NORTHERN Constabulary is to host the first ever counter terrorism seminar for businesses and retailers in Inverness next month.

Businesses and organisations in the Inverness and Moray areas are invited to take part in Project ARGUS, a free counter terrorism seminar, which is to be held at Inshes Church, Inverness on the morning of Tuesday 11 March 2008.

The event is a partnership between the business community and the Police and is being hosted by Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police.

Members of the business community met with Police and Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue representatives on Monday to finalise the details for the forthcoming seminar.

The meeting at Eastgate Shopping Centre was attended by officers from Northern Constabulary, Area Manager for HIFRS John Donaldson, Inverness Chamber of Commerce chairman Donald Shaw, chief executive Casia Zajac, director Jim Ferguson and, chairman of Inverness City Centre Management Hugh Nicol.

Project Argus was developed by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office in London and its founder, Richard Flynn has agreed to attend and facilitate the event.

Argus takes delegates through a simulated terrorist attack using a multimedia simulation, seeking ways of handling such an event, ways of preventing it and how to help businesses recover.

An expert panel with members of the emergency services and the local authority emergency planning department will be on hand to answer any questions.

Argus events have been successfully run in 200 towns and cities across the UK.

This event is aimed primarily at retail and other organisations that operate in town centres or other crowded places.

Chief Superintendent Bruce Duncan, Head of Operations at Northern Constabulary said:

"Events in Glasgow last summer illustrate that Scotland is not immune from terrorism. Our aim is to ensure that the North of Scotland is as equally prepared and protected as anywhere else in the UK".

Jim Ferguson, a director of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said:

"Businesses must take responsibility for themselves in relation to surviving and recovering from any major event. Preparation is the key and I would encourage all businesses to take advantage of the knowledge and experience to be gained at this seminar ".

Anyone wishing to attend is advised to reserve their place early, as interest is likely to be high. Places can be reserved by telephoning 01463 720266, 01224 306394 or emailing ctsa@northern.pnn.police.uk or operationalplanningdepartment@grampian.pnn.police.uk

For further information on Argus and directions to the venue please visit:

the websites of Northern Constabulary or Grampian Police