Area contribution helped HIE meet or exceed key targets

This is according to HIE’s own figures, which are subject to Audit Scotland review ahead of the agency’s annual report publication later in the year.

Innovation support from HIE to 78 organisations led to the development of 35 new products, processes or services. Four organisations were supported with projects to increase productivity, resulting in a productivity increase of more than 40%.

A total of 15 projects across the area received HIE support during the year to increase turnover by a combined £17.5 million. This helped to create or retained a total of 106 jobs with average salary of £27,377.

A major project by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) to create a new visitor hub on the island of Canna secured a £20,000 investment. The facility will be leased to and operated by the Isle of Canna Community Development Trust.

A package of support to the Knoydart Foundation totalling £315,000 will support the development of much needed workers’ accommodation and the creation of a construction compound. These projects will not only generate income for the community enterprise but will enable other developments, such as house building, that will benefit the community and its businesses.

The Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company secured up to £5,690 to help cover the costs of plant, equipment and construction works to develop a fourth evaporation pond. This will enable the company to produce an additional 1,000 kg of salt a year.

HIE also reported another record year for its involvement in inward investment projects to the region. A total of 15 projects were secured, three of which were in the Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross area.

One was Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited, which was awarded up to £230,000 towards the £855,000 costs of upgrading equipment to double its production and increase annual turnover by more than £2.6m.

Another was Bakkafrost Scotland Limited at Kishorn, where a £630,000 investment by HIE supported a £2.5m environmental innovation project. This was to establish a process known as pyrolysis to convert aquaculture waste into biochar, which will be used by the forestry sector.

HIE’s outturns were achieved through a combination of financial investment and non-financial interventions such as advice, information and signposting to other sources of assistance.

Alastair Nicolson HIE area manager for Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross said:

“It was a busy year for us with some very positive results. We were able to support many businesses, social enterprises and community groups to take forward some excellent projects. We’re building on this progress with many more projects underway this year.

“Our area is well placed to benefit from some of the significant investment opportunities highlighted in the recent research into regional transformational opportunities. Beyond this, we also have tourism and food and drink, both very important sectors in our patch and with clear potential for further growth.

“We’re always keen to hear from businesses looking for support for their growth ambitions, particularly around innovation, digital and technical advice, as well as those exploring funding opportunities for capital projects.”