Argyll Online - The Internet Guide to Argyll

Highlands and Island's Contact Centres Lead the Way
	Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is extending a pilot programme which is successfully developing the leadership skills of contact centre staff across the region. Read the full story

Shetland businessman returns from MIT learning experience
	A Shetland businessman has recently returned to the islands from one of the world's most renowned business schools where he excelled at an entrepreneurs development programme. Read the full story

Orkney is the place to see and tourists would highly recommend a visit
	Orkney has seen a growth in tourist visitor numbers of 18 per cent since 2005 to nearly 142,000 people and an increase in spend, in real terms, of 13 per cent to almost £32 million.  Added to this, an overwhelming 95 per cent of visitors would recommend Orkney as a holiday destination. Read the full story

TV expert addresses Moray Small Business Club
	Moray Small Business Club (MSBC) has arranged for Geoff Burch from the BBC TV programme "All Over the Shop" to speak at a special event on Thursday 11 March. Read the full story

Local Businesses interested in reaching Nordic countries invited to meet trade experts
	Highlands and Islands businesses with interests as diverse as forestry, manufacturing, marine science, fine foods and textiles are taking advantage of an opportunity to meet with trade specialists from the Nordic region. Read the full story

HIE responds to Public Audit Committee report on Cairngorm funicular railway

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Acting Chief Executive Sandy Brady said: “Highlands and Islands Enterprise recognises the committee's criticism of earlier decisions surrounding the development of the funicular railway. While the agency adhered to Scottish Executive guidelines at the time, we accept that good practice in project appraisal and management has improved significantly since the early 1990s.
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Advice for students at Kirkwall Grammar from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Ambassadors
	Four Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Ambassadors visited Kirkwall Grammar on 18 February, to contribute insights into the world of work to the parents evening about third year subject choices. Read the full story

EMEC Recruits Five New Staff
	EMEC, the Orkney-based European Marine Energy Centre, is gearing up for the arrival this year of more devices capable of generating electricity from waves or tidal currents. Read the full story

First Isle of Lewis whisky makes history
	<p>The first cask of whisky distilled on the Isle of Lewis in 170 years left the island yesterday (Thursday February 25) having being collected at a ceremony held at the distillery in Uig. </p> <br /> Read the full story

Local ideas for future of John o'Groats
	The public is being invited to have its say on the landmark which could greet visitors who have travelled the length of Britain to come to the mainland's most northerly tourist attraction. Read the full story

Highlands and Islands Designer heads for London Fashion Week
	Award winning Highlands and Islands designer Henrietta Ludgate is putting last minute preparations together for her latest showcase at the UK's most prestigious fashion event. Read the full story

Natural Retreats/Heritage Great Britain Unveil Exciting New Leisure Development for John O'Groats
	Two prominent UK tourism businesses are joining forces to lead the way with a multi-million pound plan to revitalise one of Scotland's best known destinations, John O'Groats. Read the full story

HIE Chief Executive to take on green energy role
	Sandy Cumming CBE, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the past nine and a half years, plans to leave the organisation next month and take on a new, national role. Read the full story

Top sector figure to lead new Moray tourism drive
	Robert Gordon University's leading tourism expert, Andrew Martin, who is originally from Elgin, has been appointed as Chair of Moray Tourism Development, a new limited company focused on raising the profile of Moray and Speyside as an internationally-renowned tourist destination.<br /> Read the full story

Scottish Government Funding For Hebridean SciTech Festival
	The first Science Festival in the Outer Hebrides, taking place between 18 and 20 March 2010, has received £5,000 funding from the Scottish Government's Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser. Read the full story

Moray business building a greener future
	A leading manufacturer of timber frames in Elgin is building on 20 years of solid business foundations with expansion plans for a greener future. Read the full story

Isle of Lewis whisky draws international interest
	The Isle of Lewis' first whisky distillery in 170 years is aiming to double its production and to increase the quantity of island grown barley that it uses over the coming year.<br /> Read the full story

HIE efficiency drive aims to put more resources towards priorities
	Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is to reorganise its workforce to better deliver its role in supporting the region's economic and community development. Read the full story

SURF - Scotland's Independent Regeneration Network announce their 2010 conference
	SURF - Scotland's Independent Regeneration Network, announce their 2010 annual conference 'Sustaining and Reinventing Community Regeneration', taking place on 23rd and 24th of March 2010 in Edinburgh.<br /> Read the full story

Mey Selections working to expand premium market opportunities
	A prestigious business which promotes quality goods for around 500 Caithness and Sutherland food and drink producers is planning to expand its market this year. Read the full story

Highlands and Islands sites identified for renewable manufacturing potential
	Five locations in the Highlands and Islands have been identified for their potential to be significant manufacturing sites serving Scotland's burgeoning offshore wind energy industry. Read the full story

Public are invited to name new sea power project
	One of Scotland's most innovative energy developers is asking the public to suggest a name for a multi-million pound device that generates electricity from the sea. Read the full story

Opportunities for Highlands and Islands artists in international arena
	A prestigious art business based in a remote highland area is working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to expand its work into promotion of other home-grown talent.<br /> Read the full story

Lifetime achievement award for Lochaber journalist
	<p>(Issued on behalf of the Highlands and Islands Media Awards)<br /> Ian Abernethy, the Lochaber freelance journalist who has just completed 50 years in the business, is the winner of this year's Barron Trophy, which recognises lifetime achievement in journalism in the Highlands and Islands. </p> Read the full story

Highlands and Islands Businesses top of the class at MIT
	Two Highlands and Islands businesses have been sent to the top of the class by one of the world's most renowned business schools.<br /> Read the full story

Crinan Boatyard celebrates with a new challenge
	The owners of an Argyll boatyard who are celebrating 10 years at the helm are aiming to boost trade and make the yard more versatile after installing a second slipway.<br /> Read the full story

New Head of Strengthening Communities for HIE in Innse Gall
	Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed a new head for its strengthening communities team based in Innse Gall. Read the full story

Highlands and Islands prepare for offshore wind opportunities
	Opportunities for Highlands and Islands' businesses in the offshore wind industry will be promoted at an event in Inverness on Tuesday (February 2). Read the full story

Leading World Entrepreneur visits Highlands
	One of the world's leading experts on entrepreneurship is urging businesses in the Highlands and Islands to change their mindset to become globally successful. Read the full story

Fresh approach for Orkney jewellery company
	An ambitious drive to boost the success of a leading Orkney jewellery company is being backed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Read the full story