From energy to enterprise: highlights from my visit to Orkney

On Thursday and Friday last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Orkney, meeting with businesses, partners and community representatives who are all playing a vital role in shaping its economic future. 

My visit began with a discussion of current issues with HIE’s local team including our area team leader in Orkney, Ruth Kirkpatrick and area manager for Orkney and Shetland, Katrina Wiseman. We had constructive discussions with Gareth Waterson, corporate director of enterprise and sustainable regeneration and Sweyn Johnston, head of enterprise and economic growth from Orkney islands Council. We discussed the council-led Scapa Deep project where HIE has invested £5m in the initial phase. 

From there, we had a tour of the £6m Bridge Street Garden Square development, which will be home to a new leisure complex. It’s a fantastic example of local entrepreneurship by Neil Stevenson and HIE’s financial input is a small part of a big vision that’s taking shape right in the heart of Kirkwall. The aim is to provide the type of leisure facilities which will attract and retain young people including touring bands. 

Our visit to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) offered a powerful reminder of Orkney’s global standing in renewable energy with a presentation by Managing Director, Matthew Finn, and Eileen Linklater. Also in Stromness at Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC), we had the chance to hear from executive manager, John McGlynn on the next chapter for the campus. 

Both EMEC and ORIC are world-class facilities that put Orkney on the global stage for wave and tidal energy including green hydrogen. EMEC is planning to expand into a test centre for floating offshore wind. 

On Friday I visited the site of a new abattoir project at the Orkney Auction Mart (OAM) with Janette Park (Butcher and OIC councillor), Jennifer Alexander (OAM Manager) and John Laughton (NFUS). The strength of the farming community and the continued importance of livestock to the local economy was clear to see. The link between food and drink and tourism was also emphasised. 

Another highlight of the trip was visiting Ortak to meet Mike Gardens, joint owner and chair of Creative Orkney, and see their 3D laser printer that HIE helped fund. This is a brilliant example of how investment in modern manufacturing can support traditional industries like jewellery-making to adapt. It’s also a reminder that economic development isn’t just about big infrastructure – it’s about enabling creativity, entrepreneurship and skilled employment. 

I wrapped up with a session at UHI Orkney with Principal, Seonaidh McDonald, Prof Jane Downes, Director of UHI Archaeology Institute and Dr Henry Creissen, director of the Institute for Agronomy and Agriculture. It was great to see the exciting progress that is underway in archaeology and agriculture whilst also hearing that student housing is the main challenge they face in further expansion. 

Thank you to all who hosted, shared insights, and reminded me what makes Orkney such a standout place for enterprise and innovation.