TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED ENGINEERING IN OUR REGION

We've seen international interest following news that the UK’s first spaceport is to be created in Sutherland. Other notable sectoral examples include:

• SSE’s £2.6bn Beatrice Offshore Windfarm
• Liberty Group's plans in Lochaber to create an alloy wheel manufacturing facility
• Boeing's £100m in Lossiemouth to support the new Poseidon P8 Maritime Patrol aircraft.
• Macallan distillery's £140m investment by owners, Edrington Group.
• The £95m expansion of the Norbord mill near Inverness 

Smaller scale examples include Organlike in Inverness. With our support, the firm is developing the use of advanced 3-D printing technology to produce replica organs for medical training. And the new Fit House, developed by Invergordon-based Carbon Dynamics and Albyn Housing in Inverness, which gives greater independence to people with health and mobility needs.

Upgraded ports in locations including Wick, Nigg and Dales Voe in Shetland, are underpinning growing markets in renewable energy and oil and gas decommissioning. And investment in the thriving life sciences sector includes in the Outer Hebrides, where facilities for seaweed processing for pharmaceuticals have been upgraded and chemicals giant BASF demonstrated its commitment to Callanish by creating an impressive new warehouse.

Technology and engineering jobs are generally highly skilled and well paid. This is important in attracting new talent and enabling people, notably young graduates, to remain in the region and pursue rewarding careers. This in turn improves the resilience of rural communities and economies.