Our region

Regional investment opportunities

Unprecedented scale of opportunity

Over the next 15 years, it’s anticipated that the Highlands and Islands region will see a total investment of over £100bn. This investment has the potential to far exceed previous transformational periods, including even the post-war development of the Highlands’ hydro potential and the main period of the oil and gas exploration era.

The investment will be seen in renewable energy projects, including offshore and onshore wind, pumped storage hydro green hydrogen and marine energy account for around three quarters of the total RTO investment value.

Others relate to space, marine biotech, life sciences, natural capital and critical infrastructure developments such as electricity grid upgrades improvements to ports and harbours and research and creation of innovation facilities.

The data

Published in May 2025, a detailed research report quantified the breadth of regional economic opportunities across the Highlands and Islands for the first time. 

The full report and executive summary are available to view below. 

To find out more about investment opportunities and get support to base your business here, please contact our inward investment team.

Get in touch 

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. 

Contact us

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.

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.

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.

We must support businesses and communities to ensure these investments leave a long-term legacy. We also need to work together with businesses, social enterprises and community groups to ensure the benefits are spread across the whole region.

Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Where to next?

Find out more about our region or get help to base your business here.

Our region

Find out why the Highlands and Islands is a great place to live, work, and grow — with support for local businesses and opportunities to invest.

Base your business here

Get support to locate your business in the Highlands and Islands including advice, funding, property and help to make the right business connections.

News and blogs

Have a look at our latest news to find out about who we're supporting, where we're investing and how we're helping to develop the region.

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