Figures compiled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in Caithness and Sutherland during last financial year are set to create or retain more than 50 jobs.
HIE’s outturns for 2023/24 were achieved through a combination of financial and non-financial interventions by the agency.
They included investments of more than £1.1m in 26 projects with a combined total cost of £4.05m. The organisation also helped to attract almost £2.5m in external investment.
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.
HIE’s support for social enterprises, meanwhile, is forecast to bring about a £480,000 uplift in the social economy.
There was also support for businesses across the patch to innovate, diversify, grow and create new jobs.
They included a £94,700 approval for Reid’s Bakery in Thurso towards the cost of specialised equipment. An expansion project by GMG Energy Limited in Sutherland was awarded £65,200 and a £250,000 investment was approved to help Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd establish a whisky distillery within the Castletown Mill.
Community led initiatives receiving investment support included £250,000 towards the £4.9m renovation of the John O’ Groats Mill by the John O’ Groats Mill Trust.
The Assynt Development Trust, Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust and the Scourie Community Development Company all received support to deliver local benefits.
Eann Sinclair, HIE area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, said:
“It was great to be able to support so many business and community projects across Caithness and Sutherland last year. It was equally pleasing to see the recent completion of the £2.7m project to create small business units at Wick Business Park, and the encouraging progress with the ground infrastructure at Sutherland Spaceport near Tongue.
“We remain ambitious in the current year and continue to challenge ourselves to identify and pursue more economic opportunities as they arise. That’s what our five-year strategy, launched last year, is all about and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners, businesses and communities to secure further economic benefits for the area.”
Related Articles
Island resilience fund opens
HIE will manage the fund on behalf of Scottish Government
Community sports hub secures £400k support
The Inverness Caledonian Thistle Community Development is leading the £1.28m project, which will create five jobs and around 50 volunteering opportunities.
Recruitment under way for next Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise
The Scottish Government has begun recruitment to appoint a new Chair for the Board of development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd ’s nan Eilean a’ sireadh Cathraiche ùr
Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba air tòiseachadh a’ trusadh gus Cathraiche ùr fhastadh chun a’ Bhùird aig a’ bhuidheann leasachaidh Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd ’s nan Eilean (HIE).
Planning application for Inverness Campus
HIE’s application is for permission to establish infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, to create serviced plots for sale to developers.
Mallaig catering company to expand and create jobs
Bloom & Graze Ltd is developing half of the town’s railway station building to form its new premises.
HIREP unveils ten-year strategy for regional growth
There’s a focus on renewable energy and the need to maximise economic and community benefits while driving the transition to net zero.
New shellfish processing plant to create jobs in Buckie
Over the next three years, the project is expected to generate nearly £1m in turnover and create 12 new jobs.
Argyll seafood firm expands
The work involves the redevelopment of the company’s existing marine hatchery facilities, including new tanks, controls, lighting, water circulation and energy efficiency measures.
HIE funding for community innovation campus in Easter Ross
A £1.6m project to boost the Easter Ross economy through net zero initiatives, community learning and development has been awarded up to £450,000 from HIE.
New tenant welcomed to Inverness Campus
The move will help facilitate the company’s further growth. Its corporate and compliance team of ten will relocate to Aurora House, with the company’s operational base remaining in Beauly.