Growth sectors

Creative industries

Hear from Keith Morrison at Wee Studios in Stornoway about working with HIE.

Supporting Creative industries in the Highlands and Islands

With its rich culture and heritage, the Highlands and Islands is a hub of innovative creative businesses. Our unique cultural landscape attracts global consumers eager to find new ways to engage with the region’s creative output. 

The sector is largely made up of micro-businesses and freelancers, competing in global markets alongside major multinationals. Collaboration helps these businesses scale, while the sector’s diversity and flexibility ensure that size is no barrier to growth or economic impact.  Instead, the creative industries in the region are fast-moving and vibrant, delivering both economic and social benefits.

Creative industries are increasingly important to all sectors as they further adopt digital technology, including AI. Across Scotland, 85% of businesses report needing creative skills to grow.

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Our Support for Creative Businesses

We support creative businesses across the Highlands and Islands to develop and grow, recognising their value to the regional economy. Our services range from general business support to more specialised assistance, including advice, funding access and tailored development programmes. We also offer a huge archive of video content that covers a wide range of creative business topics and advice, which are free for you to access as you need. Through our extensive network of global industry leaders and experienced local businesses, we offer valuable networking opportunities and insights ensuring we stay at the forefront of industry trends and business needs.  

Examples of these networks in action include our work with Smartify, the leading app for museums and galleries which has over 5 million users. Our collaboration enabled nine independent museums in the region to develop new skills, digital content and a promotional platform which offered them the same opportunities typically reserved for major institutions like the Smithsonian or the National Gallery.

Get Involved 

Our network and industry expertise can be invaluable in helping you develop your creative business. Whether you're looking for support, funding or collaboration opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

 We'd love to hear from:

  • Creative businesses in the Highlands and Islands region interested in participating in video interviews or providing short video stories about their work and the region’s creative potential.
  • Creatives interested in taking part in collaborative projects. 

If you’d like to stay updated on our programmes, funding opportunities, sector developments, and new resources, we will soon be launching a newsletter and notice board. Get in touch, and we’ll let you know when it’s available. 

Contact us today to explore how we can support your creative journey.

Support from HIE

Have a look at our support or get in touch to have a chat about how we can work with you.

Browse all support services

We support businesses, communities and social enterprises through a range of services, including advice, funding, events and property. Find out how we can help you.

Digital storytelling and brand clarity webinar series

03 March 2026

Brand clarity in action: a live case study with North Uist Distillery

In this session, author and storyteller Bridget McNulty (Daily Glimmers, co-founder of Sweet Life) works with North Uist Distillery to explore exactly that.

Together, they dig into the distillery’s story, uncover what makes it unique, and show how clear, confident storytelling can strengthen a brand, connect with customers, and support long-term growth.

Watch our webinar back for your chance to see the principles of branding in action - not in theory, but in real time with a local business at the centre. While the focus will be on North Uist Distillery, the lessons and insights will be relevant to any business looking to sharpen its story and communicate with more impact.

24 March 2026

How content finds its audience

This session stepped back from day-to-day posting to reveal how digital platforms actually work. Led by experts including Caitlin Meek-O’Connor and Joshua Wayoe (YouTube UK), it explored how audiences discover content, how platform systems influence what gets seen, and how shifts in technology and behaviour are reshaping creative opportunity.

Drawing on real-world strategy and industry practice, the session helped businesses understand where to invest time and resources and how to build digital activity around long‑term goals rather than pressure or guesswork.

24 March 2026

You are the story - storytelling through place, perspective and lived experience

This live session explored how personal perspective, identity and place can shape meaningful, resonant digital storytelling. Using real examples from Highlands and Islands creators whose work has travelled far beyond the region, the session demonstrated how authentic, grounded stories build trust, connection and long-term engagement across platforms.

Participants heard how creative clarity supports consistent storytelling, how lived experience translates across digital channels, and how meaningful stories can open up opportunities for collaboration, income and network-building.

About the series

This three part series brings together practical insights from creators, strategists and Highlands and Islands businesses. It explores brand clarity, digital visibility and authentic storytelling, helping creative businesses make confident, informed choices about their digital activity and long term growth.
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Unique and immersive higher and further education

Unsurprisingly, our region’s vibrant, rich and diverse culture and history supports a strong further education network for those looking to study, research and develop within the creative industries.

The Moray School of Art in Elgin couples research and a special blend of traditional and contemporary art practices.

The Centre for Island Creativity based in UHI Shetland was created in 2015 with the support of HIE, Shetland Islands Council and Creative Scotland. Here, interdisciplinary research acts as a focal point for teaching, knowledge exchange and engagement with those in the creative industries.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig based in Skye is the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. It’s the only centre for Higher and Further Education in the world that provides its courses entirely through the medium of Gaelic.

 

Who we work with

Have a look at some of our case studies featuring creative organisations from across the Highlands and Islands.

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