Thurso Engineering and Research Centres Opened By First Minister

30th August 2012

First Minister Alex Salmond officially opened two new energy education hubs at The North Highland College UHI on Thursday 30th August 2012.

The First Minister met with staff, students and trainees at the official opening of North Highland College UHI's new Engineering, Technology and Energy Centre (ETEC) and Centre for Energy and Environment (CfEE).

During a tour of the ETEC the First Minister met the first intake of trainees on the college's marine engineering programme, marine energy researchers and pupils from Thurso and Wick High Schools.

Located on the college's main campus in Thurso, the new buildings are key to plans to put the area at the heart of the marine energy industry in future. The Centre for Energy and Environment provides a base for a number of the University of the Highlands and Islands research staff and students currently engaged in marine related research projects around the Pentland Firth, while the Engineering, Technology and Energy Centre operates as a hub for employer-led training and education in engineering and associated trades for the north highland area.

Mr Salmond said "The renewables revolution is creating jobs and prosperity across Scotland. In the years to come we are going to need thousands of people equipped to power that revolution.

"That is especially true in coastal communities like Thurso, which are close to the waves and tides that will re-industrialise Scotland. The marine energy trainees here are the people who will develop the technology and manufacture the devices that will provide green power to Scotland and beyond.

"That is why the new ETEC and Centre for Energy and Environment are so important to the future of Caithness and to the wider Scottish economy. These new facilities will enable North Highland College to build on its already distinguished reputation for energy engineering and meet the skills needs of the future.

"Already, more than 200 students are enrolled in engineering courses here. It is clear from speaking to some of these trainees that they are ambitious, enthusiastic and keen to grasp the opportunities presented by these innovative new energy hubs."

The North Highland College UHIVice Principal, Donald MacBeath, said: "We are delighted that the First Minister has been able to come to Thurso to formally open both buildings. We very much welcome the First Minister's interest in our work to ensure that the north highland area is well placed to respond to the opportunities presented by the renewable energy sector. Along with our many partners, we can look forward to the future with confidence, knowing that we are well-equipped to carry outthe research and training necessary to secure maximum economic advantage for our area.

The prestigious new Centre for Energy and Environment will enable us to build upon the existing reputation of the Environmental Research Institute as a key contributor to the developing research capacity of the University of the Highlands and Islands. It's ideally situated, near the Pentland Firth, to carry out new and innovative research projects in marine renewable energy. The centre, which already attracts local, UK and international students, hosts state-of-the-art laboratory, meeting and office facilities

The Engineering, Technology and Energy Centre has been an employer-led development from conception. Our local engineering employers have worked closely with us to make sure that the layout, design and working practices of the new centre reflect current industry standards so that we can deliver robust and relevant engineering training in a genuine working environment.

The projects were funded by the Scottish Funding Council, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, European Regional Development Funds and the University of the Highlands and Islands.