Boosting confidence in communities throughout the Highlands and Islands is top of the agenda for Stuart Black, who has just been appointed director of strengthening communities at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Stuart (36) joined HIE in 1996 as the agency's head of economics. Before this he was a lecturer in the department of land economy at the University of Aberdeen.

Strengthening communities is one of HIE's key strategic priorities and encompasses a range of initiatives to develop social inclusion, transport, the environment, culture and the arts.

Last year 382 community action grants were awarded worth a total of £1.5 million . This drew in a further £11.4 million from other sources, representing a substantial investment in communities throughout the Highlands and Islands.

Stuart Black said: "HIE has a commitment to making a difference in the most fragile and disadvantaged communities of the Highlands and Islands. Helping them is the fundamental objective of the strengthening communities group.

"It is the mix of cultures, land and heritage which makes this area unique, and HIE has wide-ranging powers to try and ensure that both economic and social development can be combined to protect and enhance these assets, and by doing this to boost community confidence.

"Confidence is a key ingredient in helping people and communities achieve economic prosperity. Our work in strengthening communities is fairly diverse, but it all centres on instilling a greater sense of self-belief which is a necessary factor in job creation and personal development.

"The specific objectives I intend to take forward include a look at the strategic use of lottery funding throughout our area, especially to see how it could be better channelled into those places and projects where it would have the greatest impact.

"The work and expertise of HIE's Community Land Unit has an important role to play in boosting community confidence and helping people take more control over a key asset.

"Working in partnership with community groups and with a whole range of other agencies - from the voluntary sector, to local authorities and other government bodies - is the best way to ensure all our resources are used effectively."

Stuart is also keen to see as many communities as possible take advantage of the opportunities offered by new technology.

"Technology itself, where it is linked to community projects and developments can play a substantial role in allowing people in even the most remote locations to access information and support," he said.

"I would like to see people and groups across the Highlands and Islands continue to come forward with their own agenda for progress. They are our customers and we succeed as a development agency when the projects and ideas we support come from the communities themselves."

HIE chief executive Sandy Cumming said he was delighted with Stuart's appointment.

"In the time that Stuart has worked with HIE, he has shown himself to be an intelligent, energetic and dedicated employee who has the best interests of the people of this area close to his heart," said Mr Cumming.

"I am sure that his talents will be put to very good use as director of strengthening communities."

Stuart takes up his new post on the 3rd of January next year. He succeeds Lorne MacLeod who is leaving HIE to pursue his own business interests.