New Role To Help Reverse Population Decline In North West Sutherland

20th November 2022

Photograph of New Role To Help Reverse Population Decline In North West Sutherland

Boyd Alexander will have a key role in projects that support people who currently live in or are moving into the area.

He will work with agencies and other organisations on specific projects to tackle key challenges, particularly housing, as well as other issues people face when moving into the area. Boyd will be on hand to signpost newcomers to required services and networks.

The 12-month post is funded by Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of a pilot project that seeks to reverse population decline in the region.

After living 22 years in the Philippines, Boyd moved to the Highlands in 2013 for work, making his home first on Bute and then in Ullapool with his family. He is a marine biologist with several decades of experience working in development and project management in both Asia and Africa.

His previous role was as scheme manager for the Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape Partnership with overall responsibility for the scheme's successful delivery.

Alexander said: "This is an exciting opportunity to work with North West Sutherland communities to develop projects within these settlements to attract and enable people to join these communities."

The post is one of three settlement officer posts, which are being established across the Highlands and Islands to assist people moving to the region, provide relocation advice and gather information about any challenges they encounter along the way.

Posts are being recruited on a 12-month pilot basis in three local authority areas - Outer Hebrides, Argyll & Bute and Highland.

HIE is currently undertaking research and evaluation in relation to repopulation and talent attraction.

Highland Council recognises the importance of depopulation and aims to support measures to reverse the decline and ensure the sustainability of rural populations. North West Sutherland, as one of the pilot areas, will benefit from both the direct intervention and partnership working with communities and agencies to identify and directly support where needed.

POPULATION PROJECTED TO DECLINE BY 2041
-21% in Caithness and -12% in Sutherland
See https://www.hie.co.uk/media/10590/caithness-area-profile-2020.pdf

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

The North Sea's Changing Future: What Does It Mean for Jobs and Investment in Caithness?

The future of the North Sea energy industry is once again attracting considerable attention.  With the UK Government facing difficult decisions about oil and gas production, energy security, investment and the transition towards renewable energy.  

23/10/2026 : Marine Services

HIE funding supports new strategy role at Wick Harbour

Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) is to appoint a new strategy manager after securing up to £52,500 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help fund the post.   The post holder will help WHA deliver its emerging harbour masterplan and outline business case, strengthen capacity and develop new business opportunities.  

20/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
HIE welcomes £350m cable factory opening

The official opening of the UK’s first HVDC subsea cable factory, located at the Port of Nigg in Easter Ross, has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   The facility represents an investment of £350m.  

17/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

When Community Ownership Isn't Enough: The Uncertain Future of GlenWyvis Distillery

The Highland distillery was built with the support of thousands of people who wanted to create something lasting for their community.  Its entry into administration exposes the financial risks facing ambitious local ventures, even when the original idea has widespread public support.  

8/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Innovation and AI: New opportunities for businesses across the Highlands and Islands

Innovation has always been a defining characteristic of businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands.   Whether developing new products, finding ways to overcome the challenges of distance and geography, improving services, or identifying new markets, organisations across the region have a long track record of adapting and evolving.  

30/9/2026 : Local Authority

Scottish Cities Alliance Investment Conference to showcase Highland opportunities

Inverness will welcome government representatives, investors, business leaders and economic development partners later this week as it hosts the Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investor Event.  A two-day programme designed to showcase investment opportunities across Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland's city regions.  

29/9/2026 : Local Authority

Are We Trying to Save Britain’s Towns Without Planning Their Future?

Walk through almost any British town centre and you can see the evidence of change.   There are empty shops where there were once businesses.  

26/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

September is Scottish Start-Up Month – could your business idea become a reality?

September has become a month when Scotland's aspiring entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take a closer look at an idea that may have been sitting in the back of their minds for some time.   Scottish Start-Up Month, led by Business Gateway, has returned for 2026 with a simple message: if you have an idea for a business, this could be the month to take the first step.  

22/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities Scotland and Ireland are developing closer links between their Gaelic-speaking communities, with housing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, tourism and the marine economy among the areas being explored for future cooperation.   The initiative was highlighted during a visit to Skye by Ireland's President Catherine Connolly, who met representatives of Highland organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highland Council.