The natural environment of the Highlands and Islands is unsurpassed in the UK for richness of geological, biological and scenic diversity. Archaeological treasures and historical associations provide a tangible link to past human interaction with this environment.

The Highlands and Islands also has unique living language and cultural traditions associated with its Gaelic and Nordic heritage. These varied resources - coupled with traditional and contemporary arts, crafts and sport - enrich community life and are among our greatest assets and economic drivers. They lie behind much of the identity of the Highlands and Islands. They stimulate community confidence through participation in cultural, artistic and sporting endeavour, and in so doing add to community well being. Healthy and vibrant communities are more open to realising opportunities for developing skills and growing businesses, so it is vital to protect and enhance our environmental and cultural assets.

The HIE network undertakes a broad range of activities, at its own hand and in partnership with others, which aims to sustain and develop the area's cultural and heritage resources. Linked to these important assets is another of the area's greatest strengths, the natural creativity of the people of the Highlands and Islands. This creativity is increasingly building links in the wider cultural arena, feeding new economic activity focused on the arts, environment, design and heritage. Opportunities in these areas are now further realised through the use of new technology and the internet.

These pages outline some of the heritage and cultural programmes, partnerships and issues, in which the HIE network is currently involved.