AI can unlock new opportunities for rural businesses in the Highlands and Islands

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries around the world. Its potential could be especially powerful for rural regions like the Highlands and Islands. Adopting AI isn’t about replacing people with robotics, it’s about starting small by using smart tools to work more efficiently, reach wider markets and strengthen resilience. 

One of AI’s greatest strengths is accessibility. Many tools are low-cost or free, require minimal technical experience, and can be implemented gradually. This means rural organisations – regardless of size or sector – can adopt technology at the same pace as companies in bigger cities. AI becomes a levelling force, helping our region compete and thrive on a global stage. 

This was the clear message at last week’s Rural AI Roadshows in Inverness, Dundee and Gretna. Supported by The Scottish Government as part of a National AI Adoption Programme and led by Scotland’s enterprise agencies along with The Data Lab and the Scottish AI Alliance. The series of free one-day events was designed specifically for rural enterprises bringing together business leaders, innovators and practitioners to explore the potential of AI to support rural economies.

More than 90 delegates at the Inverness event heard from experts who provided inspiration as well as practical insights into how AI can support inclusive and sustainable growth in rural Scotland. Hands-on sessions meant delegates could leave with clear, actionable ideas for their own businesses. 

We aimed to demystify AI through straightforward, honest conversations about how it can save time, support decision making and help businesses thrive, and importantly address concerns many people have about AI. Keeping humans in the loop was a phrase we heard throughout the day – successful use of AI requires the integration of human expertise to ensure accuracy, safety and reliability. 

 

It was inspiring to see partners, clients and innovators from across the Highlands and Islands come together to explore how AI can help rural organisations, for example: 

 

• Helping small teams do more with less – AI tools can take on some of the heavy lifting, automating routine tasks and providing simple, user-friendly insights to aid decision making. These tools don’t replace the hands-on expertise – they enhance it. 

• Improving customer engagement and reach – AI-driven content tools, chat assistants and data insights help rural businesses connect with customers, predict their needs and trends and improve online customer service, including outside working hours. 

• Supporting smarter use of data – many organisations already collect useful data, such as visitor numbers, sales patterns and energy usage. AI can help turn that data into actionable insights, identifying cost savings, forecasting demand and reducing waste and downtime.  

• Enhancing productivity in remote and dispersed workforces - with teams often spread across island and rural areas, AI can support collaboration and help staff stay aligned, even when physically apart. 

Finding the right starting point 

As the economic development agency for the region, we are committed to supporting businesses and communities to adopt digital innovation, build capability and seize the benefits of an AI enabled future.  

For most organisations, this doesn’t require a big leap. It begins with small, practical steps that free up time and deliver quick wins. 

Visit our digital and technology adoption support page to learn how we can help you get started through advice, mentoring, exploration vouchers and grants: 

👉 You can see the full highlights from the Inverness roadshow here [add link to 90-second film]