West Highland Vision Conference, 12 March | Event in Oban | AllEvents

West Highland Vision Conference

Lochaber Chamber of Commerce

Highlights

Thu, 12 Mar • 08:30 AM

9.5 hours

SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science)

Starting at GBP 102

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Date & Location

Thu, 12 Mar • 08:30 AM (GMT+00:00)

SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science)

Dunbeg, Oban, United Kingdom

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About the event

West Highland Vision Conference
A day of workshops address key local issues around aqua culture, transport infrastructure and the progression of technology.

About this Event

The workshops address sustainable growth in the West Highlands by advancing coastal resilience, aquaculture and renewable energy; defining essential grid, transport and port infrastructure for industrialisation.



Agenda


🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:15 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast

🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome & Setting the Vision
Host: Frazer Coupland - WHCOC

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Charting the Course – Infrastructure and National Impact
Host: Alitair Ferguson - Ferguson Transport

Info: Coastal Resilience, Aquaculture, and Renewable Energy: Powering the West Highlands' Future

This crucial workshop will convene industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to debate and define the path forward for sustainable growth in the West Highlands. We will explore the dual challenges and immense opportunities presented by coastal resilience in a changing climate, juxtaposed with the innovative potential of a thriving, modern aquaculture sector and large-scale renewable energy projects.



🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Q&A

🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Tea, Coffee and Networking

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Coastal Resilience, Aquaculture, and Renewable Energy:
Host: Prof Adam D Hughes

Info: Ports, Power, and Paving the Way: Infrastructure for Industrialisation

Building upon the identification of sectoral opportunities, this second workshop will shift focus to the critical infrastructure required to transform potential into prosperity. We will engage in a focused debate on the urgent needs for grid network upgrades, particularly to facilitate the rapid expansion of renewable energy and support industrial loads across remote areas. Simultaneously, the workshop will scrutinise transport infrastructure, including road and rail links, essential for logistics and connectivity. A significant session will be dedicated to the strategic role of our coastal assets and ports, exploring how modernising these gateways can unlock the full potential of aquaculture, marine renewable energy, and broader trade.



🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch & Cultural Showcase

🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
The Frontier of Coastal Resilience: Robotics, AI, and the Future of the WH

Info: As the West Highlands looks toward 2026, it stands on the brink of a technological transformation. The third pillar of the West Highland Vision conference explores how Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are no longer futuristic ideas but essential tools for regional growth and resilience. To remain globally competitive, coastal industries must shift from manual methods to high-tech precision. This session highlights the impact of autonomous underwater robotics and AI-driven data analytics, from intelligent seabed monitoring to predictive aquaculture management that anticipates environmental change. Beyond innovation, this is about economic resilience: integrating smart systems into marine and port infrastructure reduces risk, cuts costs, and creates high-value local jobs. By moving away from “dirty, dangerous, and dull” work toward skilled, tech-enabled maritime careers, and by connecting world-class research with real-world industry, the West Highlands can secure.



🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Coffee &Networking Break

🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Remarks

🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Post - Conference Drinks Reception


Also check out other Workshops in Oban, Business events in Oban, Conferences in Oban.

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Ticket Info

Tickets for West Highland Vision Conference can be booked here.

Ticket type Ticket price
West Highland Vision Conference General Admission 102 GBP
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Nearby Hotels

SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science), Dunbeg, Oban, United Kingdom
Tickets from GBP 102

Host Details

Lochaber Chamber of Commerce

Lochaber Chamber of Commerce

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West Highland Vision Conference, 12 March | Event in Oban | AllEvents
West Highland Vision Conference
Thu, 12 Mar • 08:30 AM
GBP 102