Energy firms harness tidal stream

Electricity could be generated from tidal streams

Potential opportunities for firms to exploit the energy reserves in the north of Scotland are being promoted.

Possible developments in the Pentland Firth are being investigated by industry executives.

They are contacting local firms and public agencies with a view to using Caithness and Orkney as a base for future ventures.

Earlier this month, Dutch firm Tocardo confirmed it was planning to build a tidal energy plant in the firth.

The Pentland Firth, the strip of water between the Scottish mainland and Orkney, could eventually play a key role in helping solve the UK's energy crisis.

Tidal stream

The firms represented in this week's trip are members of the British Wind Energy Association.

It is made up of manufacturers and developers of marine energy devices, along with consultants in the renewables industry.

Roy Kirk, of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said: "One of the main aims of the visit is to show the range of engineering and science-based companies already based in Caithness.

"The infrastructure here is a real asset for the developments we expect to happen.

"The tidal stream in the firth is certainly the best in the UK and is amongst the best anywhere in the world," he added.

During the visit, the Pentland Firth Tidal Energy team is due to outline its vision of how the firth's marine energy potential can be tapped for the benefit of the county.

This is expected to be the first in a series of visits.