OUR UNIQUE GEOGRAPHY AND CULTURE
We aim to capitalise on regional opportunities to attract more people to live, work, study, invest and visit our region.
Our region
The Highlands and Islands of Scotland is a diverse landscape with a unique geography, character and culture. We aim to capitalise on our distinct natural assets and focus on building a green economic recovery.
Our regional opportunities
Our region will play a significant and transformational role in the national journey to net zero emissions by 2045. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive economic growth on a massive scale which will enable:
- the reversal of population decline;
- support the conditions for growth and a green recovery;
- build successful, resilient enterprises; and
- enable strong, capable and resourceful communities.
Our region at a glance
Rich in natural and environmental assets, the Highlands and Islands has:
Published on 22/11/2023
61
of the UK's coastline
90
inhabited islands
12
people per sq km
51
of Scotland's land mass
Our areas
Find out about our unique areas across the region and how we can support organisations based here and also those looking to locate here.
Caithness and Sutherland
Supporting businesses, communities and investors in Caithness and Sutherland.
Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross
Supporting businesses, communities and investors in Locchber, Skye and Wester Ross
Authenticity, provenance and heritage
Our authenticity, provenance and heritage are key drivers for the tourism, creative industries and food and drink sectors across the region. We will also work to maximise the role of the Gaelic language to add social and economic value.
University of the Highlands and Islands
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is a key asset with world-leading expertise in remote learning and specialisms in marine and environmental science, and health. With over 70 local learning centres across the Highlands and Islands, it can positively contribute to the region's net zero ambition.
NET ZERO AND NATURAL CAPITAL
Our region has significant opportunities in offshore wind and green hydrogen development and deployment; maximising circular economy opportunities; land use and natural capital; and the decarbonisation of heat. We’re uniquely placed for net zero research, development, and supply chain opportunities and to disproportionately contribute to national targets. Opportunity exists for early decarbonisation of traditional sectors e.g. to establish our region as a low carbon destination.
BLUE ECONOMY
We have a major advantage in the green and blue economies along with significant ports, harbours and natural assets around aquaculture, marine biotechnology, marine energy, renewable energy and marine environmental services.
REMOTE AND HOME WORKING
With the flexibility of homeworking and good connectivity, we have the opportunity to attract more people to live, work, study and invest in the region.
SPACE/AEROSPACE
Our geography offers huge opportunities for spaceports and associated space and aerospace supply chain activities.
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY
Technology and innovation will increase productivity, accelerate a data and digital driven economy. This will help evolve health care, overcoming geographic barriers and supporting delivery of a just transition to net zero.
Growth sectors in the Highlands and Islands
Growth sectors are those which offer distinct competitive advantage across the Highlands and Islands, and often capitalise on the regions enviable natural assets.
Our regional projects
We invest in significant developments across the region where we can take advantage of our distinct regional opportunities. Our aim is to attract more people to live, work, study and invest here. Explore some of our investments below.
Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray
Opening in spring 2025, the Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray will provide diagnostics, advice, information, signposting, and brokerage services to manufacturing companies across the area.
Gàidhlig | Gaelic
Supporting Gaelic development and the use of the language is at the heart of our remit for economic and social development in the Highlands and Islands.
Inverness Campus
Inverness Campus is a world-class business location for those operating in life sciences, digital healthcare and technology.
Orkney Research and Innovation Campus
The Orkney Research & Innovation Campus (ORIC) is a multi-million-pound project creating an improved home for Orkney’s wide range of clean energy and low-carbon expertise.
Browse support
Browse our support section or get in touch to see how we can help you.
Base your business here
Looking to locate your business in our region? Find out how we can help.