Caithness.org News Bulletins 2003

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INTRODUCTION
Overall, the number of people unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland rose from 839 last month to 861. The revised unemployment rates in the Sutherland, Wick and Thurso 'Travel to Work Areas' respectively are as follows: 5.0% (4.9%), 3.9% (3.8%) and 2.7% (2.6%).

SKILLSEEKERS
464 people are currently on Skillseekers, 453 of whom are employed status trainees. There were a total of 3 vocational qualifications achieved, including a Management Level III award for Maureen Campbell from Embo.

MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS
399 Modern Apprentices are currently in training, 99 of whom are over the age of 25. Gordon Gunn from Castletown achieved his MA certificate in Meat & Poultry Butchery Operations.

TRAINING FOR WORK
There are currently 44 participants on Training for Work. Andrew Thain, Ackergill, achieved a forklift operations qualification, while Alice Brown, Brora, attained a European Computer Driving Licence.

NEW DEAL
24 participants started on Gateway, while a further 35 people went into a variety of employment and training options.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
There were 3 approvals, including assistance of £485 for David Atkins from Bonar Bridge, which enabled him to undertake an ‘All Terrain Teleporter’ course.

FINANCE FOR BUSINESS
Mowat Draughting Services Ltd, Westerdale and A & D Sutherland Ltd, Spittal have both been awarded assistance towards the cost of purchasing specialist equipment

William and Caroline Macphail have been awarded assistance of up to £25,000 towards the costs of upgrading the static caravan park at Clachtoll near Lochinver, while Mackay’s Rooms and Restaurant, Durness, has been awarded assistance of up to £14,600 towards the costs of upgrading their facilities.

MICS Ltd (see ‘HIE Starts’ below) has been awarded a development grant of up to £2,300 towards the costs of purchasing specialist equipment.

HIE STARTS
Alexander Crawford, Brora, has started trading as Peat Reek Ltd, and will produce small cones made from local peat. Aimed at the tourism and export markets which, with an unashamedly nostalgic theme, when burnt they will give off the distinct aroma of a peat fire.

Shaun Hillin, Golspie, is to receive assistance towards establishing a commercial laundry service in Dornoch. Trading as Sutherland Laundry he will offer a pickup and return service and hopes to gain customers from the local hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and domestic clients.

Stephen Smith, Elphin, has established the Highland School of Fly Fishing. Following training with the Scottish Anglers National Association he is now qualified to teach salmon and trout angling, which he aims to provide to either to locals or visitors, or in conjunction with local hotels as part of a holiday package.

Joanne Bartlett, trading as MICS Ltd, has started up a business manufacturing the Marinecard, a waterproof data-recording system which will enable water sports enthusiasts to record vital information in wet conditions. She will manufacture the Marinecard at her home in Thrumster and market it via the internet (www.marinecard.com).

BUSINESS SPECIALIST SKILLS
Far North Aviation has been awarded a grant of up to £180 towards the cost of LGV Training, while Bliss Beauty & Complementary Therapy, Brora is to receive up to £250 towards attending a make up and nails course in Glasgow. Also assisted was Iris Wallace, Durness who has been awarded assistance of up to £310 towards attending a ‘Paintings in Enamel’ course at the Lottya School of Craft.

SPECIAL PROJECTS
The Recruit Project has been awarded a grant of up to £4,000 towards labour market projects in Sutherland and Wick.

E-BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME
Caithness Tours Ltd is to receive £986 towards the cost of a website development.

FEASABILITY & CONSULTANCY
J & J Nicol, Golspie has been awarded a grant of up to £1,500 towards obtaining management consultancy.

APPROVALS FOR JANUARY 2004
The following are funds approved during the month ending 31st January 2004. Please note that the sums relate to approvals, not payments. While finance may be approved, for a business investment for example, it does not guarantee that the developments will go ahead. The approval simply shows that CASE funds have been made available, but they will not be released until evidence is received that the project or activity has gone ahead.