As the cost of living continues to rise across Scotland, HI-Scot Credit Union is launching HI-Save, a new community campaign aimed at encouraging people across the Highlands and Islands to begin saving regularly and to build stronger financial resilience.
The campaign comes in response to stark figures.
Over 11.5 million people in the UK have no savings at all and more than a third of adults in Scotland have less than £1,000 in savings, according to the Money and Pensions Service.
HI-Save seeks to change this by showing that even small, regular savings can help people prepare for life's challenges and reduce reliance on high-cost credit.
"HI-Save is about helping people take that first step and showing that saving is possible for everyone," said David Mackay, HI-Scot's Chief Executive.
"In a region where costs are high and jobs can be seasonal, having a financial safety net gives people more control and less stress."
HI-Scot has supported communities across the region for nearly two decades and now proudly enters its twentieth year of operation. As a not-for-profit financial co-operative, the credit union is owned entirely by its members and reinvests in the local economy.
Today, HI-Scot serves thousands of members across the Highlands and Islands. Together, they have saved millions - and those savings have helped fund over £15 million in affordable loans, keeping money circulating locally and offering a safe, ethical alternative to payday lenders and credit cards.
"We are incredibly proud of what our members have achieved," said David. "But there is still a big gap between those who can save and those who feel they can't. HI-Save is here to close that gap."
The campaign will call on local and national elected representatives, including councillors, MSPs, and MPs, to lead by example by joining HI-Scot, taking part in HI-Save and encouraging others to do the same.
HI-Scot is also reaching out to employers, housing associations and community groups to support the campaign and make saving more accessible across the region.
"A community that saves is a community that thrives," said David Mackay. "HI-Save is a small idea with big potential - and we're inviting everyone to be a part of it."
HI-Scot is the credit union for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Based in Stornoway and operating across the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and the Highlands, HI-Scot provides fair financial services to local people.
