HIE reports on investment across Inner Moray Firth area

This supported economic growth, innovation, productivity gains, community development and progress towards a net zero economy. 

Figures compiled by HIE show investment by the agency is forecast to support 86 jobs across the patch and significant enabling infrastructure to attract large-scale manufacturing activity in future years. The year saw substantial support for projects designed to improve business productivity and competitiveness.

Investments included production and automation projects at businesses such as WoodblocX, John M Munro Ltd and ScotLive Shellfish, helping them increase efficiency, expand capacity, increase exports, and strengthen their long-term growth prospects. 

Innovation also remained a key focus throughout the year, with  98 organisations  supported to develop new products and services and adopt innovative systems. Examples include fish farm harvest technology, digital health innovation, research and commercialisation projects, and a range of technology adoption initiatives.  This form of support helped see the launch of 47 new products, processes or services.

The transition to net zero was another major theme including support for the transformational Ardersier Energy Transition Facility, Port of Inverness, and investment in 23 businesses and social enterprises to increase energy efficiency and adopt renewable technology within their premises.  A further 21organsiations were supported to develop or implement a net zero action plan.

They included Drum Hotel, Russwood Ltd, Proterra Energy, Highland Campervans and J Scott and Partners, the latter ensuring the newly established Shore Hotel in Balintore was able to adopt green technologies from the outset. 

Community-led developments and social economy projects also received significant support, with a total of 33 local community projects, including the Bikezone Pump Track led by  Strathpeffer Residents Association and Laggan Forest Trust’s Green Trail improvements.

HIE also continued its development of Inverness Campus by securing planning consent for the second and final phase and attracting new businesses such as Global Energy Group’s new multi-million pound HQ as part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.

HIE area manager for the Inner Moray Firth area Audrey MacIver said:

“The scale and diversity of investment supported during 2025/26 reflects both the ambition of businesses and communities across the Inner Moray Firth and the significant opportunities emerging across the region.

“We have supported projects that are helping businesses innovate, improve productivity, and increase capacity, whilst also investing in community assets, cultural organisations, and social enterprise that make an important contribution to the wellbeing and resilience of our communities.

“The investments also demonstrate the growing role in Scotland’s energy transition, with major investments linked to offshore wind, low carbon infrastructure and business decarbonisation.  Together the projects are helping to build a more productive, innovative, inclusive and sustainable economy today and for the future. 

“We look forward to working with our partners to stimulate further economic growth by capitalising on the area’s many strengths.”

HIE’s forecast outturn figures covering the 12 months from April 2025 to March 2026 will be reviewed by Audit Scotland for inclusion in the agency’s annual report and accounts, which are due to be laid in the Scottish Parliament by the end of October.