NORTH Scotland Industries Group (NSIG) is to create a Stornoway-based forum following demands from energy firms in the Western Isles for a stronger voice among the national business community and decision makers.
NSIG’s Stornoway focus group will meet on Tuesday, June 9.
The decision to create the group follows a visit to the Western Isles in April by NSIG chief executive Ian Couper who is also a member of two cross-party committees at Holyrood for renewable energy and oil and gas.
The outcome of the discussions from the focus group meeting, taking place at the Caladh Inn, will form the basis of an action plan to be prepared and taken forward by NSIG.
With almost 100 members from across the north of Scotland and the islands, Invergordon-based NSIG seeks to attract new investment to the area by exploiting opportunities, raising the profile of local companies, enhancing business prospects and addressing issues that may be of concern for local businesses.
Mr Couper said: “We had a very good response to my last visit to the Western Isles and I left with the clear message that businesses here would welcome the chance to have their concerns heard at a national level. The creation of the Stornoway focus group is the first step in that process and we would urge any business leaders with an interest in the energy sector to contact us if they would like to take part.”
To find out more about the group, e-mail Mr Couper at ian.couper@nsig.co.uk