an standard 2 Series Coupé too cramped Gran Coupétobecomfortable, otherwise quite dark exterior, while the could well find themselvesswayed by refined and easy to live with over long large alloy wheels give it adistinctly the in-the-middle Gran Coupé. journeys and, for the most part, it premium air. With its decent on-road manners, achieves each of these well. The ride The interior represents an excellent excellent economy and good build is atouch too firmfor me, but it does blend of the old and the new.We quality, we couldn’t fault them for result in excellent body control when like the traditional orange backlights doing so either.Itmight be thereto cornering. Road and wind noise are for the buttons, while all of the fill agap no one might have seen contained well too, and though there’s leather used throughout the cabin in the first place, but the 2 Series some noise intrusion into the cabin has arobust, old-school feel to it. In Gran Coupé is well-rounded enough when accelerating hard, during regular contrast, the main screen –which uses to appealasagenuine prospect in drives it remains hushed. BMW’s latest operating software–is BMW’s current crop of cars. 48 AQUACULTURE

MOWI employs around 1500 staff throughout Scotland. MOWI COO Ben Hadfield apologised for the mistake.

view to improving the situation for wild salmon and sea trout.” Thanking Fisheries Management Fish farm escape Scotland for helping remove the escaped salmon, Ben Hadfield, COO of Mowi Scotland, said:“Iwould like to apologise for any disruption and concernthis escape has caused all leads to newstudy thosewith an interest in wild salmon. “Wehave learned the root cause of the escape –systemanchor lines crossing and resulting in friction ACRUCIAL study into the effects Escaped farmed salmon have said:“We areverydisappointed failure–and acknowledge our of interbreedingbetween wild and been caught by anglers in multiple this escape occurred. The responsibility to quickly learnfrom farmed salmon has been launched. riversacross Loch Lomond, Ayrshire, Carradale North farmisanew this event to prevent it from occurring The research, funded by farmed Clyde, Argyll and in riversinnorth- development, and we areall again.” salmon company Mowi Scotland, west England. agreed it is not acceptable for such This new, comprehensive study of is in response to arecent escape of The priority for Fisheries escapes to occur.Itiscrucial lessons genetic introgression aims to add farm-raised salmon. Management Scotland and its arelearned and appropriate steps to the understanding of one of the It will be managedbythe wild members has been to ensureany taken to avoid such escapes in the potential pressures on Scotland’s fish conservation body Fisheries farmed fish areremoved from the future. wild salmon, which areapproaching Management Scotland and rivers, humanely dispatched, and “Wehave welcomed Mowi’s crisis-point. supported by government scientists scale samples submitted to enable commitment to work with us and to The Scottish Government has from Marine Scotland Science. accurate identification, and Mowi fund acomprehensive geneticsstudy identified arange of high-level The multi-year study of 115 sites has committed to support these that will help us better understand pressures on wild salmon including aims to confirmwild salmon’s current actions. the potential impacts. over-exploitation, predation, invasive genetic profile and to trackfor the Alan Wells, chief executive of “Wewill continue to engage with species, habitat loss and quality, and potential of genetic changes should Fisheries Management Scotland, the industry and regulators, with a inshorecommercial fisheries. interbreeding of farmed and wild salmonoccur. In late August, Mowi Scotland confirmed 48,834 farm-raised salmon had escaped from its aquaculture facility in the Firth of Clyde after becoming detached from its seabed anchors during acombinationof strong weather events. Since the escape, Fisheries Management Scotland has been working with member District Salmon FisheryBoards and Fisheries Tr usts, as well as angling associations, to monitor the situationand mitigate wherepossible.

It is crucial lessons arelearned and appropriate steps taken to avoid such escapes in future.

Alan Wells The study will look at the impact farmed salmon escapes might have on thewild fish population. 49 OPINION Sophia HANSON

www.sophiahanson.com @SophiaHanson he heart behind the face mask

re you here on holiday? helpedmenavigate the techy I’m being asked that stuffwith absolute humourand Arepeatedly by fellow charm. walkers. BeforeImoved away from Unless it’s code for here I’d falleninto the trap something Idon’t know about of findingfault with things I’m guessing the question is becauseIwas no longer arising because I’m feeling making an effort to actively buoyant for the first timeina appreciate them. while. In my 20s Iworkedfor Moray My husband and Ihave Firth Radio and although I recently moved into anew found the early newsdeskshift house. with its 6am livenews bulletin It’s oursecond home excruciating, the sunriseover together and we’re now the Kessock Bridge was jaw- permanently based here in the droppingand Ihad abrilliant Highlands. groupoffriends. Yetafter a I’d forgotten how much I whileIpaidscant attention;it missed being here full-time. became background. The big sky, the scenery, Living in Beauly it took me sunrise and sunset, abetter less than 12 minutes to leave pace of life, and, of course home and arrive at my desk, local people and their yet rarely did Isavour those 12 generosity of spirit. minutes of stunning fields and Within acouple of weeks shimmering firth. in ournew place we’d met They were the norm. ahandful of the neighbours If you’re on ashort break (albeit mumbling through face (or even skiving) at work how masks and over rickety fences). comfyisthe seat you’re sitting We were five years in our on? previous homeinHebden Can you take afew seconds Bridge, West Yorkshire, and our to appreciate it? street seemed to be populated What about the tea you’re by aremovals firm at least drinking? monthly; we didn’t fully connect Is it nice? with more than acouple of Are you takingthe time households. to enjoy the moment? Or We heard doors slam at 7am overlooking the good because it when neighbours left their is normal? warm beds for the commuter Behind the face masks you train. can find good compassionate The bigger cities of Leeds people desperate to connect; and Manchester –and even the love always shines through Halifax town centre –created if you’re willing to see it. too much anonymityfor me. Finding away to reach out to The old feelings of “why does others, no matter how small, everyone know my business?” I can make ahuge difference to used to experience here, were happiness levels. swapped for “why does it feel Youhavenoideahow much likenobody cares?” it helps. Since we’ve beenhome I’ve How about you? genuinelyfelt touched by the What could youappreciate chit chat in the local shops: So just that littlebit morethat much so thatIboughtScott would addsome sparkle to your in Vodafoneawee bag of life? Thorntons the other day. Whose daycould youmakea He saw me as aperson, and littlebrighter?

50 An opportunity has arisen for thepurchaseof Caithness Serviced Apartments.

Due to retirement DonaldCampbell has decided to sell his business. Thefour apartments havebeen lovingly refurbished toahighstandard with aVisitScotland 4 star accreditation.

Theapartments o&er agreat location forthe businessand tourist travellers, situated1minute from the expanding Wick Harbour. The purchase of this business will give agreat investment. There is astrong client base from tourists visitingthe world-famous North Coast 500 route or businessand work-trade visitors working in the region, whichhas huge developmentwithinthe energy sector Caithness ServicedApartmentsisagreat location forsomeone to take on this business and thrive.

Interested parties are welcomed to contact DonaldCampbell for further information. E: [email protected] T: 01955 651297 W: www.caithness-apartments.co.uk M: 07879 641333

51 bookmarks

One in seven UK workers is already self-employed BOOK and research tells us that lockdown has seen even moreofusthink about starting up on our own. But how do we go about REVIEW it? Boss It (Kogan Paul £11.99) by Carl Reader gives an eight step guide to Anew guide shares the secrets of getting your business off the ground. how good leadership can inspire If this year has taught us nothing else, staff to take on new challenges 2020has emphasised the need to be and think creatively. prepared for change. Henley Business School fellow Campbell Macpherson in The Power to Change (Kogan Paul Formany, charisma is something you either have £11.99) shows how to embraceand or you don’t, not something you develop yourself. harness changeand make it apositive for Kevin Murray, the former directorof you and your business. communications for such major names as British Airways and the UK AtomicEnergy Authority, disagrees. “Everyone is capable of developing charisma Questionnaires and exercises help the reader GDPR (General Data Protection because it stems from skills you can practiceand keep track of their own progress as they develop Regulation) has brought unwelcome apply,”hewrites in his introduction. their own leadership skills, but Murray also pays complications for businesses of sizes, with “Charisma is something you learn, not something attention to those other skills which arevital to massive penalties for any breaches are you arebornwith.” becoming aleader others can put their faith committed. In GDPR forDummies (John By identifying five key traitsofleadership – in, such as problem solving, presentation, solid Wiley &Sons £23.99), Suzanne Dibble, authenticity, personal power, warmth, drive and preparation and coaching. provides simple steps to help you easily get persuasiveness –Murray sets out apathway to However, as Murray shows from examples drawn to grips with GDPR legislation. using your personality as apositive influenceon from his own 40-year career, the leadership skills colleagues, peers, staff and customers, while you develop have to naturally flow from your avoiding the pitfalls of shallowcharmoregotism. personality and cannot be forced. Written in apunchy and accessible style that is Ablunt speaking northernEnglish engineer can dividedinto relevanttopics and issues–something still make acharismatic leader if he shows the that makes it easy to dip into for aquick reference honesty and trust that his staff and colleagues or refresher –this is apractical guide that will expect. make you think hardabout your own attributes, or As Murray stresses, you do not need to be a those you need to develop. Mandela or an Obama to show charismatic CharismaticLeadership Murray also makes it clear that leadership is not leadership. by Kevin Murray just about you. To be an effective leader you must Whether you arehead of asmall team or a Published by also be empathetic, respective, inclusive and major business, the changes you make to your Kogan Page £11.99 understanding and awarethat aleaders is also a personality can make abig difference to how you part of ateam, not apart from it. and your staff perform. Book success shows Caroline is acut above

AN Inverness hairdresser has team under-performs. performacross the board,”she topped Amazon’s best sellers list “They canget caught in acycle continued. withher guidetohelpingfellow wherethey have no time to allocate “Wecover mindset, marketing, salon owners make ashort cut to to activelyimproving their business training, HR, retail, targets and success. because they’realways with clients.” everything they needtosucceed in a Caroline Sanderson (right), the Ms Sanderson shares some of her tangible time frame.” owner and director of Ego Hair personal journey to successinthe Ms Sanderson is an international Design and Hair Heroes salons in book. speaker teaching her Super Salon Inverness, put lockdown to good use She tellsthe storyofwhen she Success Systemsall around the by writing The Salon Jedi: The Big nearly went bankrupt while she was UK and in the US from Florida to Business Breakthrough ForAmbitious eight months pregnant and her salon California. Salon Owners. manager walked out with her client In 2019alone, she hosted 22 Written to help othersachieve list. boot camps and eight schools in her business success, the book became She subsequently turned her mission to reach and teach 1500 the fastestrankingonAmazon and businessaround using anumber salons. the number one bestseller in seven of techniques and experienced a She also has apodcast called the categoriesinthe UK. massive 398 per cent growth during M.i.n.d.f.u.l Salon Jedi and her own It also earned aclean sweep the last recession. make up brand. of five star reviews from readers, Ms Sanderson said herbook Her success has been recognised with one calling the book “a game waswritten to help salon owners by severalindustryawards, including changer”and commenting: “If you struggling to find away to step off Scottish hairdresser of the year at areabusiness owner in need of the salon floor and put moreenergy the British Hairdressing Awards, best some guidance and really want to been my goal to empower salon into growing aprofitable business by front of house team at the British build your business you won’t be owners so that they can grow their providing them with industrysecrets Hairdressing Business Awards and disappointed.” business and ultimately get off the and success strategies to help them has twice been named Britain’sbest The book covers mindset, tools when the time comes. achieve their goals. photographic stylist. marketing, management and “Many salon owners arealso their “My method teaches them how The Salon Jedi by Caroline maintenance for business owners. salon’s best earners and arestuck to take control so they have a Sanderson can be purchased at Ms Sanderson said: “It’s always behind achair while the rest of their confident, high earning team who tinyurl.com/salonjedibook 52 No ill wind for Port

THEoffshorewindboomhelped throughout the CromartyFirth last blow in ahealthy profitfor the year, with major oil rig inspection, Port of Cromarty Firth, along with repair and maintenance projects abest everyear in cruise boat helpingtosecureand safeguard Council backs bid for visits. jobs locally.This industrycontinues It recordedanother excellent year to be avital employerwithin the in 2019, accordingtoits annual Highland region. Wick airport’sfuture review –with aturnover of £10.6 The port also enjoyed its best- million achieved. ever cruise season since the first The port generated asurplus luxuryvessels sailed into the firth HIGHLAND councillors gave their Tr ansport Scotland has made (profit aftertax) figureof£2million over 40years ago. It welcomed commitment to continue working it clear that any PSO would need of which 100 per cent, as atrust 104 ships and morethan 167,000 to secure the sustainability of to be supported by the council port, will be reinvested in future passengers in 2019, with some Wick John O’GroatsAirport and to and other stakeholders. Forthis developmentofthe port for the of the world’s largest cruise ships pressfor Public Service Obligation reason, members of the Caithness benefit of the local area and its taking advantage of the firth’s deep (PSO) statusasamatterof Committee called on the council stakeholders. water and local attractions the urgency. to identifyfinancial support for the The port said the rapidly-growing Highlands has to offer. Chairwoman of the Caithness airport. source of revenue was renewables, Port chief executive Bob Committee, Wick andEast Cllr Sinclairexplained: “Weare with Port of Cromarty Firth Buskie said: “I am delighted Caithness councillorNicola Sinclair asking the counciltocontinue with developing ahugely valuable track that our business performed well highlighted theworkdoneto its efforts in exploring the resource recordinoffshorewind. throughout 2019and once again prepareastrong businesscaseand implications of asuccessful PSO Further offshorewind work for surpassed our forecast targets.” stressed that to be truly focused on bid.” the port is also on the horizon, with socio-economicrecovery“it is vital” Speaking after Thursday’s Crown Estate Scotland launching that thedoors of theairportremain meeting, she added: “Today we the next leasing round for Scottish open. asked for that process to begin in offshorewind developments, with She said:“Caithness Chamber earnest and to reflect the urgency of up to 10GW of capacity available. of Commerce and other local the situation. Oil and gas activity continued Friday, October 30,2020 stakeholders tookearly action “Socio-economic recoveryand and commissioned adetailed, reversing population decline arekey independent feasibility study in priorities for our county, and that 2019whichwas then worked cannot be achieved without ashow up into afull businesscase. This of confidenceinCaithness and asks the Scottish Government to positive decisive action.” consider adual-route publicservice Thurso and north-west Caithness obligation to protectour services to cllr Struan Mackie added: “It has Edinburgh and Aberdeen whichwe been refreshing to be part of a believe is asustainable model. cross community campaign, with “A PSO wouldrequireanannual stakeholders, businesses groups and subsidy of £3 million over four years, individuals all seeking asolution in but it’s projected to deliver £5.2 resuming flights from Wick. million in economic benefit and up “A fter years of progressive market to 46,000 passengers per year by failure, it is clear that the PSOisthe year four.The airport is acatalyst for only option left.” 400 to 600 local jobs as well as 60 directly employed at the airport. It’s thereforecritical to the economic prosperity of the region that we securethe investment from the The portsurpassed its forecast targets in 2019. Scottish Government for aPSO.” Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Unique live Caithness Chamber event identifying potential ScotWind suppliers and partners.

In the third Hear from of four British Moray Council 11 Chamber 12 what the £100 12 NOVEMBER webinars, NOVEMBER Million Moray NOVEMBER Liam Smyth Growth Deal explains what means for Countdown to will change Moray Growth business, with Floating Energy change whenthe EU Deal: Whatit afocus on Supply-Chain online transition means for you digital health Engagement Event 10am online online period ends. 10am and housing. 9.30am

Webinar hosted Learn how Interactive by Cooperative to shoot, edit webinar from 18 18 Development 25 and upload 01 the British Scotland photos for use Chambers of NOVEMBER NOVEMBER outlining the NOVEMBER online and DECEMBER Commerce, process of to showcase counting HIE: Exercise Employee moving to an Photography your business Countdown to down to the in abox ownership for business change online explained employee- online with Business online end of the 9.30am Te st and practise your online owned 10am Gateway. 10am EU Tr ansition response to acyber attack. 10.30am structure. period.

53 INTERACTION Write to us: Executive, Suite 3.04, Moray House,16-18Bank Street, Inverness IV11QY.

All queriesand complaints about yourExecutiveshould Email: [email protected] be made in writingtothe Editor, Executive, Suite 3.04, Moray House,16-18Bank Street, Inverness, IV11QY, Facebook:executivebusinessmagazine in the firstinstance. If the matter cannotberesolved it will then be referredtothe IndependentPress Tw itter: @ExecutiveHNM Standards Organisation, Gate House,1Farringdon Street, London, EC4M 7LG. Forinformation on the LinkedIn:company/executive-magazine Code of PracticeorIPSO, visit www.ipso.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 0300 1232220. Posts and Tweets Kerryand DerekCampbell of 8Doors Distillery. Get in touchvia social media or email us at the address above. Let us know your views on the news! THEQUIZ Our business quiz gives you the chanceto So proud of my Mama (Fiona Russell of Fabrik Magik Interiors Ltd).Recently she had her workfilmedby win aprize. We have a 50clbottle of gin from theBBC at thefamous To rridon Hotel and now this new article in theExecutive Magazine! Dingwall’sGlenWyvis Distillerytogive away Iwish Ihad her eye for designand colour! eachmonth. Just answer the questions, based Linzi JRussell, via Facebook on the contents of this month’sissue. The winner will be chosen at randomfromthe correct entries.Thismonth’squestions are: 1. 8DoorsDistillery takes its name from Backbeforesocial distancing, abusiness lunch@SutorCafé with @ExecutiveHNM. Fablunch talking which legendaryCaithness figure? about community in Cromarty with @cromartycheese and @vandykebros. 2.What is the Star Wars-inspired title of Be suretovisit the new Sutor Creek deli! Caroline Sanderson’s salonowners guide? Calico UK, @Calico_UK 3.Orkney’s Aurora Jewelleryhas launched a range based on what fantasy series? 4.Whichprojectwas named overall winner To ok my first turnaswriterinchief for HighlandBusinessWomenthis month for Executive Magazine, with at the 2020IAA Architectural Awards? abit of around up of our lockdown activities. Wasgreat looking back and reflecting on how we have all 5.How many independent schools currently been supporting each other. operate in Scotland? Donna Smith, Thystle, via Facebook Entrants must be over 18and entrieswillbe accepteduntil 5pm on Monday, November 30. Fill in the formbelow and send your answers, nameand address and contact number to: Did you see the Highland Business Women articleinthis month’sExecutive Magazine? The Quiz, Executive, Suite 3.04, Moray House, Great reflection from vice-president, Donna Smith, on 2020sofar, and how we have embraced virtual and 16-18Bank Street, Inverness, IV11QY. kept the HBWcommunity connected! Alternatively, email [email protected] HighlandBusiness Women, via Facebook Last month’swinner: C. Johnston, Culduthel

Answers

Ifind Executive Brilliant to be in 1...... Magazine very Executive Magazine, 2...... interesting and enjoy featuring in the 3...... 4...... reading it. Have now Inspirational Women 5...... encouraged other section. Achieve your members of the fullpotential! Name...... family to read it too! Clare Humphreys, Address...... Alexandra MacRae, Will to Win, via ...... Kiltarlity Facebook ...... Postcode...... Contact number......

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