Local timber manufacturer confirmed for Natural Retreats John O'Groats site.

Following the start of work in September to rejuvenate John O'Groats as a premium tourist destination, work continues on the ambitious project to redevelop the historic hotel and adjacent land. As part of the project to completely transform and rejuvenate the area, a £1 million building contract has been awarded to local timber frame manufacturer Norscot Joinery Ltd from Wick.

Through the award of this contract, Natural Retreats continues to show its commitment to the local community, underpinning one of its basic principles to use locally sourced materials and local contractors. By partnering with Norscot Joinery Ltd, Natural Retreats will be building 23 individual residences, in conjunction with one of the leading manufacturers of energy efficient timber frame accommodation. Working closely with the team of designers lead by Natural Retreats Technical Services, supported by GLM in Edinburgh, Norscot will continue developing the detailed design of the frames and structure, bringing stunning accommodation to the area.

Natural Retreats Chief Executive Officer, Matt Spence commented:

"We are delighted to be working with Norscot Joinery on this momentous project in John O'Groats as one of the fundamental aspects for us at Natural Retreats is to create economic growth, employment and prosperity within the local community. There were a number of national contractors we could have selected for this part of the project, however we wanted to keep the work within the region and with a contractor who could meet our specification and schedule."

Jason Fraser, Technical Director at Norscot Joinery Ltd responded saying:

"As a local provider of energy efficient timber frame buildings, we're very proud to be selected by Natural Retreats to help develop the site at John O'Groats. Working on a project as unique as this, helping to rejuvenate a historic landmark site and premium tourist destination, is an honour and a privilege."

Manufacture will begin in November 2011 for the delivery of the first frames to the site in January 2012 in time for opening in Summer 2012. "We are at an exciting phase of the redevelopment now and with this appointment we should see the first new buildings starting to go up in the early New Year", commented Ian McKee, Managing Director of GLM and project director of the development.

Continuing with its commitment to the local community, Natural Retreats has also awarded a £500,000 contract to Andersons of the Muir of Ord for groundwork, services and utilities. Earlier in the project Andersons were awarded a contract to undertake demolition and strip out works to the former hotel and work is scheduled to begin work on site today for three months.