About Us:

Caithness and North Sutherland is undergoing a major economic and social transition process, from a nuclear- dependent economy to a diverse economy supporting a wider range of sustainable employment opportunities. CNSRP is a partnership of the main public sector agencies / authorities with a remit to address the socio- economic effects of decommissioning at the Dounreay site.

The Partners are:

  • Highlands & Islands Enterprise
  • The Highland Council
  • The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
  • Skills Development Scotland
  • The Scottish Government
  • Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd
Turbines

The area’s aspiration is that:

“By 2020 Caithness and North Sutherland will provide a healthy, economically stable environment for its growing population. Its network of thriving communities will reflect the area’s rich heritage and varied landscapes. The area’s population will be well-educated, highly-skilled and outward-looking, reinforcing its attractiveness as a place in which to live, work invest and visit.”

To achieve these aims the partners have prioritised their resources around the Caithness and North Sutherland Action Plan, with the key activities focused upon the energy and business services sector, from where we expect the most significant employment opportunities to come.

Actions will focus on the following:

  • Work with existing area businesses in the energy and business services sectors to help them diversify and grow their businesses.
  • Deliver a targeted programme of inward investment activity focused on energy-related opportunities such as marine renewable energy, oil & gas
  • Deliver a targeted programme of inward investment activity focused on business services-related opportunities such as data centres, contact centres and higher-skill back office functions.
  • Support the delivery of key enabling infrastructure such as ports and harbours, road, rail and air transport, skills transition and digital connectivity.

The partners have set the following jobs targets for 2011-14:

  • Between 100 and 185 (full time) jobs in the Energy sector.
  • Between 40 and 90 (full time) jobs in the Business Services sector.
  • Between 25 and 55 (full time) jobs in the Tourism sector.
  • Between 5 and 20 (full time) in the Food & Drink sector.
  • Between 30 and 60 (full time) in other sectors.