A recruitment drive to encourage more people to move to the Lochaber area has been launched by Lochaber Enterprise in partnership with The Highland Council and NHS Highland.

The interactive CD-ROM has been produced to promote Lochaber as a desirable place to live, work and invest. It contains a number of case studies of people who have moved to Lochaber to work for some of the leading employers, such as The Highland Council, the NHS and various private companies. They give a 'warts and all' account of what it was like moving into the area in a bid to better inform people who may be considering moving to Lochaber.

Graeme Mowat of Cinécosse, who produced the CD-ROM and the hit TV series Scotland's Larder said: "We interviewed over a dozen people from all walks of life on their impressions of moving to Lochaber, and they spoke of how they adjusted to the people, the environment and the climate."

The CD-ROM also addresses the key issues which would influence someone moving to the area, such as housing; transport; health; education; higher education; communications; employment; leisure facilities and shopping; social life; environment and climate; and arts and culture. An initial batch of the CDs will be issued to key public agencies and larger local businesses, with an option to produce more if demand for the CD increases through use. Copies will be used as a reference tool to be included in application packs.

Another idea is to use the CD-ROM at events to encourage more people to choose Lochaber because it provides such a positive message.

Morven Cameron of Lochaber Enterprise said: "While a record low jobless figure of 1.4 per cent, registered in September 2004, is excellent news and demonstrates a robust economy, it does have a knock-on effect for those seeking particular skills when the available labour force does not meet this demand. Therefore we have to look elsewhere and import those talents. Recruitment issues have existed over the last few years, and unless we can adopt a strategy on all these issues, these problems may worsen. It requires a proactive approach and this CD is part of our ongoing recruitment campaign."

Charlotte Wright, chief executive of Lochaber Enterprise added: "Population growth is vital to the area and we will continue our efforts to create conditions which draw more people to live in all parts of the Highlands and Islands. But this needs sustained employment creation, availability of affordable housing and first class community services and facilities - all in combination to offer a standard of living with the widest appeal."

Copies of the CD-ROM can be accessed by contacting Lochaber Enterprise on 01397 704326 or by email at lochaber@hient.co.uk

For information on Lochaber vacancies visit www.lochaberjobs.co.uk