Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider TUE 29TH JUL 2025    5:29:03 PM BST
This site uses cookies, by continuing to use this site you accept the terms of our privacy policy
Back To Top
Caithness.Org Quick Links
Home
Construction
Leisure
Manufacturing
Misc.
Primary
Professional
Public
Retail
Tourism
Transport
Site Map
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Feed 2.0 Loading...

Collaboration will lead to new opportunities at Inverness Campus

13th November 2014

Photograph of Collaboration will lead to new opportunities at Inverness Campus

Building work has begun on a new enterprise and research centre at Inverness Campus.

The building will house a new collaboration between two of the region's key strategic organisations. Economic and community development agency, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and the University of the Highlands and Islands, are due to occupy the building from late 2015.

The collaborative model of the nearby Centre for Health Science was the inspiration behind the new building. Under the same roof, economic development specialists and university research teams will share facilities, knowledge and experience within a purpose-built facility.

The partnership will use digital technologies to promote the Highlands and Islands to potential investors and support higher and further education across the region and further afield.

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HIE, said: "Collaboration between business academia and economic development is at the heart of the Inverness Campus ethos. This innovative co-location project will strengthen the universities sector, broaden the region's research base and provide a focus to attract new investment and jobs to all parts of the Highlands and Islands. Development of an innovative Digital Excellence Centre will enable us to raise awareness of the benefits of digital technology and drive the benefits from the £146m project HIE is leading to roll out next generation broadband across the Highlands and Islands."

The University of the Highlands and Islands plans to locate several new research teams in the centre, creating new opportunities in addition to around 20 new jobs. Planned features include a life sciences postgraduate education facility; a learning and teaching academy, and specialised training and accreditation for the oil and gas industry.

Professor Clive Mulholland, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands said: "We are looking forward to the opportunities this joint facility brings and will undoubtedly stimulate in the future. Our university should have a transformational impact on the development and prospects of our region, its people and communities. To achieve that, we must be integrated into the fabric of centres of potential economic growth such as this fantastic new campus."

In addition to HIE staff, a number of the organisation’s partners, including the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS), Interface and Scottish Development International (SDI), will also be based at the Centre. It is expected that the centre will also include Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) research and consultancy services activity; a facility for the promotion and development of science, technology and engineering skills to young people throughout the Highlands and Islands region and a digital technology demonstration centre.

Architects, Sheppard Robson, designed the £11m building which is being built by Morrison Construction. HIE and the University of the Highlands and Islands will co-own the new building, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. Funding contributions for the development have come from the European Regional Development Fund, University of the Highlands and Islands, HIE and the Highland Council.

About Inverness Campus

Developed by HIE, Inverness Campus occupies 215 acres of prime development land, offering a high quality environment for learning, innovation, collaboration and business development. It offers an opportunity for enterprising organisations to locate alongside others inspired by the chance to work together and share knowledge to grow their business or project.

Inverness Campus will attract businesses, professionals and students to the region and is expected to generate up to 6,000 jobs over the next 30 years.

In August 2015, Inverness College UHI, the largest partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands, will be one of the first buildings to open at Inverness Campus. The new premises will enable the College to realise its vision of creating a tertiary education environment for the 21st Century.

Visit www.invernesscampus.co.uk for more information.

HIE sought new office space after successfully attracting Capgemini to create 500 new jobs at Cowan House, HIE’s former location at Inverness Retail and Business Park. HIE is currently renting space from BT at Fraser House, off Academy Street in Inverness until the new building at the Campus is completed.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Island investment boosts outturns for HIE in 2024/25
Figures compiled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) show strong outturns against key targets for the agency during the 2024/25 financial year.   The figures, which are subject to review by Audit Scotland before publication of HIE's annual report in November, show that the agency met or exceeded 18 of its 20 key targets.  
HIE holding drop-ins for Wick Business Park expansion plansThumbnail for article : HIE holding drop-ins for Wick Business Park expansion plans
People in the Wick area of Caithness are being invited to share their views on proposals to expand Wick Business Park.   Following the successful development of phase one, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is planning a second phase of development on land next to the existing business park.  
21/7/2025
Results Helpline to support pupils in the Highlands with SQA results
Young people in the Highlands can call a dedicated helpline offering expert advice to anyone receiving their full Higher, National, and Advanced results on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.   The pupils and students- along with their parents and carers - will be able to get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland's (SDS) Results Helpline, which opens from 8am on results day.  
Salmon farm company to convert waste to useable product
A project to recycle waste at an aquaculture hatchery in Wester Ross has secured up to £630,290 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   Bakkafrost Scotland limited is leading the project, which has a total investment value of more than £2.5m.  
Renewable energy firm ENERCON welcomed to Wick Business Park
Wick Business Park has welcomed wind energy technology company ENERCON as the first occupant of one of four new units completed last year.   ENERCON specialises in designing, producing, installing and servicing onshore wind turbines and has been operating in the Caithness area since 2013.  
3/7/2025
Bringing more empty homes back into use
Additional empty homes officers are being recruited to bring more privately owned houses back into use.   The new posts are being supported as part of a £2 million investment through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership in 2025-26 which will see staff take a more proactive and targeted approach to tackling local housing issues.  
New recruits at HIE Caithness and Sutherland teamThumbnail for article : New recruits at HIE Caithness and Sutherland team
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed new members to its Caithness and Sutherland team as the agency settles into its new premises and works to expand its client portfolio.   Claire Wilson has joined as head of business growth and investment.  
2/7/2025
Community-Led Local Development Fund distributes over £900k to support projects in Highland
The Highland Strategic Local Action Group (LAG) met in June 2025 and considered and agreed funding for 28 projects submitted to the Community-Led Local Development fund (CLLD), which makes up part of The Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) programme.   CRF is an umbrella term used to cover multiple external funding programmes administered by The Highland Council.  
2/7/2025
Community benefits funding delivers educational resources to Highland schoolsThumbnail for article : Community benefits funding delivers educational resources to Highland schools
Highland Council has provided 12 ‘Talking Tub' resources for use in primary schools across the Highlands, in partnership with Union Technical who deliver community benefits as part of the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme programme.   Chair of Highland Council's Education Committee, Councillor John Finlayson, said: "This is a fantastic initiative being rolled out across Highland primary schools which brings innovation and inspiration to early years children.  
1/7/2025
Additional bins will help keep popular visitor spots tidy
Visitors will find it easier to dispose of their litter at several popular spots across Highland after the rollout of additional bins.  The rollout has been planned to support the tourism season as part of the Council's ongoing commitment to improve and support sustainable tourism in the area.