Inverness Campus
Inverness Campus is a world-class business location for those operating in life sciences, technology and digital healthcare. Explore property and investment opportunities.
It’s a unique set-up here, with academics, the public and private sector working together and sharing knowledge and facilities. It’s very much about creating connections – we help them, and they help us. It’s been the ideal place to grow our company.
Moving here was first and foremost a lifestyle decision for me, though the business benefits have turned out to be excellent too. It’s been great for the whole family – we have excellent schooling here and it’s a good quality of life.
Regional developments and investments
As the economic and community development agency for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, we invest in significant developments, land and infrastructure across the region. We capitalise on sectoral opportunities, help to influence policy and target our investments to create growth. And we support businesses looking to start-up, grow and expand across our region too. Explore some of our current prime developments and business opportunities below or get in touch to find out how we can support you.
European Marine Science Park
An established marine science community based in Argyll offering the ideal location and property options for those operating in marine science, blue economy and research sectors.
Enterprise Park Forres
The park has a wide range of high quality and flexible business spaces and property options, including a fully equipped space for start-ups. It’s ideally suited for those operating in manufacturing, engineering and technology.
Orkney Research and Innovation Campus
Supporting the growing research and innovation activity and the expansion of companies working in Orkney’s world-leading marine renewables, energy and low carbon sector.
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
Building a world-beating floating offshore wind manufacturing sector with sites in the Cromarty Firth, Invergordon, Nigg, and Inverness.
Offshore Wind industry
Scotland plans to deliver more than 40GW of offshore wind by 2035. Explore the Offshore Wind Scotland website to find out more about the market and vast opportunities currently available.
Wave Energy Scotland
HIE’s subsidiary Wave Energy Scotland support a range of projects focused on the key systems and sub-systems of Wave Energy Converters.
Highlights of our region
The Highlands and Islands is the perfect location to enjoy the best of both worlds: coastal or rural
living and bustling city life. When you choose the Highlands and Islands, you’ll experience one of the most distinctive and diverse landscapes anywhere in the UK. With scenic coastlines, sandy golden beaches and picturesque rolling hills, there’s so much to explore, right on your doorstep.
You’ll discover a treasure trove of global tourism attractions, from Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and its Fairy Pools and the stone age settlement of Skara Brae in the Orkney islands to the Cairngorms, the mystical Callanish Stones in the Outer Hebrides, Urquhart Castle and Ben Nevis, the famous Bealach na Bà single-track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, and Eilean Donan Castle. What’s more, there’s an endless number of sporting and outdoor activities on offer in the Highlands and Islands. From hiking and fishing to canoeing and mountain biking, the region presents countless opportunities for new experiences and exciting adventures.
The best place to live in Scotland
Did you know the Highlands and Islands regularly ranks highly in quality-of-life surveys? The Outer Hebrides has been named the best place to live in Britain for work-life balance, and two other locations in the region – Orkney and Highland – placed in the top 20.
The North Coast 500
With just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, the spectacular North Coast 500 route naturally follows the main coastal edges of the North Highlands of
Scotland, taking in the regions of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire.
A land of food and drink
The region has a global reputation for its tremendous natural larder of food and drink, and this is one of the region’s biggest exports. In Caithness, for instance, natural Scottish seaweed is processed to create 100% sustainable products, including chips, clusters, pestos and tapenades.
The home of golf
With almost 100 courses, many designed by world renowned names such as James Braid and Donald Ross, the Highlands and Islands offer the complete package for golfers of all abilities. From championship courses continually rated in the world’s top 100 like Machrihanish, Royal Dornoch, Nairn and Castle Stuart, to less demanding but equally spectacular nine-hole courses, the area has it all.
The whisky experience
There are no fewer than 47 distilleries spread across the region, with worldwide brands including Macallan, Glenfiddich, and Balvenie deeply embedded in its history and heritage. If you’re a fan of a wee dram, you’ve come to the right place.
Globally connected
Strong road, rail and air connections underline the global interconnectivity of the region, making travelling to, from and around the Highlands and Islands easy.
Investing in our region
Our year-end figures 2023-24 show the investments we've made and how we've supported organisations across the region to develop and grow.
Published on 09/12/2024
56.8
approved HIE investment in 339 projects
1,200
jobs created or retained, including 82 in fragile areas
619.7
forecast rise in turnover by HIE clients
47.7
increase in international sales supported by HIE investment
Get support
We can help you find funding to grow your business or project through targeted grants, or support from other sources. We can also can help you find opportunities to invest in early-stage and expanding companies with high-growth potential.
Browse all support services
We support businesses, communities and social enterprises through a range of services, including advice, funding, events and property. Find out how we can help you.
Inward investment enquiry
If you’re interested in locating your business to the spectacular Highlands and Islands, we’re here to help.
About us
We're the community and economic development agency for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Find out what we do, how we work and how we can help you.
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