Awards success hailed as a sign of region's strengths
BUSINESSES recognised at an annual awards in Inverness have been hailed as fantastic examples of the region’s economic strengths.
Winners of the SCDI Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards represented a range of sectors, from local authority initiatives and fish farming, to marine energy and transport.
Port of Cromarty Firth, Moray Estates and Alastair Kennedy of Nigg Skills Academy were among those collecting accolades.
Branch chairwoman Jane Cumming said: "The Highlands and Islands have a strong and vibrant economy that is home to some of Scotland’s most outstanding businesses.
"The SCDI Awards recognises just some of the businesses who have played their part in its success and we commend all of the award winners on their continued investment and growth in the region.
"The businesses recognised at the SCDI awards are a fantastic example of our economic strengths. We have a visionary landowner driving economic development, a social housing provider delivering high-tech homes to meet our future health needs, and we have businesses around our coast investing in their people, facilities, and innovations to support future growth."
Moray Estates picked up the chair’s award for outstanding business achievement, recognising the development of its land holdings with the creation of the new town at Tornagrain and its partnerships to develop Inverness Airport Business Park and Castle Stuart Golf Links.
John Stuart, the Earl of Moray, said: "We’re delighted to receive this award for our work in the region. Tornagrain is now well under way and is already becoming a very special place to live.
"We’re also committed to working with others to deliver major projects, whether it’s with Highlands and Islands Airports, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Highland Council at the Airport Business Park or with Mark Parsinen at Castle Stuart."
The Scottish Council for Development and Industry awards winners 2018:
Crown Estate Scotland Award for excellence in a marine business: Ferguson Transport and Shipping
Highlands and Islands Enterprise Award for excellence in research and innovation: Albyn Housing Society
Liberty British Aluminium Award for outstanding business ambassador: Alastair Kennedy, Nigg Skills Academy
SCDI Award for excellence in people development: Port of Cromarty Firth
SCDI Highlands and Islands chair’s award for outstanding business achievement: Moray Estates
