A new strategy aimed at developing an economically sustainable and socially vibrant Highlands and Islands was launched by First Minister Jack McConnell this afternoon (Monday 22nd April) as he carried out the official opening of Highlands and Islands Enterprise's (HIE) Network Data Centre at Lionacleit on Benbecula in the Western Isles.

A Smart, Successful Scotland - the Highlands and Islands dimension is the area's perspective of the national strategy for the enterprise networks in Scotland and reflects the particular opportunities and challenges associated with economic development in the region. 

The island launch of the 'Highlands and Islands dimension' marks a new chapter for the HIE network. For HIE chairman Dr Jim Hunter it was a historic day: "We are working to leave a legacy for future generations and this requires development that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable," he said.

"A Smart Successful Scotland - the Highlands and Islands dimension is set to build on the achievements made by HIE and partners over the years. Among our successes we can count the reversal in the migration of people from the Highlands and Islands as a whole, increased employment and a more stable economy.
     
"There is no denying however, that progress has not been achieved universally with some remote areas continuing to exhibit the symptoms of decline which once characterised large parts of the Highlands and Islands.

"As a Network we have always channelled more resources to our priority areas than would be allocated on a simple population basis, and I can now confirm that as part of our new strategy this funding is being increased in the Western Isles.

"Western Isles Enterprise will now have at their disposal double the budget they would be given on the basis of population alone to invest in the future economic and social development of the area. That is why it is symbolic that our new strategy is launched in tandem with the official opening of the HIE Network Data Centre at Lionacleit today.

"Taigh Cheann a' Locha represents one of HIE's efforts to disperse public sector jobs to remote, fragile areas and we hope its success will underpin the debate on moving more public and private sector jobs into outlying areas of the Highlands and Islands."

HIE currently employs 19 people at the data centre which is providing administrative and financial support to the entire Network.  Also housed in Taigh Cheann a' Locha are Careers Scotland and five Western Isles Enterprise staff.

Chief executive of HIE, Sandy Cumming said: "Taigh Cheann a' Locha is an excellent example of how administrative functions can be relocated to remote parts of the Highlands and Islands, helping to sustain some of our most fragile communities.  Advanced technology in the 21st century means it is both efficient and affordable to relocate to areas like the Western Isles and it is no coincidence that we are launching A Smart, Successful Scotland - the Highlands and Island dimension at Lionacleit today.

"Our new strategy involves progressing four strategic objectives; strengthening communities, developing skills and learning, making global connections and growing businesses. These four objectives reinforce each other, recognising that the people of the Highlands and Islands form communities and create the wealth of the area and that strong communities in turn are dependent on economic prosperity and the skills, abilities and confidence of their people."

Making global connections is central to the Highlands and Islands dimension, reflecting the greater opportunities available to the Highlands and Islands to participate and compete in a global context. Making global connections via the widespread availability of digitial communitcations will reduce the economic peripherality of the Highlands and Islands which is essential for long-term progress.

Sandy Cumming said: "We will strive to achieve a smart, successful Highlands and Islands, making this an area of opportunity, where people of all ages can fulfil their aspirations.  It will be an area where the outward migration of centuries has ceased, where knowledge, creativity and innovation are the valued basis of our prosperity, and where quality of life is preserved and enhanced. It will be one of Europe's most desirable places to live, learn, work and relax."