Welcome to the Moray Firth Partnership

Developing Wind Energy in the Outer Moray Firth - Public Consultation Exhibitions

There are two separate, potential windfarm developments proposed for the Moray Firth - one by Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd. (MORL) and another by Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd. (BOWL).  Both developers have now issued Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Reports and a series of public consultation exhibitions is planned during August and September.  Some of these exhibitions are joint between the two developers - click here for more information on exhibition venues for MORL (PDF 156 KB) and BOWL.

The BOWL Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report was released in March 2010 and further consultations are now ongoing. To view the full report click here (PDF 5.28MB).

The MORL Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report consultation runs from 31 August - 30 November 2010.  To view the full report click here (PDF 4.52MB).

The Moray Firth Gansey Project
The Moray Firth Gansey project has been very busy over the last couple of months, to see what they’ve been up to, click the link to read more.

The project has a new web site....follow this link to read more.

Sea Trout Day - Thursday 16 September 2010
The Moray Firth Sea Trout Project are hosting a day of presentations and discussions on all things sea trout on Thursday 16th September at the Waterside Hotel, Inverness. From talks on river restoration to displays by local trusts - space is limited and booking is required.

For more information click here or to book please contact Marcus Walters on 07500602216 or

Moray Firth Partnership February 2010 Newsletter
As a trial for this latest edition of the newsletter, we have asked Velocity Design Ltd., Inverness, to create an on-line "page-turning" version of the newsletter.  To view please click here.

Do let us know what you think about this online version and whether it is something you would like to see continued for future issues.  The newsletter is also available to read and download in pdf format. Please note this file is 2MB and may take a while to open, depending on your internet connection.  Please click here to open.

The Moray Firth Partnership Community Grants Scheme 2010
Nine groups were successful in securing funding under this years Scheme. Click here to find out who!  The 2009 projects have all completed, click here to read about how they got on.

Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation
Please click here to download a copy of the updated version of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation Management Scheme and click here to view a slideshow of spectacular Moray Firth marine wildlife.  View Moray Firth SAC Management Group minutes here.

Schools and community groups can borrow these sets of 20 banners, which have around 100 stunning images showing the variety of colourful life Under the Surface of the Moray Firth.

We now have five sets of smaller 50 cm square banners, as well as two sets of one metre square banners intended for outdoor use. For further information and loan enquiries please contact the Partnership Administrator on 01463 225530.

Other News and Updates

September Ranger Events around Easter Ross
Join the Easter-Ross Countryside Ranger on a Bat Talk and Walk either along the River Averon in Alness or around Peffery park and along the Canal in Dingwall this month.  Learn more about the daubs and pips with these illustrated talks and don't forget your torch. 

As the walks take place after dark all children must be accompanied by a parent or suitable adult.  Adults £3 Children £2 (Family rates also apply depending on numbers).
More...bats in Dingwall (PDF 102KB)   More...bats in Alness (PDF 98KB)

THE GREEN BLUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Green Blue, the environment programme for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the British Marine Federation (BMF), have announced that Tom Cunliffe, world renowned sailor, author and broadcaster has been confirmed as the key note speaker for this year’s annual conference.   The conference will take place in Scotland for the first time, at the GTG Training and Conference centre in Glasgow on Saturday 9 October. 

For more information about the event or to book your space click here alternatively contact Sarah Brown, Regional Advisor on 0844 5569544.

On 10 March 2010, Scotland's Marine Bill received Royal Assent, making it the Marine (Scotland) Act.  This marks a major turning point in safeguarding the future of Scotland seas and laying the foundations for a more simplified marine planning and licensing system.  The Marine (Scotland) Act provides a framework which will help balance competing demands on Scotland's seas. It introduces a duty to protect and enhance the marine environment and includes measures to help boost economic investment and growth in areas such as marine renewables.

Read more....  The Partnership will endevour to keep members updated on progress and related events in the Moray Firth area.

2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) by the United Nations - a year that celebrates the diversity of life on Earth, including every plant, animal and micro-organism. The Moray Firth Partnership has signed up as a partner to celebrate and promote understanding of biodiversity in 2010.
Click here to read more.

To help protect Scotland's wildlife, the Police need your support in providing evidence about wildlife crimes. A new form has been launched by the Police National Wildlife Crime Unit to collate information in relation to suspected or actual crimes. Follow this link for more info and to download the form.

For more information on the work of the partnership click here.

All feedback is welcome!

The Moray Firth Partnership encourages different interests to work together to safeguard the Moray Firth's natural, economic and social resources, now and for future generations.

The Moray Firth Partnership is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC 028964