HIE introduces unified LEC names and bilingual logo

THE Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network starts off 2007 with a bright new image following the introduction of an English and Gaelic logo and changes to some local enterprise company (LEC) names.

The changes have come about as a result of the network's organisational review, begun in the spring of 2006 when the number of LECs was reduced from 10 to nine and boundaries redefined. It was announced at the time that the names of the LECs would be streamlined to reflect a more unified HIE network, which includes the full integration of Careers Scotland services across the Highlands and Islands.

From January 1 2007, the HIE logo will become bilingual for the first time, featuring the agency's Gaelic name,  Iomairt na Gaìdhealtachd 's nan Eilean, as well as the English version, reflecting the Network's determination to promote the aspirations of the Gaelic Language Act..

At the same time, the Network logo has been updated slightly, with a more modern font, brighter shades of blue and green and a more pronounced curve to the central eagle symbol. Every LEC will use the same symbol, reinforcing its identity as part of a wider organisation. These are the first changes to be made to the Network's corporate identity since 1991.

All local enterprise company titles will feature the acronym HIE, followed by the geographical area they cover, a style which had already been introduced by three LECs. In the biggest change, Western Isles Enterprise has chosen to put its Gaelic title first, becoming HIE Innse Gall (Outer Hebrides)

The alphabetical list of the new LEC names - and website URLs - is:

HIE Argyll and the Islands - www.hie.co.uk/argyll
HIE Caithness and Sutherland - www.hie.co.uk/caithness-and-sutherland
HIE Innse Gall - www.hie.co.uk/innse-gall
HIE Inverness and East Highland - www.hie.co.uk/inverness
HIE Lochaber - www.hie.co.uk/lochaber
HIE Moray www.hie.co.uk/moray
HIE Orkney - www.hie.co.uk/orkney
HIE Shetland - www.hie.co.uk/shetland
HIE Skye and Wester Ross - www.hie.co.uk/skye-west-ross

To show clearly the integration of Careers Scotland within the HIE network, new signage and stationery will feature the Careers Scotland logo in addition to the HIE or LEC logo.

Chairman of HIE William Roe said: "The inclusion of the prefix 'HIE' in all nine LEC names indicates the network's evolution over the past few years into a more unified organisation. At the same time our logos have been adapted to demonstrate a more modern appearance and we are delighted to be able to include both English and Gaelic titles where appropriate."