HIE’s area manager for the Inner Moray Firth, Audrey MacIver, marks her first year in post by reflecting on the past year as she looks forward to the year ahead.
In transitioning from my energy role to the Inner Moray Firth area manager, it is extremely exciting to witness some of the long talked about opportunities coming to fruition.
It was a pivotal year with projects such as Sumitomo Electric breaking ground on its £350m subsea cable facility at Port of Nigg; £55m awarded to Port of Cromarty Firth through the UK Government’s Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme; and HIE’s own support of £10m towards the Inner East Quay at Port of Nigg.
These major investments demonstrate how the supply chain in the heart of the Highlands is gearing up to deliver Scotland’s energy transition. And all the signs are that this is just the start.
Having Green Freeport Status provides an opportunity for the region to lever in even more private investment. If managed effectively, this could greatly benefit our local communities for generations to come.
We recognise that the opportunities in the area extend beyond the energy sector. The region is well-positioned to capitalise on the growth in the life sciences sector, including human and animal health, medical diagnostics, agri-tech and veterinary services.
Did you know that Inverness is now home to the SRUC School of Veterinary Medicine? This innovative institution prepares students for careers in rural mixed practice, agriculture and the food sectors using innovative technology. The school will bring significant benefits to the entire Highlands region including creating opportunities for local students.
We also have a unique tourism offering including our newest attraction in Inverness, which we are eagerly anticipating the opening of this summer, the Inverness Castle Experience. It is set to deliver substantial economic and social benefits well beyond Inverness.
Our premium food and drink products and creative industries scene are also central to our region’s economy, driving business development and attracting investment as well as creating jobs.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of HIE’s predecessor, the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB), which has seen the region gain widespread recognition for ambitious and innovative businesses and resilient dynamic communities.
We are, however, acutely aware of the challenges facing businesses and communities and constraints on growth – recruitment and talent attraction, business regulation, particularly in context of micro and small enterprise, housing in our more rural areas, and transportation. Added to that the macro-economic conditions are impacting confidence levels across the sectors.
Our committed teams are working with a range of companies and communities, helping to address these challenges and also working hard to help progress the exciting transformational opportunities across the Inner Moray Firth area. Through collaboration with partner organisations, we can maximise these opportunities for the benefit of the whole region.
This joined up approach enables us to build on our area’s successes and contribute to the Scottish Government’s for economic transformation.
By leveraging our natural assets and strategic investments, we can ensure a prosperous future for all who live and work here. Let’s continue to collaborate, innovate, and grow together.