Inverness fly-tipping site could be turned into training hub

A former quarry that is littered with abandoned and burnt-out cars could become the site of a new training hub for the renewable energy sector.

Hi-skills, a community interest company (CIC), has suggested building its Centre of Excellence for Skills, Safety and Innovation at Inverness’ former Torvean Quarry.

The site has become known for fly-tipping.

Hi-skills has started a community asset transfer process to take over the quarry from Highland Council.

Hi-skills said it had received support from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

It said the organisations would use the facility to support further education courses and deliver specialist apprenticeships.

Director Callum Mackintosh said the centre would stop the need for people in the Highlands to have to travel for training and work opportunities.

He said: “Torvean Quarry is the perfect location for many reasons.

“Since 1991 it has sat empty and has inevitably attracted undesirable activity such as anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.

“With nearly 40 acres, there is enough land to accommodate multiple indoor workshops and training spaces.

He added: “But crucially, has sufficient space to provide outdoor training that reflects a realistic working environment for specialist trades such as civil engineering operatives, plant operators, scaffolders and wind turbine technicians.”

Highland Council has confirmed it had received a community asset transfer request relating to the Torvean Quarry area, and said it was considering a business plan.

CICs are limited companies set up to provide benefits to the communities where they are based.