DIGITAL HEALTH REVOLUTION
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
COMMUNITY BROADBAND
P4 conference
£12m Mareel opens
Pilot schemes
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Driving sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands
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December 2012 / January 2013
Issue No.4
Director of Energy Calum Davidson receives a Scottish Green Energy award on behalf of the HIE team - page 9
Welcome / Fàilte
In this issue
Welcome to HIElights, a regular update on the activities of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Stornoway to Shanghai
HIE is a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government, with a unique remit which integrates economic and community development. Active across half of Scotland, from Shetland to Argyll and from the Hebrides to Moray, HIE pursues four priorities to achieve sustainable growth: • • • •
Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations Strengthening communities and fragile areas Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities Creating the conditions for a competitive and low carbon region
HIE has an annual budget of more than £75m and employs around 250 people based in locations around the Highlands and Islands.
Ambitious for Scotland
Gaelic Business of the Year Community energy Inverness Campus on schedule Moray Economic Strategy Pioneering land reform
Stay up to date with HIE’s work across the Highlands and Islands at www.hie.co.uk or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
www.hie.co.uk
December 2012 / January 2013
Our priorities
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Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations / A’ cur taic do ghnothachasan is iomairtean sòisealta gus na h-àrd-amasan ac’ a dhealbhachadh agus a ruigsinn
Global growth for Ross-shire plastics firm Alness based Porex Technologies Ltd is seeing a dramatic increase in growth in international exports. The business, which recently purchased its factory from HIE, produces high performance porous plastic parts which are used in everything from electronic products such as smoke detectors and electric toothbrushes to medical and bioscience devices. HIE works closely with Porex and has supported the business and its international growth with funding of just over £76,000, complementing a £175,000 award through Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) last year for capital projects. The business has converted this support into excellent results - delivering a 40 percent sales boost on the previous year. It now turns over £3.2m, with 2013 forecasting continued growth.
Investment passport to new markets A Sutherland business counting some of the world’s top chefs and restaurants among its patrons is receiving a £4 million boost to expand into international markets. Loch Duart produced the salmon served at the 2011 Royal Wedding and this year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The funding, which comes from the Scottish Investment Bank, together with new Scottish Venture
Fund partner Capricorn Investment Group, will allow it to take advantage of new international opportunities. The funding round was welcomed by HIE account manager Keith Muir. He has been working with the business, which is a crucial employer in an economically fragile area, for many years.
Milestone for Harris Tweed Industry The Harris Tweed Industry Forum, of which HIE is a member, welcomed the news that 2012 has been the best year for production of the cloth in nearly 15 years. (left to right) Donnie Macleod of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar , HIE’s Archie Macdonald, and Stag Bakeries Roddy Macdonald.
Special delivery from Stornoway to Shanghai An award winning bakery based in Stornoway has secured a lucrative order for China. Forty jobs have been secured at Stag Bakeries and the company plans to expand its workforce by up to 25 percent after clinching the deal to export its biscuits to the Far East. Pallets of Hebridean shortbread and flavoured water biscuits are being shipped out to Shanghai and there are high expectations for Ambitious for Scotland
repeat orders after the initial 12 month deal. HIE has approved a three year investment package for £115,000. Archie MacDonald, Area Manager for Innse Gall, said: “Stag Bakeries is an excellent example of an ambitious local company successfully using our partners, Scottish Development International (SDI), to help them access this new market. We wish them all the best and look forward to supporting them as their business expands.”
Total production is expected to hit more than a million metres by the end of the year. Since 2009, members of the Industry Forum have worked together to support the growth and development of the Harris Tweed industry. In particular, a joint approach to skills and training has paid dividends. Nearly 40 new Harris Tweed weavers have entered the workforce in the past four years, and an increasingly structured approach to training means that the majority of weavers are now trained to SVQ level.
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December 2012 / January 2013
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Shetland business ripe for HIE support Shetland Cheese Ltd, run by husband and wife team Jay and Dilys Hawkins, has become the latest HIE account managed business in Shetland. From their creamery, a purpose built smoke house at Skeld in the west of Shetland, they offer a range of popular cheeses with fascinating names such as Sandstinger, Reeky Jack and Soothe Mooth. Since setting up in production in 2011 the company has focused on the home market in Shetland, but is now looking to grow and supply its products to delicatessen chains in mainland UK. With HIE’s support, including Jay’s recent participation in Export Explorer, it is hoped turnover and the workforce numbers will grow as the business reaches new markets.
Jay Hawkins of Shetland Cheese
Gaelic Business of the Year 2012 Acair Ltd is the Gaelic Business of the Year 2012. The business, based in Stornoway, publishes and sells Gaelic books, particularly for children, and they aim to create new, attractive and interesting books that people will find appealing and that will also help them learn Gaelic. The competition, which is run by Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG) with support from HIE, recognises the commendable work which many companies do in their own sector whilst doing it through the medium of Gaelic. It is hoped that the competition will also encourage other businesses to recognise the value of using Gaelic as an asset. The submissions were assessed and evaluated by a panel of representatives from CnaG, HIE and Bòrd na Gàidhlig. They Ambitious for Scotland
Left to right - Kenneth Maciver, CnaG Chairman, Agnes Rennie, Acair Manager, Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning, Skills and Scotland’s Languages and Alasdair Maclean, HIE
agreed unanimously that Acair was the winner of the Gaelic Business of the Year 2012 and the monetary prize of £3,000 that goes along with the title. The Panel was encouraged by the way in which Gaelic was at the heart of all that Acair do within the office, dealing with customers in the shop, but particularly how they used new technology to promote the image of Gaelic amongst young people and learners of the language. ’S iad Acair Earranta Gnìomhachas Gàidhlig na Bliadhna 2012. Tha an fharpais, a th’ air a stiùireadh le Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG) le taic o HIE a’ toirt aithne don obair ionmholta a tha mòran chompanaidhean a’ dèanamh nan raon fhèin agus aig an aon àm iad ga dhèanamh tron Ghàidhlig. Thathas an dòchas gum brosnaich an fharpais companaidhean eile gus mothachadh an luach a th’ ann a bhith a’ cleachdadh na Gàidhlig mar stòras.
Tha Acair, stèidhichte an Steòrnabhagh, a’ foillseachadh agus a’ reic leabhraichean Gàidhlig, gu h-àraidh do chloinn, agus tha iad ag amas air leabhraichean ùr, tarraingeach agus inntinneach a chruthachadh, a chòrdas ri daoine agus a bheir cuideachadh dhaibh Gàidhlig ionnsachadh. Chaidh tagraidhean na farpais am meas le panail de riochdairean o ChnaG, HIE agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig, agus bha iad aontaichte aon-ghuthach gu robh Acair airigh air tiotal Gnìomhachas Gàidhlig na Bliadhna 2012 ’s an £3,000 a thig leis an tiotal. Bha iad air misneachadh mar a bha a’ Ghàidhlig air cridhe na bha Acair a’ dèanamh taobh a-staigh na h-oifis, am measg luchd-ceannachd anns a’ bhùtha, ach gu sònraichte mar a bha iad a’ cleachdadh teicneòlas ùr airson ìomhaigh na Gàidhlig a thogail am measg òigridh is luchdionnsachaidh.
www.hie.co.uk
December 2012 / January 2013
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Christopher Ritch, Balta Island Seafare Ltd.
Fish farm investment deters hungry seals Britain’s most northerly fish farm is investing more than £90,000 in a project designed to protect stock.
people, the company produces high quality, organically certified salmon which is mainly exported to Europe.
Balta Island Seafare Ltd operates four marine farming sites in the clear waters off the coast of Unst, the most northerly Shetland Isle. Established in 1987 and employing six
Although the remote location is ideal for growing salmon there are challenges including violent winter storms and an ever present population of hungry seals. The
project will replace traditional nylon nets with nets manufactured from stronger modern fibres and install two new electronic seal scarers. The project has been supported with £28,407 from HIE and £9,469 through the European Fisheries Fund.
Businesses want to be Smart Exporters The Smart Exporter initiative, which is designed to help businesses find new markets, delivered two introductory courses for the region’s businesses in November, coinciding with national Export Week.
One of those at the export event was Douglas McKenzie, Managing Director of Oban based Xanthella, which designs, produces and sells products and services relating to algal biomass.
A range of firms took part in sessions looking at preparing to export and developing international tourism markets.
He said: “The growing market for the devices Xanthella is currently commercialising is global. We have received sales enquiries from
Ambitious for Scotland
a variety of research organisations from within Europe and around the world. Attendance on the course gave me a better understanding of the issues involved in exporting. The USA is a very big market for us and we eventually would like to engage with customers in China and other countries.”
www.hie.co.uk
December 2012 / January 2013
Our priorities
Strengthening communities and fragile areas / A’ neartachadh choimhearsnachdan agus sgìrean dùbhlanach
Community energy gets off the ground Significant progress has been made on four community energy projects, which when complete will more than double the capacity of community owned wind energy production in the region. On the Outer Hebrides the Horshader wind turbine on Lewis became operational in September. It was followed in October by Orkney with the opening of the Eday community turbine. In South Uist the Stòras Uibhist windfarm project has been constructed and the turbines are awaiting commissioning and at Glenurquhart the Soirbeas project is under construction.
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Developments for Argyll forest company
More community projects are in the pipeline with Barra and Vatersay, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, Here We Are (Cairndow) and Isle of Gigha all nearing financial completion with loan finance from the new Renewable Energy Investment Fund (REIF). All of these projects have received assistance, either grant or advice, from Community Energy Scotland through HIE’s Community Renewable Energy Support Programme (CRESP).
Kilfinan Community Forest Company which manages the 125 hectares Acharossan Forest on the West Cowal Peninsula is entering an exciting new phase in its development thanks to funding from HIE. The money will support the charity’s development project which aims to increase its income-generating capacity by establishing a timber processing yard and garden retail outlet. In addition, the project will build 500 metres of vital access road into the forest and will create three new jobs. HIE and LEADER are both contributing £79,100 to the project and the community company itself is contributing £23,300.
Scottish Land Fund Committee appointed Former HIE director of Strengthening Communities John Watt has been appointed as the chairman of the new Scottish Land Fund (SLF) committee. Minister for Environment and Climate Change Paul Wheelhouse announced the appointments at the start of November.
John Watt
Culture as a community asset Ambitious for Scotland
Staffin Community Trust on Skye, working with HIE, ran a one day seminar on the opportunities for communities to use culture, language and heritage as drivers for community development and growth. The event included a series of presentations, many of which were delivered in Gaelic using HIE’s simultaneous translation equipment.
John is being joined by George Campbell of the RSPB, Highland Councillor Margaret Davidson, Derek Logie of the Rural Housing Service and former Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Principal Agricultural Officer Iain Matheson. The appointments run until March 2015. The Scottish Government’s £6 million Scottish Land Fund, launched earlier this year, is being delivered by HIE and the Big Lottery Fund. With funding for three years the SLF will support more rural communities to buy their land and other assets.
www.hie.co.uk
December 2012 / January 2013
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Community company and partnership members at the Kilfinan Forest event
Events highlight woodland crofts HIE has supported a series of events across the region to provide support for anyone interested in the development of woodland crofts. The events - run over the past three months, were held in Tighnabruaich, Gairloch and Dornoch.
Crofting legislation makes it possible to create crofts from existing woodlands. To support their development the Scottish Crofting Federation, the Community Woodlands Association and the Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust have joined forces to form the Woodland Crofts Partnership.
A dedicated website is to be launched at www. woodlandcrofts.org. As well as providing information on the ethos and legalities of woodland crofting, it will also provide access to a woodland crofts register of interest.
On the crest of community regeneration Three organisations from the Highlands and Islands were shortlisted for this year’s SURF awards, which celebrate the finest examples of community regeneration across Scotland. SURF is the independent regeneration network for Scotland. Lochcarron’s Kirkton Woodland & Heritage Group, and Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, which are both HIE account managed organisations, were nominated. The third is Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership in Orkney. HIE’s communities development manager Kevin MacDonald commented: “The people who come together to develop the projects
recognised by the SURF awards make remarkable differences to their communities. HIE is delighted to see two of the groups we work with recognised. “Kirkton has received national media coverage for its most recent developments a community Treehouse and workshop units. “On Gigha, the Trust, and the local community, have been instrumental in improving the quality and availability of housing on the island. We congratulate all the groups on the shortlist.”
Gigha
Ambitious for Scotland
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December 2012 / January 2013
Our priorities
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Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities / A’ leasachadh roinnean fàis, gu h-àraidh a-thaobh chothroman sònraichte na sgìre
Experts design digital future in the Highlands While rising healthcare costs, an ageing population and an increase in patients with long term conditions pose significant challenges for healthcare services, they also provide ground breaking opportunities to develop new models of delivery. The use of technology will play a key role in this. The Highlands and Islands is well placed to play a leading part in this exciting, emerging aspect of life sciences. With over 40 organisations already working in this area,
the involvement of academia, clinicians and health experts, and a track record of developing digital products and services, it’s not surprising that the UK’s first digital health cluster is taking shape in the region. Led by HIE’s Head of Life Sciences, Dr Steven Dodsworth, the agency has been working to develop new opportunites. Over 170 doctors, researchers and business leaders were in Eden Court in November for HIE’s digital health conference. Professional
The multi-million pound arts centre Mareel has celebrated its official opening in Shetland.
medical apps, Mo Farah’s physiologist and the 10 year plan for NHS 24 were all on the bill of the event which was opened by HIE’s chairman Professor Lorne Crerar. The region’s profile in digital health has been recognised across the UK, with one publication recently commenting, “Famous for their outstanding beauty, the Scottish Highlands are increasingly well known for leading the digital healthcare revolution”.
Around 2,000 people from the local community took part by snipping ribbons to declare the state of the art facility - which has a cinema, screening room, music venue and educational and work space - open. As well as creating local jobs Mareel offers stunning facilities to support the vibrant local creative industries sector. The management team at Mareel is delighted that early box office takings have exceeded expectations. HIE has approved more than £1m funding towards the project.
Mareel. Photo courtesy of Nayan Kularni
Ambitious for Scotland
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December 2012 / January 2013
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Inverness Campus on schedule Progress at Inverness Campus is on schedule with all infrastructure works set to be finished by end of May 2013. The vast majority of the below ground works are now complete and the final shape of the Campus infrastructure is emerging quickly. Most visible recently is the work on the supports for the new bridge over the A9. The crossing will provide a key link for cyclists and pedestrians to Inverness’ life science cluster and the city beyond. The new bridge will be assembled on the Campus site and moved into position across eight lanes of trunk road in late March 2013. Contractor Morgan Sindall has completed the large stone walls which will form the edges of the Campus lochans – all of which are key elements of the sustainable drainage system for the site. Roads are in place, some of the 600 new trees have now been planted, and work is ongoing on the dry stone dykes which will border the plots enhancing the distinctive Highland character of the Campus. Inverness Campus will open next year with fully-serviced development plots available for businesses and research organisations looking to benefit from locating alongside academic institutions. Progress at Inverness Campus can be followed via a live webcam and video diary updates on the Campus website www.invernesscampus.co.uk
Talk Talk centre officially opened in Stornoway The national telecoms company TalkTalk officially opened its refurbished customer contact centre in Stornoway in October. A significant investment by the firm at the Stornoway site has resulted in 42 new jobs, advanced training and the creation of a bright modern office. HIE is supporting TalkTalk as it works to achieve the Gold Standard for customer support services through the widely acclaimed Customer Contact Centre Association accreditation scheme. Talk Talk Chairman Sir Charles Dunstone opens offices
Ambitious for Scotland
www.hie.co.uk
December 2012 / January 2013
Islay renewables opportunities for local businesses Around 90 business delegates attended the first of two events being organised by HIE and Energy North to put local businesses in touch with ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) which is installing a 30MW tidal development in the sound of Islay in 2014. SPR, and their technology developer partners Andritz Hydro Hammerfest (AHH) gave detailed presentations about the deployment, installation and operations and maintenance of the project. A partnership between the developers and Islay Energy Trust, HIE, Argyll & Bute Council and Energy North has been set up. Initial activity includes planning for infrastructure requirements, collating business and skills information for the onshore construction team, and a detailed vessel inventory, to be followed by a workshop looking specifically at marine services. A follow-up event will be held in Autumn of 2013, prior to installation of the project, expected to commence in late 2014.
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£700m price tag for grid connection The company which owns and operates the grid in the North of Scotland, Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission plc, announced in November that the costs for a planned Outer Hebrides interconnector would be ‘no less than £700m’; an increase of over 60% on previous estimates. Ofgem is now to review the project which will have a knock on effect on the completion date. The estimated transmission charges
have raised questions on affordability for generators. HIE is part of an intergovernmental group established by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to find a long term solution to connecting the Scottish Islands. The short life group will have six months to deliver recommendations along with a detailed preferred option.
Online masterclasses reveal secrets of success for tourism businesses A series of free online tourism masterclasses organised by HIE have been proving highly popular with businesses across the region looking for tips from leading tourism experts. The live internet presentations, which can also be watched again, have brought businesses together to share ideas and practical tips on how to capitalise on Scotland’s tourism
growth markets during the Year of Natural Scotland 2013. The topics of the sessions are sailing, mountain biking, wildlife, golf, adventure, walking, the food & drink experience, and technology.
HIE team wins Green Energy award HIE has been recognised, alongside a number of regional winners, at the prestigious Scottish Green Energy Awards. The event, now in its 11th year, was held at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh in December, with a record 1,000 guests. HIE beat off strong competition from across Scotland to be awarded best public sector
Some of the HIE energy team receiving the award
initiative. This recognised the agency’s leadership in thewave and tidal sector, and commitment to developing infrastructure required to support the offshore renewables sector. Other Highlands and Islands winners included
Nigg Skills Academy for its contribution to skills and training, Edinbane windfarm received Best Project and Rob Gibson was named Best Politician.
Sweet taste of success for Highlands and Islands Food and drink businesses in the Highlands and Islands - ranging from festivals and fish processors, cafes and cookie producers to butchers and seafood bars - were celebrating success as winners of eleven categories at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards in October. In addition, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival walked away with the judges’ Ambitious for Scotland
special Excellence Award for outstanding achievement, and Charlie Devin of Lossie Seafoods was presented with the award of Ambassador of the Year for his contribution to the industry. Other winners included Cullisse Highland Rapeseed Oil of Easter Ross for New Business Award, Inverness’ Angelic Gluten Free Cookie Range for New Product Award,
Aquascot for the Healthier Food and Drink Award, The Whitehouse Restaurant in Lochaline for Restaurant of the Year, Kishorn Seafood Bar for Best Other Eatery and joint winners of the Young Shining Star Award - Andrew Whitehouse of Café Artysans in Inverness and Sally Swinbanks of The Tobermory Fish Company. The event is supported by HIE.
www.hie.co.uk
December 2012 / January 2013
Our priorities
Six communities selected for broadband pilot Residents in six communities across Scotland are to be amongst the first to benefit from a share of a £5 million fund to bring next generation broadband to hard to reach rural areas. Three of the pilot projects – Applecross, Colonsay and Tomintoul & Glenlivet are in the Highlands and Islands. Additional projects will be in Aberdeenshire, South Lanarkshire and Dumfries & Galloway. The Community Broadband Scotland initiative, which HIE has a leading role in delivering across Scotland, will provide advice from broadband experts and funding to help groups to further develop or deliver their plans.
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Creating the conditions for a competitive and low carbon region / A’ cruthachadh na h-àrainneachd airson sgìre de dh’ ìsleachd carboin
Orkney residents get online A two-year initiative in Orkney to help local people access the internet, learn new skills and realise the benefits of being online is being launched, with support from HIE. The project aims to encourage greater participation with public services through use of technology and also assist the unemployed in remote areas by improving their ability to access online sites. The project will be managed by national charity Citizens Online and funded by additional partners including BT (as part of the wider Get IT Together programme), Orkney Housing Association Ltd, and the Scottish Government.
Connected Communities plays part in internet first
A community in the Isle of Lewis is the first in the Highlands and Islands to have an internet connection delivered to their homes using fibre optic technologies.
The village of Dalmore in the west coast of the island is one of several successful communities in the islands which have received money after bidding to the Rural Broadband Challenge Fund which brings broadband to the challenging locations. Managed by the Outer Hebrides LEADER programme, this innovative project connects five of the six houses in the village into the Connected Communities network. Donnie Morrison, Project Manager of Connected Communities said: “While the Dalmore pilot doesn’t yet exploit the full potential of fibre due to constraints in the links to the mainland, it has been a useful learning experience and will inform future projects on both the technology requirements and the civil construction methodology involved.” Ambitious for Scotland
HIE’s Donnie Morrison, resident Kathleen Macdonald, and CnES’ Donald Macleod at Dalmore
www.hie.co.uk
December 2012 / January 2013
Engagement
Working with government and parliament / Ag obair leis an riaghaltas agus a’ Phàrlamaid
HIE Priorities and Vision for 2020
Panel shares business intelligence Businesses and social enterprises are being invited to sign up to play their part in a quarterly temperature check of the region’s economy being gathered by HIE. The results will provide an ongoing picture of business confidence, growth aspirations, access to finance and the labour market to help inform the business community on challenges and opportunities facing the area. Almost 350 businesses and social enterprises are already involved and HIE is looking for even more, of all sizes and across all sectors, to get involved. Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HIE, said: “An up to date health check on our economy will help the wider business community identify new opportunities and look for ways to tackle shared challenges. “It will also help ensure that public resource is targeted in the areas that will make the greatest difference in supporting the region’s economic growth.”
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HIE gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee (EETC) at the end of October. The evidence session was a part of the Committee’s annual scrutiny of the Government’s draft budget, and provided a great opportunity to share progress on the agency’s priorities going forward. HIE gave details on its four key priorities and evidence highlighted its ambitions for the region: that it is digital and globallyconnected, an international leader in marine energy, a home to businesses operating with greater internationalisation, an attractive region for young people, and characterised by dynamic, sustainable communities.
HIE Board in Caithness HIE hosted a business breakfast in Thurso with the agency’s Chairman Professor Lorne Crerar, the Chief Executive Alex Paterson and Board members for representatives from around 30 local business and community groups. The meeting tied in with a two day visit to various groups, projects and businesses across the area, including Pulteneytown Peoples Project in Wick, Scrabster Harbour Trust, North Highland College UHI and an update on the John O’Groats redevelopment from Natural Retreats.
Community development officers share good practice Around 60 local development officers, community directors and HIE staff involved in delivering community projects across the region got together in October to share information and good practice. Delegates caught up with the latest information on community broadband, the new Scottish Land Fund and the growing opportunities for home working.
As well as sharing the past year’s achievements there were a series of community led forums to discuss topics including local service provision, realising jobs, delivering renewable energy projects, investing community generated revenue, tourism and marketing, and housing.
Moray Economic Strategy Launch A blueprint for the long-term diversification of the Moray economy was officially launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, in October. The launch of the Moray Economic Strategy coincided with the Convention of the Highlands and Islands which was held in
Ambitious for Scotland
Elgin for the first time and was hosted by Moray Council. The action plan has been produced by the Moray Community Planning Partnership, which includes HIE, with the aim of achieving a strong, diverse and sustainable economy for Moray and a high quality of life for those who live and work there.
www.hie.co.uk
December 2012 / January 2013
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Gigha – 10 years of Onshore pioneering land reform Test Sites for Offshore Wind Technology A members debate in the Scottish Parliament on ten years of community ownership on Gigha was led by Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart in October.
An investigation assessing the potential of Highlands and Islands onshore sites to test the next generation of offshore wind technology is in its final stages. A comprehensive review being carried out for HIE by independent consultants Atmos is exploring which sites can fulfil a variety of technical and environmental requirements.
The wide ranging debate commented on the importance of the Gigha experience where in 2002, with funding from the original Scottish Land Fund and HIE, the community raised £4 million to buy their island. Community ownership was described as the catalyst for changes which have seen a population growth of 50%, two thirds of the housing stock refurbished and the construction of UK’s first
grid-connected community-owned wind farm. The debate also covered the new Scottish Land Fund which HIE is delivering in partnership with the Lottery; the recent touring theatre production ‘We have Won the Land’ which HIE supported; the purchase of Evanton Wood which took place earlier this year with grant funding from HIE; and the work of the Land Reform Review Group and the Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill – two consultations HIE is involed in.
Discussions are ongoing with relevant local authorities, land owners and industry. The report, due before the end of the year, will reveal preferred locations.
Irish delegation explores community development HIE recently hosted a knowledge exchange visit with an Irish social and economic community development company called Pobal, which promotes social inclusion and equality. Pobal currently distributes around €300m per year to over 3000 organisations. HIE teams shared the range of ways in which the agency works to achieve impact, benefits and enable growth within our communities. Study visits were hosted by some of the region’s account managed social enterprises and businesses. HIE staff learned of Pobal’s capacity building techniques and their organisational approach to measuring social impact. Ambitious for Scotland
SDI and HIE staff at Windtowers (Scotland) Ltd
International targets for Argyll and the Islands A two day event in Kintyre brought together Scottish Development International and HIE’s local and sectoral teams to plan growth for the area’s international profile. The HIE teams showcased a wide range of local opportunities, including projects at Campbeltown Harbour, Machrihanish Airbase
and Windtowers (Scotland) Ltd. Building on Windtowers position as the largest renewable energy manufacturing facility operating in the Highlands and Islands, development discussions for the region also focused on the opportunities from deep water off shore wind, tidal and wave power generation.
www.hie.co.uk
December 2012 / January 2013
Key facts
Population of the Highlands and Islands is 448,671 (2011). This represents an increase of 3.5% since 2001 and compares to a 3.8% increase overall in Scotland.
Tha àireamh-sluaigh na Gàidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan aig 448,671 (2011) – àrdachadh air 3.5% bho 2001 an taca ri 3.8% àrdachadh gu h-iomlainn ann an Alba.
Employment rate in the Highlands and Islands at 78.3%, is significantly higher than the rate for Scotland at 71.0% (2010). Tha an ìre-cosnaidh anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus na h-Eileanan (78.3%) nas àirde na ann an Alba (71.0%) (2010).
Self-employment rate in the Highlands and Islands is 15.2%, which compares to 10.9% in Scotland (2010).
Tha an ìre fèin-fhastaichte anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan aig 15.2%, an taca ri 10.9% ann an Alba (2010).
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* Things you may not know about the Highlands and Islands / Rudan inntinneach mu dheidhinn na Gàidhealtach
The Highlands and Islands area covers over 50% (40,400 sq km) of Scotland’s landmass, despite having only 8% of Scotland’s population. Population density 11 people per sq km, compared to 127 people per sq km in the rest of Scotland.
Tha an roinn a’ còmhdachadh còrr air 50% (40,400sq cm) de meall- fearainn na h-Alba, a dh’ aindeoin 8% de sluaigh na h-Alba. Tha dlùths àireamh an t-sluaigh 11 duine gach cilemeatair ceàrnagach an taca ri 127 duines gach cileameatair ceàrnagach ann an àiteanan eile air feadh Alba
Claimant count unemployment in the Highlands and Islands over the past few years has been consistently below the Scottish and the UK rate. (September 2012: Highlands and Islands 2.5%, Scotland 4%, UK 3.8%.). Tha cìon-cosnaidh cunntais neach-tagraidh air a bhith tòrr nas lugha na ìre Alba agus RA air na cuid bliadhnaichean a dh’fhalbh. (Sultain 2012: A’ Ghàidhealtachd is na h- Eileanan 2.5%, Alba 4%, RA 3.8%.)
The female dominated sectors of education, human health and social work are the largest employment sectors, employing nearly 30% of the workforce in the region. ‘S iad na roinnean-obrach fo bhuaidh boireannaich (foghlam, slàinte daonna agus obair shòisealta) na h-earrannan fastaidh as motha, a’ fastadh 30% de luchd-obrach san roinn
The business start up rate is higher in our region compared to Scotland with 3.5 new start-ups per 1,000 of the population compared to 2.8 per 1,000 in Scotland (2011).
Tha an ìre aig a bheil daoine a’ tòiseachadh gnìomhachasan nas àirde nar roinn an taca ri Alba, le 3.5 daoine ùr gach 1,000 den sluaigh againn, an taca ri 2.8 gach 1,000 ann an Alba ann an 2011.
Gross annual pay for all employee jobs in the Highlands and Islands of £18,993 is around 8% lower than the equivalent for Scotland (2011). Bha am pàigheadh bliadhnail de £18,993 airson a h-uile luchd-obrach sa Ghàidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan, timcheall air 8% nas lugha Alba gu lèir (2011).
• (This information provides the latest available data from the most reliable sources.)
Ambitious for Scotland
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Ambitious for Scotland Àrd-amas airson Alba