Almost 200 people have responded to a test recruitment drive being mounted in a bid to attract a major call centre to the town of Aviemore, with the quality of those coming forward being praised by the company running the campaign.

Only a few days ago it was announced that an established company in the tele-business sector was interested in setting up in Aviemore - potentially creating 300 jobs - if there were enough people interested in employment.

They have been encouraged to consider locating in the town by the inward investment team at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The campaign to attract potential employees is being run by recruitment specialists Search. They say they have been particularly impressed by the high calibre and skills base of those who have responded, with over 80 per cent being classified as 'above average to excellent' in terms of their suitability for this type of work.

Commercial Business Manager for Search, Simone Corcoran said: "We are delighted that so many of the people who have contacted us have the skills and abilities our client requires. They are also coming from a wide spectrum of the labour market, spanning school leavers, graduates and adult returners, as well as from those who are already in work or unemployed.

"However we are still looking for many more people to come forward to register an interest in this type of job, even if they will not be available for work for several months."

The recruitment drive is being stepped up on Saturday (29th January) with two open days being held, in Aviemore's Four Seasons Hotel and in the Station Hotel in Inverness. Each running from 10am until 3pm, they will give people more detailed information about call centre work, and the job and training opportunities available.

Chief executive of Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE) Dick Ruane said: "The success of the call centre sector elsewhere in our area, and in the wider Highlands and Islands, shows that there are many people ready and able to do this type of job.
We are confident this success can be emulated in Aviemore but we need people to come forward and register an interest if we are to secure this new facility and the work it will bring.

"These jobs will be permanent and well paid, and flexible enough, through shift-working, to suit people in a variety of different family circumstances. They are also suitable for both young and old and previous IT experience is not necessary."