Committee have unanimously endorsed the Regional Economic Strategy

14th February 2025

Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have unanimously endorsed the Regional Economic Strategy produced by the Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership.

The Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP) is a partnership of public, private, third sector and academic organisations, working together to realise the regions' economic potential in a sustainable and inclusive way. It was established in 2021 to enable inclusive and sustainable economic growth and build resilience throughout the region, by identifying and focussing on areas of joint strategic purpose to provide co-ordinated action in pursuit of regional growth opportunities and to address shared challenges.

Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "Scottish and UK Governments have acknowledged that the Highlands and Islands have a vital role to play in terms of meeting climate change targets and supporting the shift to clean, green sources of energy. To do this effectively we need a strong collaborative approach to make such that during transformational change we can maximise the economic and social benefits for our communities and businesses in all parts of the region.

"The strategy focusses on areas where working together is the most effective and efficient means to generate maximum impact and benefit. It captures strong, clear objectives that focus on fostering innovation, business resilience, and sustainable communities. It also highlights the critical role of high-quality, affordable housing, efficient transport and digital infrastructure, and the region’s leadership in transitioning to net zero.

“We welcomed the opportunity to review the Strategy to ensure not only it is robust and well-informed, but also that it aligns with our objectives while addressing key points of difference. In doing so we are keen to point out that all agencies need to work together. There needs to be recognition of the roles and responsibilities of other public sector partners.

“The next stage is the preparation of the delivery plan but in the meantime, the Committee endorses the overall focus of the strategy and as a HIREP partner, we will continue to work on our own plans and strategies that feed into and deliver at regional or sub regional level."

The strategy supported by the Committee today focuses on harnessing growth opportunities, fostering innovation, improving infrastructure, and advancing a just transition to net zero. It outlines the following six core goals:

1.Increase the profile and understanding of the Highlands and Islands to support effective policy and unlock regional investment.

2.Become a region which delivers high quality and affordable housing for residents.

3.Enhance the region’s transport and digital infrastructure to become and exemplar of efficient rural connectivity.

4.Build resilience and competitiveness through place-based opportunities and stimulating an active culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

5.Maximise the economic and community benefits from renewable energy investments and drive the regions move to net zero and climate resilience and adaption.

6.Develop a co-ordinated response to skills and labour requirements across the region.

Additionally, four cross-cutting themes are highlighted throughout the strategy: -

• Community Wealth Building and Benefit;

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship;

• Population - Growth and Retention; and

• Just Transition to Net Zero