Island resilience fund opens
HIE will manage the fund on behalf of Scottish Government
Make your life easier with a MyHIE account. It’ll save you time, help you find and organise content based on your needs and interests.
HIE has appointed new members to its Caithness and Sutherland team as the agency settles into its new premises and works to expand its client portfolio.
Claire Wilson has joined as head of business growth and investment. She leads a team supporting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) from across the patch to realise their growth ambitions. Claire’s role includes identifying and advancing opportunities to attract investment into the area, helping to drive sustainable economic development and long-term prosperity.
Lizi Blackwood is senior development manager, supporting local businesses and social enterprises to unlock opportunities and foster sustainable growth.
Catherine Souter is the new administration officer, supporting the finance team with budget management, invoicing and the implementation of organisational policies and procedures.
And Vicky Rosie has joined as administrator for Focus North, a role funded by The Highland Council. Vicky is contributing to the region’s sustainable development and economic diversification through the work of the Focus North partnership.
Claire Wilson said:
“I’m looking forward to working more closely with businesses across Caithness and Sutherland as head of business growth and investment.
“Supporting inclusive and sustainable development remains a key priority for us, and I’m keen to ensure we engage more widely with new and existing businesses to provide enhanced support.
“As part of our plans to expand our engagement in the region we’ll also be holding sessions in Tongue and Golspie over the next few months. This will be about closer contact with existing clients and engaging with new businesses with an aspiration to grow.
“More details on the sessions will be coming out soon. Meanwhile, we’re keen to talk to businesses looking for support with innovation or technology, or to cut energy costs and carbon footprint. Please get in touch with the team directly at Caithness.sutherland@hient.co.uk .”
HIE’s Caithness and Sutherland office relocated from its High Street office to the UHI North West and Hebrides College campus in Thurso last year.
Eann Sinclair, area manager, said the new location is working well for the team and their engagement with partners. He added:
“It’s great to have the new recruits on board. We’ve really settled into the new office at the college where we have close links with many of our partners, particularly those focusing on skills development.
“Like most of the Highlands and Islands this area has many challenges. But as recent research also shows, there are huge opportunities open to us, particularly in renewable energy as well as our key sectors such as food and drink and tourism. There are exciting times ahead with good cause for optimism.”
HIE will manage the fund on behalf of Scottish Government
The Scottish Government has begun recruitment to appoint a new Chair for the Board of development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
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).
HIE’s application is for permission to establish infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, to create serviced plots for sale to developers.
There’s a focus on renewable energy and the need to maximise economic and community benefits while driving the transition to net zero.
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.
Project will help support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness
There were 1,013 responses received from enterprises across the Highlands and Islands region operating in a wide range of sectors.
Mary Bowman is learning what it is like to serve on the Board of a public body
Science Skills Academy (SSA) has teamed up with Equinor to extend the roll out of pop-up Newton Rooms to Shetland.