Enhancing natural and cultural heritage

The natural environment of Caithness & Sutherland is renowned for richness of geological, biological and scenic diversity. Archaeological treasures and historical associations provide a tangible link to past human interaction with this environment.

Caithness & Sutherland also have unique and distinct language and cultural traditions associated with their respective Nordic and Gaelic heritage. These varied resources - coupled with traditional and contemporary arts, crafts and sport - enrich community life and are among our greatest assets and economic drivers. They stimulate community confidence through participation in cultural, artistic and sporting endeavour, and in so doing add to community well being.

Healthy and vibrant communities are more open to realising opportunities for developing skills and growing businesses, so it is vital to protect and enhance our environmental and cultural assets. We have invested in key community drivers which further the scope of collective cultural and environmental aspirations in the north.

Our assistance to the network of local community woodland groups has helped create a new and dynamic sector of community enterprise from Lochinver to Dunnet. Our support for the start-up of Caithness Archaeological Trust and Durness Development Group has helped create innovative, rapidly moving organisations which are helping realise the long-held belief that our assets should put us at the forefront of archaeological research.

Our support for the development of Arts Companies such as Grey Coast Theatre and Lyth Arts Centre has enabled the creation of state of the art performance facilities and has allowed the creation of a full-time Drama qualification delivered through North Highland College.

Assistance to community-based recycling/ re-use companies such as Golspie Recycling & Environmental Action Network (GREAN) and Homeaid Caithness means that more local domestic waste is being diverted from Landfill sites, and more household goods are being re-directed for use by disadvantaged local families.

For more information on our investment in cultural and environmental projects contact George Jack on 01408 633872 or email george.jack@hient.co.uk