By Colin Marr, Chief Executive, Inverness Chamber of Commerce This week I was invited by the British Chambers of Commerce to attend a Parliamentary Roundtable at Westminster focused on the Business Cost of Energy. It was an opportunity to speak directly to MPs, including the Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, about […]
Comment: From energy potential to regional prosperity Read More »
In response to Highland Council councillors passing the current proposals for the visitor levy legislation to consultation, at a special Full Council meeting today (Tuesday 25 August 2026), our Chief Executive, Colin Marr has made this statement: “Highland Council officers have been working constructively with the business community, through a shadow visitor levy forum, for
Inverness Chamber’s response to Highland Council proceeding to visitor levy consultation Read More »
The Highlands and Islands is fast becoming one of the most exciting places in the UK to live and work. Major investment in the region is expected to create up to 16,000 new jobs per year, with opportunities across a wide range of sectors. Over the next 10 to 15 years, the Highlands and Islands
Workforce North partnership to harness investment and drive growth across key industries Read More »
A strategic partnership between Inverness-based homebuilder Tulloch Homes and not-for-profit housing developer Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) is accelerating the delivery of high-quality, affordable housing across the Highlands, helping to tackle one of the region’s most pressing challenges. Since 2024, the collaboration has delivered more than 200 mid-market rent (MMR) homes across key developments in Aviemore,
Harper Macleod has become the first law firm to be awarded the Highland Employer Charter Gold accreditation, recognising the firm’s commitment to high-quality employment practices, people development and positive engagement across the Highlands. The Charter, established by The Highland Council last year, is built around four key employer commitments: Beyond employment, the assessment process also
Four new electric buses supported by ScotZEB signal next phase in 30-year journey. Thirty years ago, a £1,000 loan and a single minibus were enough to launch what would become the north of Scotland’s largest private hire coach operator. Today, D&E Coaches, owned by Highland Council, operates more than 60 vehicles, employs around 88 staff
Today’s decision by Highland Council’s South Planning Applications Committee follows two years of development and extensive engagement with local communities and stakeholders on the project’s design. The new substation will connect into the existing Beauly to Denny line, which is proposed to be upgraded from 275kV to 400kV operation. It will comprise a new outdoor
The Inverness Castle Experience was officially opened today (Monday 9 February) by Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister of Scotland, and Kirsty McNeill, UK Government Minister for Scotland, marking completion of a landmark City Region Deal project. The £47 million investment has transformed Inverness Castle into a world-class visitor attraction for the Highlands, which will strengthen
By Colin Marr, Chief Executive, Inverness Chamber of Commerce This week, Highland Council published the results of the public consultation on the proposed visitor levy (often referred to as a tourist tax), which ran from November 2024 to March 2025. They also released the findings of the independent economic impact assessment that we, along with
The latest project to be announced as part of SSEN Transmission’s housing strategy is a partnership with The Highland Council in a major refurbishment initiative to bring long-term empty homes in Wick back into use. In an industry first, SSEN Transmission published its strategy in autumn 2024 pledging to support the delivery of 1,000 homes across its north of Scotland transmission area to help alleviate the region’s
Housing Strategy to Deliver Refurbished Properties in Wick Read More »
