Efforts to encourage sustainable business growth in the Highlands and Islands will be the focus of a visit to Thurso from the Scottish Parliament's Enterprise and Culture Committee today and tomorrow (November 14 and 15).

The committee's meeting in Thurso will be the first time that a Scottish Parliament committee has formally met in Caithness and the purpose of the visit is to gather evidence for its inquiry into business growth, which is due to be completed by the end of the year.

The visit north comes in the month that marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) the predecessor to Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Committee members will meet in the Thurso-based North Highland College on Tuesday 15 November to take evidence from HIE, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International.

From HIE, chairman Willy Roe, chief executive Sandy Cumming and Jackie Wright director of Growing Businesses, will give evidence to the committee.

Speaking about the visit Willy Roe said: "It's the first time that a Scottish Parliament committee has met in Caithness and we're delighted to welcome them to the area in the same month that we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the HIDB, now HIE.

"I am pleased to be involved in the business growth inquiry and relish the opportunity myself and other members of the HIE board and staff are getting to speak to these politicians about issues in our area that they can really have an influence on."

Today (November 14) the committee will undertake fact-finding visits to ASBL Power Solutions and the Dounreay nuclear site, both major employers in the Thurso area, which have the potential to expand their activities and to market their goods and services throughout the UK and worldwide.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the committee's meeting on 15 November.  The meeting will take place in the Main Hall, North Highland College, Ormlie Road, Thurso, starting at 9.30am.

Tickets are free and can be collected in the day. Tickets can be booked by ringing the Parliament ticket line on 0131 348 5200 or by emailing sp.bookings@scottish.parliament.uk