A year long project aimed at meeting the demand for better access to information about the Cromarty Firth and for a more positive and proactive approach to development in the area has just been completed.

The Cromarty Firth Data Project is a partnership project that builds on previous coastal management work undertaken by the Cromarty Firth Liaison Group and the Moray Firth Partnership (MFP).  The project was managed and funded by the MFP, Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE), Cromarty Firth Port Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Highland Council and Talisman Energy Ltd.

More than 70 individuals and 40 organisations participated in the project in some way.

The project has produced a tool that will increase awareness and understanding of the local coastal environment around the Cromarty Firth and its potential to enhance the local economy.  It has drawn together a huge amount of data that was previously held in a number of different areas and gives people the opportunity to see the bigger picture from a single easy access point.

The inventory of information is accessible online at www.morayfirth-partnership.org/CROM8.html or via direct links from the project partner's websites.

The benefits of this online, easily searchable resource are as valuable to individuals and developers seeking information, as they are to public sector staff involved in giving advice, guidance and decision making.

The project has also produced an online 'Cromarty Firth Developers Pack'.  This aims to address some of the difficulties that could face developers, before they arise, or at an early stage in the process.  It includes a Who's Who directory for the Cromarty Firth to help developers find the information and people they need in order to take their plans further.

Frances Bell, project co-ordinator, said: "I am really pleased with what has been achieved during the past year.  Ultimately the main benefit of the Data Project will be to the Cromarty Firth itself.  Its future development and protection will be better managed and people who use its resources will have a better understanding of this superb environmental and economic asset."

Commenting on the project Gordon Cox, chief executive of RACE, said: "The partnership approach between the Local Enterprise Company and the other key organisations involved has been very productive.  This consensus approach means that the final product is of benefit to the broadest range of end users.

"The project will aid the continued economic and community development of the Cromarty Firth which is one of RACE's ongoing priorities."

Malcolm McArthur, area manager for the Highland Council in Ross and Cromarty and chair of the project management group, said: "The conclusion of this important project sees the end of nearly a decade of partnership working on Cromarty Firth issues.  The quality of this work has been nationally recognised and the lessons learned from the management approach will form a sound basis for the development of community planning in Ross and Cromarty."