HIE Board visits the Outer Hebrides
Alistair Dodds, Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, shared his thoughts from the HIE Board’s recent visit to Lewis and Harris (22-23 April).
About the Outer Hebrides
It is worn all around the world, but it is woven across a string of islands in the Atlantic. Traditional Harris Tweed has become just one example of how the industry of the Outer Hebrides has impacted well beyond their shores.
A buoyant tourism and textiles industry flourishes across this archipelago, from Lewis in the North to Vatersay in the south.
Gaelic and Celtic culture and language bind together this chain of communities off the west coast of Scotland. Fifteen islands are inhabited, with the commercial and cultural hub of Stornoway being home to over 6,000 people.
Employment opportunities have grown with the development of Life Science industries in the region. Leading chemical producer BASF, which produces highly concentrated omega-3 fatty acids for pharmaceutical, clinical and general use, is a major employer on Lewis.
Atlantic rollers crashing along the miles of unspoiled beaches and reef breaks make the Outer Hebrides a world-renowned haven for surfers. On land, ancient relics such as the Calanish Standing Stones, Carloway Broch and Lews Castle also draw visitors by the thousand each year.
Gaelic and Celtic influences are upheld and protected in the region, each treasured as carefully as the stunning, yet fragile, natural environment.
Journey through the Outer Hebrides video.
CRUISE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
The new multi-purpose deep water terminal in Stornoway is expected to be operational in 2024 widening access to the growing cruise market for businesses and communities.
LIFE IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES
The Outer Hebrides is an amazing place, with a thriving local economy and unique history and heritage. Watch our video for a feel for this spectacular area.
We support businesses and communities across the Islands to develop and grow. If you're looking for support, get in touch to see how we can work with you.
Latest news
Outer Hebrides in numbers
26,640
population
15
inhabited islands
5
growth forecast in construction industry by 2028
8x
workers in agriculture, fishing and forestry than Scottish average
ARNISH FABRICATION YARD
Arnish is located four miles from the town of Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis and is home to one of Scotland's key renewable energy manufacturing sites.
We lease 48ha (119 acres) of land from the Stornoway Trust. Since it took over the lease in 1999, we have invested £23m including installing and upgrading rolling and welding equipment at the fabrication yard. There are currently two tenants at the park, Bakkafrost and Hebridean Seaweed.
The site has been developed as a prime location of the renewable energy sector. It offers excellent opportunities for national and international investments in both the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors. The site provides a range of fully serviced plots with deep water and heavy load quay facilities with great connectivity and sea and air links.
The yard at Arnish is established as an efficient facility for the production of pipes, piles, monopiles and devices for the energy industry. Plans are underway to extend the quay at Arnish, which currently has a water depth of 6.5m, by providing improved facilities for ships over 156m in length that cannot currently berth alongside.
Is Arnish your ideal location?
Get in touch to see how we can help.
Taigh-staile Bheinn na Faoghla
Thàinig aisling eileanach a thaobh mac na braiche a chruthachadh ann an Innse Gall, gu bith ann an 2024.
Benbecula Distillery
The dream of an islander to create a single malt whisky in the Outer Hebrides came to fruition in 2024 with the first spirit starting to flow at Benbecula Distillery.
Wee Studio Records anns a' Ghàidhlig
Chuir Keith Moireasdan aig a bheil Wee Studio Records, a ghnothachas an lùib a bhith a’ clàradh ciùil, air bhonn air Eilean Leòdhais ann an 2008.
Wee Studio Records
Keith Morrison, the owner of Wee Studio Records, established his music recording business in the Isle of Lewis in 2008.
Modular West
HIE has been supporting Modular West, based on the Isle of Barra, for a number of years. Read about their development and how they're plugging a vital gap in the Island housing market.
Black Bay Studio
Unique island recording studio develops talent to reach world-wide markets.
An Lanntair
Stornoway arts venue transforms its operations while connecting local makers to global markets.
Our blogs
Have a look at some of our recent blogs for a different perspective on life and the economy in the Outer Hebrides.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig / World Gaelic Week
Is e Seachdain na Gàidhlig a th’ ann agus tha mi a’ cuimhneachadh air an àite chudromach shòisealta is eaconamach a tha aig Gàidhlig ann an coimhearsnachdan beòthail fulangach.
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