The Environmental Research Institute is based in Thurso, Caithness in the north of Scotland. The county is characterised by agricultural land and blanket bog, surrounded by sea cliffs, beaches and the Pentland Firth. Although a lot of the research, education and collaboration at the ERI is done in the region, various projects involve working together with other institutes, governments and NGOs beyond county and (inter)national borders.
We enjoy having people visit our institute, whether you are a prospective student, alumni or collaborator, we would love for you to come and visit us in this beautiful part of Northern Scotland, with lots of exciting projects, amazing scenery and welcoming people.
The Pentland Firth
The renewable energy potential of the waters in the Pentland Firth, north of Caithness, has been part of ERI’s ongoing research in the area. In order to understand the effects of future developments of off-shore tidal and wave energy installations, monitoring of wildlife and environmental conditions is key. Several projects including seabird tracking, UAV (drone) deployment and radar surveys are set up by the ERI to obtain valuable quantitative data for understanding and modelling the potential future effects of large-scale renewable energy projects in the region.
Flow Country
Together with neighbouring Sutherlands, Caithness harbours the largest continuous expanse of blanket bog: a globally rare type of peatland, found in hyper-oceanic conditions. The area is important for Scotland’s overall carbon storage and widely recognised as an important area for wildlife, rare plant species and climate mitigation strategies.
