Responding to Enterprise Minister Henry McLeish's interim conclusions on the Enterprise Networks review, Highlands and Islands Enterprise chief executive Iain Robertson said: "The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network welcomes the Minister's review, in particular the recognition that the HIE approach has, overall, stood the test of time in delivering economic and social development in our area.

"From HIE's point of view, it is absolutely right that the emphasis in these interim conclusions has been placed firmly on evolution rather than wholesale structural change. Our 10 Local Enterprise Companies look forward to working with their partners in the local authorities and other bodies in establishing the local economic forums and aligning the work of the participating bodies in the best interests in their local areas.

"Times have changed since our Network was first established and HIE has always shown a commitment to be flexible, customer focused and locally driven in order to adapt to changing conditions and today's announcement will add further momentum to these efforts. HIE stands ready to play its full part in preparing the national Strategy for Enterprise."