Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)

www.hie.co.uk

Photograph of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government's economic and community development agency for a diverse region which covers more than half of Scotland and is home to around 450,000 people.

HIE's role is to develop sustainable economic growth across the region. To achieve this it creates infrastructure for future investment, assists large and small businesses with growth aspirations and has a unique role strengthening communities, particularly in fragile areas. As part of this HIE supports communities to acquire and develop land and other assets.

HIE supports the growth ambitions of business and social enterprise clients by creating close working relationships in order to accelerate growth in turnover, profitability, wage levels, exports and therefore Gross Value Added (GVA) in the HIE area.

HIE also invests in transformational projects across the region to make the Highlands and Islands a more competitive and attractive place to live, work, study and grow.

Telephone
01847 896115

Fax
01847 893383

E-mail
thurso@hient.co.uk

Postal Address
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
Tollemache House
High Street
Thurso
Caithness
KW14 8AZ



Opening Hours

Sun :
Closed
Mon :
9:00am - 5:00pm
Tue :
9:00am - 5:00pm
Wed :
9:00am - 5:00pm
Thu :
9:00am - 5:00pm
Fri :
9:00am - 5:00pm
Sat :
Closed




News for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)

13/5/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Highlands and Islands women seize chance to build skills through HIE Impact Women

Thirty women from across the region are starting out on a new leadership programme launched by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   The women, who come from a wide range of sectors, age groups and communities, are taking part in the 16-week HIE Impact Women programme.  

28/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Projects share £170k to support region's small food and drink producers

Seven innovative projects to support small food and drink producers in parts of the Highlands and Islands have been awarded a total of £169,750 through the Small Producers Pilot Fund.   Seven innovative projects to support small food and drink producers in parts of the Highlands and Islands have been awarded a total of £169,750 through the Small Producers Pilot Fund.  

21/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
New guide to support growers with controlled environment agriculture

A new guide has been published (20 March 2026) to help growers who want to explore the potential for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) in rural and island locations.   CEA is the practice of growing crops in a controlled setting where factors like temperature, light, humidity, and nutrients can be carefully managed for optimal plant growth.  

18/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

HIE Impact Women Programme For Female Led Businesses

The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Impact Women programme offers free support to help female-led businesses in Scotland grow.  This is a 16-week programme that includes both in-person and online sessions.  

14/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Highlands and Islands entrepreneurs win big at Regional EDGE awards

Following a successful pilot in 2025, Regional EDGE, the regional arm of Scottish EDGE, returned in 2026 to offer entrepreneurs from across the region the chance to pitch for a share of the £100,00 prize fund.  Funds were allocated through a competitive process, which involved pitching to a panel of judges, and delivered in collaboration with Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE).  

14/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Entrepreneurship and Gender in Scotland: Trends, Regions, and Industries

Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in economic growth, innovation, and job creation.  In Scotland, the landscape of new business creation has changed noticeably in recent years, particularly in relation to gender.  

7/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Reflections on a day well spent - Highland Women Growth Summit

Rachel Hunter reflects on the Highland Women Growth Summit, highlighting the challenges facing women in business, celebrating progress, and marking the launch of HIE Impact Women.   I had an absolutely energising day at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness last Friday where over 100 women business leaders and policy makers gathered at the first ever Highland Women Growth Summit.  

4/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Highlands and Islands Enterprise Climate Springboard

This free 6-week programme helps businesses in the Highlands and Islands understand the impact of climate change on their business and take steps to prepare for it.   What does this involve? This free 6-week programme helps businesses in the Highlands and Islands understand the impact of climate change on their business and take steps to prepare for it.  

1/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
New programme to strengthen leadership and growth among women-led businesses

HIE Impact Women will support 30 women leaders from businesses and social enterprises that have an annual turnover of at least £25,000.   Women in leadership roles in businesses across the Highlands and Islands are being encouraged to apply for a fully funded development programme aimed at boosting growth, enhancing leadership capability and building strong support networks across the region.  

28/2/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Digital storytelling and Gaelic: why it matters for the Highlands and Islands

In this blog, Iain Hamilton, HIE's Head of Creative Industries, explains how digital storytelling is redefining the future of Gaelic culture and why embracing new platforms is vital for the Highlands and Islands.   Culture has always been one of the Highlands and Islands' biggest strengths.  

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