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Strong, capable and resourceful communities are vital for the social and economic growth of the Highlands and Islands. Our communities generate economic activity, have an important social impact and help to attract new talent to the area.
Our approach to supporting communities is flexible. We listen to you, and collaborate with you, to help you influence long-term change in your own community.
We focus our efforts and invest our resources where we can enhance inclusive growth - growth that benefits everyone - and sustainability. We’re always looking to increase connections between local businesses, public agencies and community organisations.
We encourage an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in the community and social enterprise sector. As part of this, we address market opportunities and social need, supporting fair work practices and resilient business models.
Browse our full range of support services to see how we can help you.
Find out how we can help you in each of the following development areas.
Increasing the role of communities in the ownership and management of land and assets
How we can help businesses with a social and economic impact
Powering our communities
Growing development opportunities
Our region's past has a role in our future
How innovative communities are shaping local development
In response to the impact of COVID-19 on tourism in our communities, we’re investing around £1m in a capital programme for shovel ready community-led projects.
The targeted investments will support community clients across the region to fast-track infrastructure projects focused on creating safe access to tourism activities, for both visitors and the host communities.
Planned projects are about safe return, rather than developing new attractions. Activities include:
The aim is for projects to be delivered over the winter months ahead of the next tourism season. Watch this space for case studies of the projects as they progress.
voluntary and community groups in our region
of community enterprises been operating for 10 years or more
of community enterprises provide services to public
of community enterprises would like help to attract new talent
We can help you at every stage of your development. Getting your community benefit idea off the ground, helping you maximise the impact, one off project support and long term community development.
Looking for some inspiration on what communities can achieve in their local areas?
Have a look at our Community Development in Action video. It features a range of different community organisations talking about how they're generating income, creating opportunities for themselves and using people power to build a long term future for locals within their own communities.
Have a look through our case studies to find out how communities across the region are developing their own opportunities and building a sustainable future.
Supporting young people through employment and innovation
Wach our video to find out how the community of Sandwick are developing local and visitors services to sustain their community.
The West Harris Trust were the first community company to purchase its crofting estate from the Scottish Government in 2010. Read more about their journey here.
Hear how the community of Westray use their wind turbine to facilitate other services supporting locals and improving their quality of life.
Find out how shared ownership in renewables can benefit communities
HIE supports Inverness bases social enterprise, Highland Blincraft, develop and grow its range of employment opportunities.
Community leading on priorities and opportunities
The Shieling Project, an off-grid learning centre, that invites and encourages everyone to experience outdoor living, harnesses centuries old skills as a blueprint to a more sustainable future.
Communities striving for net zero
A development trust since 2004
Heating a community, fighting fuel poverty and saving the planet.
