Research offers a positive outlook for communities impacted by the decommissioning process. A new study has revealed that Scotland's £25 billion nuclear decommissioning programme could deliver significant long-term economic and social benefits at both national and local levels over the next 90 years and beyond.
The renewable energy credentials of the Highlands and Islands has attracted a visit this week from a top UK Government official leading the drive to secure clean energy by 2030. Chris Stark leads the UK Government's Mission for Clean Power by 2030, in the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has submitted an application for planning permission in principle to make way for the second and final phase of development at Inverness Campus. Most of the development in the proposals is for commercial floorspace, with other elements including hotel and academic space.
Highland food and drink supply chain or manufacturing businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of fully funded one-to-one technology advice and funding support. The support is part of the second phase of Food and Drink TechHUB, which itself is part of the Northern Innovation Hub (NIH), a multi-million-pound initiative led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) under the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.
The Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP)'s Regional Economic Strategy addresses the challenges affecting the region's businesses and communities. A partnership of public, private and academic organisations in the Highlands and Islands has unveiled its ten-year strategy to deliver sustainable economic growth across the region.
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group played a pivotal role in defueling Hunterston B on time and on budget. On 24 April 2025 EDF announced Hunterston B nuclear power station has been successfully defueled on time and on budget, in less than three years, following rigorous checks by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
Loch Fyne company Otter Ferry Seafish Limited to increase production, safeguard the workforce and create new jobs. A £350,000 expansion project at a seafood company in Argyll will increase production, safeguard the workforce and create new jobs.
A family run agriculture company in Moray has embarked on a major growth project that will increase production and efficiency, improve product quality and create jobs. James Taylor & Son, operating at Kintessack near Forres, has secured up to £161,446 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total project costs of £403,616.
Businesses in the tourism sector and its supply chain in the Highland Council area are being encouraged to secure a place on the Digital Tourism Support Programme. The programme is offering support to eligible businesses and social enterprises of up to three days of free, personalised, one-to-one digital advice from industry experts.
A further phase of development is getting under way at Wick Business Park in a move that will support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness. Park owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded a £1.8m contract to Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd to build a further four new business units.
Public investment is planned for a major redevelopment project at Port of Nigg in the Highlands. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved up to £10 million to support development of the port's Inner East Quay, which will result in the creation of a new heavy-duty quayside and the introduction of roll-on roll-off capability.
Credit unions have been around a long time. Hi-Scot credit union covers the Highland and Islands and it is easy to save or borrow at good rates.
The chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced plans to retire from the role in July. Alistair Dodds CBE has served on the HIE board for 11 years.
The funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain resort returned to service on Thursday 27 February 2025. Scotland's only funicular railway has been out of action since August 2023, while an extensive programme of remediation works has been carried out, led by contractor Balfour Beatty on behalf of estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a further £863,000 contribution to the Inverness Castle Experience project. Led by The Highland Council, the Inverness Castle Experience is a key project within the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has announced it's establishing a Plutonium Ceramics Academic Hub with the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has announced it's establishing a Plutonium Ceramics Academic Hub with the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield.
Highland based food and drink producers have until 28 March to enquire about a new support programme aimed at helping businesses in the sector to cut carbon emissions. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is looking for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to take part in the food and drink TechHUB Net Zero Mobilisation programme.
Ambitious plans to create a major new renewables hub in Orkney have been accelerated with a £5m grant to help take the project to the next stage. The funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will further the development of a new harbour facility for the assembly of offshore wind turbines at Scapa Flow - the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed a new report into the economic potential of wave and tidal energy for Scotland. The study was carried out by the Policy and Innovation Group, part of the Institute for Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh (UoE).
NDA utilises innovative technology to bring to life progress in delivering its nationally important mission at ‘Nuclear Week in Parliament'. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group utilised innovative technology to bring to life progress in delivering its nationally important mission at the Nuclear Industry Association's ‘Nuclear Week in Parliament' (NWIP).