Launch of Highlands & Islands Enterprise Annual Report

Commenting on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network annual report, Charlotte Wright, chief executive of Lochaber Enterprise said: "This has been a challenging and exciting year. We are particularly pleased with the level of new business starts, and the development of the micro-brewery in Kinlochleven.

"The new Ardnamurchan High School will provide much needed leisure and arts facilities to the rural communities of  Ardnamurchan and Morven, and is an excellent example of how a community can drive forward a major project.

"The current year is looking promising with us more than half way towards meeting our target for delivery of HIE Starts grants to new businesses. Falling unemployment has led to recruitment difficulties for many employers, and responding to this issue will remain high on our agenda over the coming year."

Issued:   Thursday, October 10 2002