Net zero airline plan impresses Highland business competition judges
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An ambitious plan to establish Scotland’s first net zero airline to provide affordable and sustainable flights across the Highlands and Islands has taken top prize in a leading competition.
Thomas Eccles from Nethybridge, the founder of FlyHighland Ltd, was named the overall winner of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Business Competition at an awards ceremony at the UHI Inverness campus.
He takes home £1000 and a combined legal and accountancy package having impressed judges with his pitch to be an aviation innovator by operating aircraft using hydrogen propulsion from the airport at Wick.
He was motivated to improve Scottish flight connections after being shocked by the price of a last-minute flight from Shetland.
He intends to work with a leader in aerospace concepts and is in the process of raising funding to purchase aircraft and gain the necessary permissions.
He said: “I am overjoyed that FlyHighland has been awarded the top prize. It’s a tremendous honour to be recognised for our commitment to communities because we’re driven by the stories at the heart of the isolated communities we want to serve, and I’m deeply touched that we’ve been recognised for that.”
The UHI Business Competition encourages enterprise and innovation by supporting people to take their first steps on the road to starting their own businesses.
It has now reached the significant milestone of presenting more than £100,000 in prize money since the competition began in 2006.
The best cultural and environment award, along with £1000, went to Jack Marley McIntyre, an engineering graduate and STEM coordinator at UHI Inverness.
His idea is to create a social enterprise to build the Rose Street Roundhouse, an innovative, sustainable and green event venue in the centre of Inverness.
It would host conferences and music and comedy gigs to fill a gap in the market following the closure of the Ironworks venue.
He said: “When I set out to develop The Rose Street Roundhouse, a new concept for a high-tech, sustainable, circular economic venue for Inverness, I wanted to aim big, bold and daring, and I can’t deny that I had great fun designing the concept and 3D printing it!
“I have a passion for inspiring creativity and the sustainable environment, and I wanted to bring people with me on a journey to see a vision for what the future of Inverness could be and the power of creation.
“So, to then be awarded the best culture and environment award was incredible.
“I’m absolutely over the moon and the momentum for the roundhouse isn’t ending soon.”
He now plans to set up a trademark and a social enterprise listing.
Inverness business student Lonja Mavric Mrak picked up the best student award and £1000 for her vegan food blend containing seaweed.
Named Kelpie, it can be used to make burgers and mince and thicken soups and sauces.
