The Caithness Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) promotes interest and economic activity in renewable energy. The Forum consists of individuals, organisations and commercial bodies interested in this growing sector. Achievements so far include three meetings early in 2004 to discuss general aims, objectives and constitution; followed by a public meeting in June 2004, with four very stimulating speakers, which opened up the membership to all those supporting renewable energies; and AGM in September 2004 elected post holders.

"The Promotion of renewable energy in Caithness and the north Highland area" is just one of the aims of the Forum. CREF’s objectives are ambitious and include increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the local building stock; promoting the development of a wide and competitive skills portfolio for the area; increasing market demand by raising the level of awareness of renewable energy and the opportunities for related careers and training in Caithness and the north Highland area. The Forum require and invite involvement from many sectors including local industry, community groups, building tradesmen, public agencies and local government. The current members of the forum are now exploring the development of the constitution and a business plan and seek the widest and most representative membership base possible.

Meetings are held at regular intervals to encourage and help drive specific local projects forwards. Anyone with an interest in renewable energy in Caithness and the north Highland area, for whatever reason, is welcome to attend and join the Forum.

Membership subscriptions: Member (£5 individual, £50 company), Associate Member (£10 individual, £100 company) and Individual Supporter (£2). Members live within the Caithness/ north Highland area, can attend meetings and have voting rights. Associate members live outwith the area but can attend meetings. Individual Supporters receive newsletters, press releases and the like by email. Reciprocal membership arrangements with Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF) and Shetland Renewable Energy Forum (SREF) to create a knowledge base of information and to encourage networking.

Contacts:

Louise Smith – Chairperson c/o Jacobs Babtie, Scrabster  Tel: 01847 807055

Elizabeth Marshall – Vice-Chairperson

Tina Irving – Secretary

Graeme Morgan – Treasurer

Please contact the post holders via email from links on our website: http://www.cref.co.uk

If you would like to become a member of CREF, please tear off and return the attached slip to Graeme Morgan with your remittance. Please makes cheques payable to "CREF".

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------