Arctic visit to Orkney

Opportunities to strengthen and build new links with nations in the Arctic were discussed during a visit to Orkney by leading figures with a keen interest in the region.

Taking part were Alice Rogoff, an American philanthropist and media executive; Dr Dwayne Ryan Menezes, the Founder and Managing Director of Polar Research and Policy Initiative; Dr John Tichotsky, President of Alaska Capital; and Dr Russell Read, Group Managing Partner for the C Change Group of investment funds, companies, and advisers.

They were invited to spend time in the county by Orkney Islands Council and Highlands and Enterprise.

Earlier this year, Council Leader James Stockan took part in a gathering of the Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland, attended by heads of states and governments, ministers, experts, scientists, entrepreneurs and business leaders from more than 60 countries.

“All have a common interest in the future of the Arctic and the sustainable development of the region,” he said. “We explored ways for Orkney to contribute to this and found a great willingness to look at opportunities to collaborate with us.

“With HIE, we were delighted to host this return visit – a chance to demonstrate and discuss the pioneering research and development work in renewable energy and hydrogen generation taking place in Orkney, which will play a vital role in helping to address climate change.

“It also was a great opportunity for us to highlight the huge potential of Scapa Flow as a natural gateway to the Arctic and an asset of major importance in strengthening our ties with the region.”