This economic factsheet provides export results for the Highlands and Islands (H&I) from the Scottish Global Connections Survey (2005). This survey is the fourth in a series being conducted by the Scottish Government; the first having been conducted in 2002. It was carried out in summer 2006 in order to provide information on the value and destination of exports in 2005. Highlights from the survey are given below, followed by a more in-depth analysis of the results. References to specific companies have been derived from local experts and are not taken from the survey data, which is treated as commercial and in confidence. Local survey responses have been supplemented by other available information to ensure all registered companies in the local area are included in estimates. Regional estimates are therefore subject to more sampling error and caution should be taken when interpreting results.

 

Highlights from the Highlands and Islands factsheet are given below:-

• Total export value from the Highlands and Islands was estimated to be £1,390 million.
• The food and drink manufacturing sector was the top exporting sector by value within the Highlands and Islands in 2005.
• Service sector exports accounted for a smaller percentage of total export value in the Highlands and Islands (19%) compared to Scotland (28%) in 2005.
• Primary, production and construction sector exports accounted for a higher percentage of the total export value in the Highlands and Islands (81%) compared to Scotland (72%) in 2005.
• Medium-sized companies in the Highlands and Islands accounted for the largest percentage of export value(£605 million) in 2005.
• The largest percentage of export value from the Highlands and Islands (£635 million) was destined for the EU in 2005.
• The top market destination from the Highlands and Islands by export value was the USA (£185 million) in 2005.