Renewable energy training centre officially opened in Inverness
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, has officially opened Aurora’s pioneering Renewable Energy Training Centre in Inverness - the only facility of its kind serving the Highlands.
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Family-run firm, AA Carrots Ltd grows carrots on 400 acres of land around Moray and Aberdeenshire, of which around half is organic.
The company was established in 2006 and currently employs nine permanent roles and around 50 seasonal posts.
It has secured up to £60,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total project costs of £150,000.
The company has invested in advanced processing machinery to enhance production efficiency, particularly in weeding, reducing the need for weedkiller and manual weeding, resulting in improved crop quality, higher yields and increased productivity.
This will support the company’s ambitions to further enhance their regenerative approach to carrot farming, meet increasing market demand for organic and conventional carrots and reduce the volume of imports to meet consumer demand.
The recent purchase of Scotsburn Farm at Lhandbryde, Moray is key in securing the sustainability of the business and support their ambition for longer term growth.
The project is forecast to support an increase in company turnover, sustain the current workforce and create three new processing jobs.
Keira Orme business development manager with HIE’s Moray team said:
“This part of the country provides ideal environmental growing conditions, allowing AA Carrots to extend the lifespan of their product to supply markets for most of the year. This innovation project will strengthen the company’s position as a major organic and conventional carrot supplier and provider of valuable rural employment.
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support the project and look forward to continuing to work with the team at AA Carrots.”
Ross Mitchell, farm business manager at AA Carrots, said:
“This innovation will take us to the next step of the ever-increasing technology advancement in farming practises. We’re very much appreciative of HIE’s support and look forward to working with them in the future.”
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, has officially opened Aurora’s pioneering Renewable Energy Training Centre in Inverness - the only facility of its kind serving the Highlands.
A multi-million pound investment is being made in one of Scotland’s most strategically important ports.
A commercial diver training company in Argyll is exploring the potential to expand the business to include closed bell diver training.
Ambitious plans to create a community hub in Drumnadrochit has secured up to £375,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
A leisure business on the island of Arran is upgrading some of its visitor offerings to broaden its appeal to international visitors.
We're looking for a specialist operating company to run the new multi-million-pound Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
Highland food and drink supply chain or manufacturing businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of fully funded one-to-one technology advice and funding support.
A £1.7m project to help businesses grow in Shetland secured up to £486,956 investment from HIE.
Businesses in the tourism sector and its supply chain in the Highland Council area are being encouraged to secure a place on the Digital Tourism Support Programme.
A £1.6m project to boost the Easter Ross economy through net zero initiatives, community learning and development has been awarded up to £450,000 from HIE.
The Scottish Government has pledged £100,000 to support Highlands and Islands businesses as Regional EDGE awards take place at Horizon Scotland