Investment across Orkney supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise is forecast to create or safeguard 69 jobs, with green employment accounting for the overwhelming majority of those roles.
Figures for the last financial year show HIE approved £2.4 million towards 34 projects spanning businesses, technology, agriculture, energy efficiency and community development across the islands.
Of the 69 jobs expected to be supported, 62 are classed as green jobs contributing to environmental sustainability, reducing waste or emissions and supporting the transition towards a low carbon economy.
The overall figure includes 35 new jobs and 34 existing roles expected to be safeguarded.
Investment ranged from marine robotics and artificial intelligence to farming technology, renewable energy and the future of one of Orkney’s best known archaeological attractions.
Leask Marine Ltd secured £215,141 to establish a marine robotics facility designed to improve testing of robotic technologies for the offshore energy and marine industries.
Five Orkney businesses were supported to adopt artificial intelligence and other digital technologies, while another £49,500 was invested in a partnership project expanding the use of sensor technology across the islands.
The sensors are initially being used to monitor rental properties and provide businesses with detailed information about energy consumption, allowing them to identify potential efficiencies and savings.
Technology is also changing traditional industries, with HIE supporting two agricultural businesses to invest in equipment intended to improve productivity.
Birsay based J&S Hay received £46,824 towards advanced machinery, while Brettobreck Farms secured £54,206 to install robotic milking equipment.
Orkney Cheese Company Ltd was awarded £48,479 for energy efficient burners and a new digital control system intended to reduce both operating costs and environmental impact.
Community organisations were another significant part of the investment programme, with 14 groups receiving HIE support.
The Island of Hoy Development Trust received £33,945 towards a new community facility, while Sanday Community Craft Hub was awarded £7,000 to install solar generation and battery storage.
South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust was supported in securing Scottish Land Fund backing to purchase the Tomb of the Eagles, with a further £96,036 approved to help redevelop and reopen its visitor centre.
HIE area team leader for Orkney Ruth Kirkpatrick said:
“We’re very pleased to have had the opportunity to support a wide range of projects across our key business sectors and throughout our communities in the last year.
“The investments make a real difference and are helping to create and protect jobs, drive innovation and strengthen communities, building a more sustainable and resilient economy for Orkney.”
The figures provide a snapshot of an Orkney economy where traditional industries, emerging technologies and the transition towards lower carbon ways of working are increasingly overlapping.
With 62 of the 69 jobs supported by the investment classified as green, that transition is already becoming a significant part of the islands’ employment landscape.
HIE’s year end figures remain provisional and will be reviewed by Audit Scotland before being published in the agency’s annual report and accounts later this year.
