Scotland’s first hybrid roll-on roll-off ferries and a marine renewable services base are among projects in the Highlands and islands to receive £3.86million of Euro cash.
The largest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) award of £1.8million for the Coplands Dock project at Stromness will allow Orkney to cash in on the burgeoning green energy industry.
The provision of equipment to handle large industrial and renewable machines is expected to compliment the £8million Hatston pier project at Kirkwall and the £3.5million pier and shoreside development at Lyness, on Hoy.
Orkney Islands Council convener Stephen Hagan said: “This funding announcement represents a significant step forward in our three-port strategy for the future of wave and tidal energy generation in Orkney.
“With the redeveloped Lyness pier already operational and in use by developers, and the extension to Hatston pier imminent, the funding green light for Coplands Dock is another major milestone in our efforts to position Orkney well ahead of the game as the premier location for marine renewables in Scotland and the UK.”
Orkney has also benefited from an award of more than £300,000 for a project to promote the islands as a worldwide tourist destination
RSPB Scotland said it welcomed the grant which would also be used to encourage people to learn about and explore the natural heritage of the islands.
It said the grant would allow locals and visitors to take part in field teaching with educational staff, get close to local species and download podcasts and apps that will help them interpret the local wildlife while on the move around the islands.
RSPB Scotland’s Orkney reserve manager Andy Knight said: “This award from ERDF is a major milestone along the way to achieving the funding we need to make Enjoy Wild Orkney a reality.”
RSPB Scotland hopes further grants will be won in the new year from the Heritage Lottery Fund as it aims to raise around £800,000 for the project.
A further £450,000 of the ERDF money has been earmarked towards the development and dockside infrastructure for the world’s first diesel-electric and battery-powered ferries which are expected to service Gigha and Raasay.
A programme to improve the energy efficiency of 210 Highland Council homes in deprived and rural areas is getting £857,500, while a project to encourage people to take advantage of Orkney’s rich natural heritage is getting two awards totalling £314,297.
The development of the potential of new hydrogen technologies in the Western Isles will get two awards totalling £350,600.
North Lands Creative Glass is getting £155,000 to reconfigure and extend its premises to provide a gallery, workshop space and residential accommodation.
Announcing the funding, Infrastructure and Capital Investment Secretary Alex Neil said: “This is a fantastic boost to the economy across the Highlands and islands.”