Regional Transformational Opportunities in the Highlands and Islands

12/05/2025

Report indicates £100bn potential of ‘transformational’ projects

ekosgen, part of GC Insight, was commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) on behalf of the Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP) to undertake research to better understand the breadth of economic opportunities across the Highlands and Islands.

The dual purpose of the study is to better understand the breadth of economic opportunities with the greatest potential to bring transformational change to the region’s economy and society, and to inform planning and decision-making by HIREP partners to maximise benefits.

The findings will be used to inform policies and planning around topics such as population attraction and retention, skills, housing provision and transport.

A collaborative, holistic, and place-based approach is described in the report as ‘critical’ in realising the benefits of the opportunities, and something that ‘must happen at pace’.

Throughout the report projects are referred to as Regional Transformational Opportunities (RTOs). The study sought to identify and quantify (where possible) strategic projects and investments planned or proposed for the region over the period 2025 to 2040. RTOs covered within the study included:

• Offshore wind
• Onshore wind
• Hydro pumped storage
• Green hydrogen
• Marine energy
• Space
• Marine biotechnology and processing
• Life sciences, digital health and social care
• Natural capital
• Critical infrastructure developments

Membership of the HIREP includes local authorities, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council, UHI, NatureScot, VisitScotland, Bord na Gaidhlig, HITRANS, Cairngorm National Park Authority, the Crofting Commission, business representatives and third sector organisations. 

The full report and executive summary are available to view and download below.