Lochaber's economy has undergone a notable improvement in recent years however some key challenges lie ahead.

That was the overall indication given in an economic review commissioned by Lochaber Enterprise (LE) to provide a draft strategy for the next five years.

LE chief executive Charlotte Wright said: "This strategy is not a narrow list of ambitions for Lochaber Enterprise, but an all-embracing plan on how best LE and all our partner agencies can build on our success and deliver an ambitious future for the area."

The report by EKOS consultants, entitled Lochaber Today and Tomorrow, points to projects that have delivered significant benefits to the area such as the Outdoor Capital of the UK campaign; Lochaber College; the regeneration of Kinlochleven through developments including the Ice Factor and successful partnerships such as the Sunart Oakwoods Initiative.

However, it cites particular areas that require concentrated strategic support such as the installation of '21st Century' infrastructure, additional skills training and the need to attract and retain working age residents.

The review highlights a vision for Lochaber in the future as an area with a increasing population offering a range of career opportunities across a variety of  sectors; a world class tourism provision;  a better educated workforce and an international centre of excellence for outdoor management

Four main priority targets are identified in the report.

Firstly, Lochaber People and Place should seek to attract in-migrants and ex-residents to set up home in Lochaber and support older workers to remain or return to the workforce, as well as improving the built infrastructure of the area.

Secondly, Visit Lochaber recommends that the area builds on its past successes in tourism developing a longer-term marketing plan, develops its water-based attractions such as fishing, kayaking and sailing and explores opportunities in the fast growing eco-tourism sector.

The third priority, Lochaber's Business Challenge will seek to increase prosperity across the area through the attraction of more knowledge-intensive industries, and developing the skills of the workforce to match these demands of these new industries. Lochaber College has a key role to play in this area. At the same time, it would be helpful to promote business links with research and development sources and promote uptake of near-to-market innovation support.

Fourthly, the report indicates that Fort William could benefit from expanding its particular 'city region' status for Lochaber by progressing its waterfront development; increasing housing provision and raising the quality of its public spaces.

The report suggests that the area should consider the merit in building on its relationships with Inverness and Glasgow and, where appropriate,  developing projects in conjunction with Skye and Lochalsh and Argyll and Bute and even considering the creation of a West Coast of Scotland approach.

LE chief executive Charlotte Wright said: "This report provides valuable guidance on priorities for the future economic growth of Lochaber. It is up to LE and our partners to work together to take these ideas forward with the benefit of experience and skills that have already proved successful in improving the area's economy over recent years.

 The report will be presented to a meeting of the Lochaber Partnership today (Monday, October 2).