Skye and Wester Ross continued to show a strong economic performance this year, with a record number of people in work and unemployment rates at an all time low. The area received a welcome boost with the removal of the Skye Bridge tolls in December 2004, and we are optimistic that this will benefit all of Skye and Wester Ross together with the communities in the Western Isles which depend on the route.
Demand on our resources remained high but we were successful in obtaining and investing an additional £1.8 million above our original budget allocation. Overall HIE Skye and Wester Ross (HIESWR) and the associated EU funding invested over £4 million into the businesses and communities of Skye and Wester Ross, and were successful in securing £2 million of strategic funding for Fàs - the new centre for creative and cultural industries which is to be built at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
There was a high level of demand for both community and business development support, and our focus will remain on projects that enhance the quality of services and the area`s overall productivity.
There were challenges throughout the year, not least of which were the redundancies which occurred in the aquaculture industry. Through the Patrnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, we worked with our partner agencies to minimise the impact on the individuals concerned, many of whom who have already moved on to further training or employment.
Our advisory services were also in high demand, and around 65 businesses were supported by our advisers to develop their staff and operations. As the local economy becomes more competitve, and the available labour market declines, it is vital that the best training and advice is available to the business owners and their staff. We need to ensure that the products and services of Skye and Wester Ross match the quality of the natural assets for which our area is so well known.
I very much hope that you find our website both informative and enjoyable, and I will be delighted to hear your views.
Robert Muir, Area Director, HIE Skye and Wester Ross
Email: r.muir@hient.co.uk |