BUSINESS
Haventus and the development of Ardersier Port
The redevelopment of the former McDermott Yard at Ardersier Port is one of the biggest investment projects the area has seen in years, and one that is set to bring thousands of jobs to the area.
Since Haventus embarked on turning the port into a major renewable energy hub in 2021, works have been steadily moving forward, and the past two years have seen the company secure a staggering £400 million investment – £100 million as a joint loan from the UK Infrastructure Bank and the Scottish National Investment Bank and £300 million in capital investment from Quantum Capital Group – towards the project.
With the new quay wall having been completed in November, Haventus chief executive Lewis Gillies said he is confident they will be open for business after summer 2025.
Ardersier could very soon be hosting Scotland’s largest facility on the North Sea coast for deploying and servicing offshore wind installation – a development on an area of 450 acres, and one of the largest industrial regeneration projects in the Highlands in decade
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Rhona Macdonald, Nairn Community Centre manager. Picture: James Mackenzie
COMMUNITY
Nairn Community and Arts Centre
The community centre has seen one of its most challenging years since opening in 2007, having to resort to an emergency request to Nairn’s Common Good Fund to keep it afloat.
Thankfully after that dip, things are looking up for the facility, which is a vital part of life in Nairn.
It has secured funding for new sound equipment and from Creative Scotland to develop its artistic offering and build a new artistic hub on its premises.
The team closed the year dancing as the centre was chosen as host for this year’s BBC Alba Hogmanay party – a major boost to prestige.
According to centre manager Rhona MacDonald, 2025 will be one of the centre’s busiest years, with a different art exhibition already lined up for every month. Onwards and upwards.
The Nairn Beach Wheelchairs team.
Nairn Beach Wheelchairs
After so much momentum, community support and anticipation, we couldn’t help but include the wonderful initiative that the group of volunteers steering the Nairn Beach Wheelchairs project has managed to make a reality in a relatively short time.
Raising more than £30,000, the charity is preparing to start delivering its service in 2025 with a soft launch in March, enabling wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility to enjoy one of Nairn’s most valuable and popular assets.
The charity recently sited a container base at Nairn Leisure Centre and is working alongside High Life Highland to offer bathroom and changing facilities.
With four beach accessible wheelchairs purchased and funding for more – as well as a recent donation of sets of binoculars to allow users to get a close-up view of everyhting that’s going on – the initiative is set to change the game for visitors and residents who use mobility equipment and want to enjoy the stunning beach on more easily accessible terms.
Nairn Museum. Picture: Callum Mackay
HERITAGE
Nairn Museum
Last but not least, we are keen to keep an eye at what 2025 holds for one Nairn’s most valuable heritage assets.
2024 saw a big change at the helm of the Viewfield-house based museum, with new members looking at developing the displays and reaching wider audiences.
This is a tough time for all cultural organisations so with a new team now established – led by new chairman Doug Maclean and manager and curator Annie MacDonald – this will be an interesting time for the local landmark, and an important one for the preservation of Nairn’s cultural heritage.