Board visit highlights growth and innovation in the Inner Moray Firth

Angus Campbell, newly appointed chair of HIE, reflects on the recent board visit and engagement event with businesses and communities across the Inner Moray Firth (IMF) area.

As I prepare to formally step into the role of chair of HIE on 1 November, I’ve already been inspired by the energy and ambition shown during the two days of board visits across Easter Ross, Inverness and Nairn. 

Innovation water and energy

I was pleased to be joined by our chief executive, Stuart Black, and area manager for IMF along with the HIE board members for a visit to RSE in Muir of Ord on Monday.  Chris Hart, innovations manager, and Stephen Sandilands, product innovation manager, shared how the company is transforming the UK’s water sector. It was fascinating to see the scale of their research and development work including their newly completed £12m innovation and transformation hub, which highlights a strong commitment to research, sustainability and local skills.

From there, we travelled to Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables Ltd in Nigg, where we were welcomed by Yasuyuki Shibata, Chair, and managing director Masaru Watanabe. Construction is well underway on their £350m high-voltage subsea cable facility, for the manufacture of high-voltage subsea cables. This project will play a major role in connecting offshore wind to the national grid. The project will create over 150 jobs and strengthen the Highlands’ role in renewable energy infrastructure.

Employee ownership and community growth

In Alness, Aquascot’s managing director, John Housego described the company’s journey to becoming one of Scotland’s largest employee-owned business. A tour with production manager David Chapman showed how the team continues to grow, supplying premium salmon products to Waitrose and partners.

Later, our business and community engagement event at the new Bught Park Pavilion in Inverness, brought together businesses and local groups to discuss opportunities and challenges for the region, from infrastructure and skills to transport and access to affordable housing.  It was encouraging to see such constructive dialogue and optimism and to see so many businesses and community groups represented from the Inner Moray Firth area. These sessions are all about listening to people on the ground and discussing the issues affecting their businesses and communities day to day.

 

We are always keen to hear first-hand accounts of development opportunities and the ambitions that local people have for the future. It’s so important that we have this information so that shape our activities as a development agency and feed back to government.

Energy transition and local enterprise

Following our board meeting on Tuesday, we visited Haventus at Ardersier Port, a 400-acre energy transition site set to play a key role in the move to clean energy. Its being transformed into a major energy development, positioning the Highlands at the forefront of the shift towards cleaner, more sustainable industries.

We then visited Black Isle Bronze in Nairn – a company that has grown from small roots into an international leader in bronze sculpture and casting. The craftmanship and scale of their projects are truly remarkable and it was inspiring to see how a talented local team has built a world-class reputation.

 
Our final visit was to Green Hive, a dynamic community organisation also based in Nairn. The team are making a real difference through a range of activities, from recycling plastics and textiles to operating e-bikes and creating beautiful upcycled products. Their work exemplifies how communities in our region are combining creativity, environmental responsibility and social impact.

Looking ahead

These visits provided valuable insight into the energy, innovation and commitment driving progress across our region. From cutting-edge renewable energy investment to community-led sustainability and cultural heritage, the Highlands and Islands continue to demonstrate its strength and ambition.

On behalf of the board, I want to thank our hosts for the time and openness they shared with us. We look forward to continuing to work closely with businesses and communities to build a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for the region.

Còmhla, nì sinn adhartas – together we make progress.