Keep It Local - Why More Highlanders and Islanders Are Turning to HI-Scot Credit Union

6th October 2025

In the Highlands and Islands, community spirit runs deep. From Shetland to Skye, from Caithness to Uist, people know the power of looking out for one another.

That same spirit is at the heart of HI-Scot Credit Union — a not-for-profit, member-owned organisation that's helping local people across the region save, borrow, and build financial confidence close to home.

More Than a Bank — It's Your Community, Your Credit Union
HI-Scot isn't owned by distant shareholders or corporate investors. It’s owned by you its members.
When you join, you’re not just a customer you’re a co-owner, with a say in how the credit union is run and where its profits go.

All surplus income is reinvested for members’ benefit through fairer loans, improved services, and community projects across the Highlands and Islands.

"Every pound saved with HI-Scot stays here in the region, supporting local people and local goals," says David Mackay of HI-Scot. "It’s about keeping wealth in our communities, not sending it south to corporate banks."

Fair Finance for Real Lives
Life in the Highlands can be beautiful but not always easy. From high transport costs to seasonal work, many households face unique financial pressures.

HI-Scot understands those challenges because it’s rooted in the same communities it serves.

Members enjoy
Affordable loans with fair and transparent rates
Regular savings accounts to help build financial security
Access to friendly advice from people who understand local life

"The difference with HI-Scot is they listen,"

“When I needed a small loan for my fishing gear, they didn’t judge — they helped. Now I save every month, and it feels good knowing my money’s helping others too.”

Keeping Wealth in the Highlands and Islands

Unlike big banks, HI-Scot keeps your money working locally.

Savings from members in places like Orkney, Lewis, Caithness Sutherland, Inverness and Lochaber help fund loans for families, students, and small businesses across the region.

From helping young families with school expenses to supporting home improvements car loans and energy upgrades, HI-Scot has become a quiet force for financial fairness and resilience.

“HI-Scot is about people, not profit,”
“When our members do well, the whole region benefits.”

Safe, Regulated, and Trusted

HI-Scot is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Members’ savings up to £85,000 per person are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), exactly as they would be with any high-street bank.

That means your money is safe and it’s doing good at the same time.

How to Join
If you live or work in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, you’re eligible to join HI-Scot Credit Union.

Joining is easy

Visit www.hi-scot.com
or contact your local office in Stornoway.

Provide proof of ID and address.

Start saving from as little as £1 per week.

Once you’re a member you’ll have access to savings accounts, ethical loans, and member-only benefits all from a team that truly understands your community.

A Modern Solution with Highland Values
As high-street banks continue to close rural branches, HI-Scot is stepping up combining online banking convenience with the personal touch of a local organisation.

It’s a modern, ethical way to manage your money without losing the human connection that matters most.

“HI-Scot is built on fairness, trust, and community,”
“When you save with us, you’re helping your neighbours. That’s what makes it special.”

Join HI-Scot Today
Every member strengthens the network. Every pound saved supports another local family.

In an age of impersonal banking, HI-Scot Credit Union keeps your money and your values right where they belong.

Join today at www.hi-scot.com and be part of a movement that keeps the Highlands and Islands thriving.