The potential opportunities for firms to exploit the huge energy reserves in the Pentland Firth will be promoted today in the north of Scotland.
A group of industry executives is taking part in a two-day fact-finding trip to explore possible developments in the stretch of water between Orkney and the Scottish mainland.
They will be encouraged to work with local engineering and science-based firms and public agencies to use Caithness and Orkney as a base for ventures. The firth is being tipped to ultimately play a key role in helping solve the UK's looming energy crisis.
Dutch firm Tocardo earlier this month confirmed it is gearing up to build and site a 10-megawatt prototype tidal energy plant in the firth. That prompted former MP Bob Maclennan to suggest Tocardo's interest could be the start of a "California-style gold rush".
The firms represented are members of the British Wind Energy Association, which includes wave and tidal power, and the visit is being staged as part of the Caithness Regeneration Partnership (CRP) action plan by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Among those taking part are Swan Turbines, Hammerfest Strom UK, RPS Planning and Development, Trident Energy and Garrad Hassan & Partners.
Roy Kirk of CRP said: "We've attracted a very interesting mix of people on the back of the ongoing interest in developments in the firth. This is an engineering challenge, the like of which has not been attempted anywhere else. The tidal stream in the firth is certainly the best in the UK and is amongst the best anywhere in the world.
"One of the main aims of the visit is to show the range of engineering and science-based companies already based in Caithness. The infrastructure here is a real asset for the developments we expect to happen."
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