When the ribbon was cut on the biggest community tourism infrastructure project of its kind in Easter Ross on Friday 5 June, the project was officially ‘open for business’ in more ways than one.
Not only did the Gro For You Community Innovation Campus’ café, adventure park and Events dome in Tain become a new NC500 visitor destination, it threw open its doors to myriad potential business collaborations and opportunities.
A short drive from Inverness and with easy access to the north highlands and Sutherland, Gro For You, the Community Interest Company behind the innovation on the Dornoch Firth, welcomes local businesses to the campus.
That’s because the indoor and outdoor events spaces are not just components of a unique visitor destination, they are living learning environments which will become development hotbeds for the next generation of employees in key Highland sectors such as hospitality, tourism, food technology and renewables.
The mission of Gro For You is a dual one. Its forward thinking ‘profit for purpose’ approach will see proceeds from the campus’ coming motorhome parking spaces, its safe play area and range of dining options reinvested into the creation of opportunity for local young people.
For You Training, a player in the CIC, already has a proven track record in this arena.
The award-winning company has enrolled 782 young people on a Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality and Business Skills, providing alternative pathways for Easter Ross’ young learners.
In 2024, they had a 95% retention rate with an 89% attainment rate.
Set against the backdrop of the first stage of the Government’s recent Milburn review, where it was revealed over 1 million young people are not in education, employment or training, this outcome is impactful and a feather in the Highlands’ cap.
It’s also good for business, with the new Campus footprint providing extended scope for the founders not only to develop a new workforce to service key sectors but partner with existing businesses directly to upskill and develop their teams.
“We’ve already engaged with prominent businesses and some of the renewables companies at Port of Nigg, who are keen to explore how we can help develop their teams,” explained Gro For You CEO, Sarah Mackenzie.
“Our 50-seat Events space itself means that businesses can come here, take part in leadership, management training or productivity sessions rather than just being in an office. There is nothing else like it in the region.
“The success or otherwise of programmes often depends on energising and inspiring people. We have indoor and outdoor spaces, in a beautiful setting. It’s completely different as a staff training environment.
“But we are also developing business partnerships where we can assist their own development such as training their own trainers and supporting the network around our young people, which is key,” she added.
During the 15-month build phase, local businesses such as United Infrastructure were on hand to assist with equipment and volunteer projects, underlying their approach to Corporate Social Responsibility – another way businesses can participate in the transformative project.
“This is a place for businesses to come and contribute to their social values,” added Maureen McDonald-Cooke, new Gro For You Director of Operations.
Already a new partner initiative, ‘Befriend and Gro’ has been kick-started, focusing on wellbeing, community and preventing isolation.
“We are actively open to creating partnerships with business.
“We are providing opportunities and a foundation for young people which may be away from the traditional pathway, and we are doing so in an accredited way.”
As well as being a centre for skills development, the Campus will act as a vital connector to other tourism businesses in the Highlands in accommodation, attractions, local products and food and drink.
The closure of tourist offices in Scotland has created a vaccum the campus will fill, acting as an information hub for campus visitors from north and south as well as the NC500.
This opens the doors to local loyalty-based partnerships such as its new Membership scheme but will also see the campus act as a sign-post to other Highland hotspots.
“We want people to come here but also to stay and spend money in the wider Easter Ross peninsula. We want to build a sustainable tourist infrastructure. That will benefit everyone and, if it does it will help keep young people in the area through new opportunity.
“It’s a combination of sustainable tourism and community learning development through training, as well as opening up employability opportunities.
“The whole ethos is to benefit people, place and planet.
“This has to be a thriving space which works, commercially, but, at every point, there will also be a training or learning element,” added CEO, Sarah Mackenzie.
Since the phased opening of the campus a few weeks ago, visitor figures are averaging around 100 per day with heightened footfall anticipated at the peak of the summer tourist season.
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For more Information, please contact Kenneth Stephen, Heartland Media and PR, on 07823 770 651.
The Community played an integral part in the project’s development, influencing decor and upcycling furniture.