Access issues

Dear all,

I have just read a strategy document from OIC as a Director of OREF in time for our meeting on 18th July 2023.  Orkney is due to achieve net zero by 2030.  There are a number of reasons why, in my opinion, the Highland area will be well off target.

1.  No joint working.
2. Climate change hubs are not measured.  Orkney has recently appointed a coordinator on Orkney, but it would appear that his job will be surplus to requirements, although I have mentioned it to the Board in the papers for 18th July.
3.  Lack of resources.
4.  THC area is too big, and cannot cope, especially with projects such as the Sutherland Space Hub and NC500 being launched without consultation from HIE.
5.  Dounreay does not support green projects but does support Venture North who have no understanding of what the North Highland Way or green tourism is despite having a dedicated officer.
6.  Again a potential new layer of consultation with the LPPs.  This is not sustainable.  As most of you know, I have worked for 20 years on a voluntary basis with the Highland Council to get the North Highland Way project off the ground, and we have failed.
7.  Lack of education on green issues within VisitScotland.  Their Green Tourism product only scratches the surface of the problem.  The consultant is not a scientist or has any idea of sustainability.  She wanted all of my work for free.  That would never happen.

These are food for thought, and if Douglas wants to discuss, he only need send me a Zoom request, although I am not available much during the summer. Meanwhile, I will be doing no more work on the North Highland Way.  Yesterday I had a discussion with Paths for All who wanted me to get involved.  I said "no, not on a voluntary basis".  All discussions over the last four months are in here

I am copying Neil for his information, as I am aware that he deals with Climate and Energy.
Matt Dent proposed to Nicola Wallace that I am contracted in to take care of the growing interest in the North Highland Way and Green Destinations, but this was not possible.SCDI (Malcolm Roughead) is aware of the problems.  Of course, Mr. Roughead is head of VisitScotland.