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.
Gaelic plays a significant role across the Highlands and Islands, contributing to community resilience, cultural development and sustainable economic growth. Having a powerful social, cultural and economic role in the Highlands and Islands, its value to local people and businesses has never felt stronger.
NDA publishes latest strategy setting out long term roadmap for the safe and secure decommissioning of the UK's legacy nuclear sites. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has published its latest strategy, setting out its long term roadmap for the safe and secure decommissioning of the UK's legacy nuclear sites.
The Scottish Parliament's Public Audit Committee has released its latest report on the Cairngorm Funicular Railway, offering one of the most detailed examinations yet of the project's troubled history, escalating costs, and long‑term prospects. The funicular, which has become both a symbol of Highland tourism and a lightning rod for criticism, is once again under scrutiny and not only for its engineering failures but for the governance and financial decisions that shaped its past and will determine its future.
From robots to real business impact: April Conroy, HIE development manager for life sciences and the blue economy, reflects on WAICF and what human centred AI means for businesses. ust over a week ago, I was at the World AI Cannes Festival (WAICF) alongside a delegation of 25 Scottish business leaders, as part of the Scottish Government's National AI Adoption Programme.
As council tax rises once again loom across Scotland, the familiar warnings are rolled out: there is no alternative. Councils, we are told, must either raise taxes or cut services.
Primary school pupils in Caithness and Sutherland will have the chance to dive into engaging science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities, thanks to a new funding agreement from NRS Dounreay. The three-year commitment will enable the Science Skills Academy (SSA) to deliver practical STEM learning at the Newton Room in Thurso, helping young people aged 10-14 explore how STEM connects to real-world applications.
Businesses in the Highlands and Islands have continued to perform well over the past six months despite having experienced significant challenges. This is according to the latest business survey commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Launched by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in 2018 as part of the Northern Innovation Hub (NIH), IMPACT30 was created to support the next generation of business leaders by providing tailored support, mentoring and specialist guidance to people aged 35 and under in key decision‑making roles. Over its 15 cohorts, the fully funded programme has helped participants develop their skills, build confidence and accelerate business growth.
It's often said that millions of people in the UK don't save enough - with one in ten adults saving no money at all. That figure from a 2025 report from the Financial Conduct Authority regulator came with a warning that it's leaving people walking a financial tightrope.
A new coffee roasting business established in Caithness has secured up to £35,165 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). 58 North Coffee Roastery was formed earlier this year by entrepreneurs Daniel Doerr and Simon Dix, who identified an opportunity following their relocation to the area.
There's no doubt that investment from companies owned outside of Scotland is increasingly important in growing the economy of the Highlands and Islands. Interest in the region is diverse and across many sectors.
Led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in the Highlands and Islands, the Rural AI Roadshow conference runs across Scotland in January 2026 with events in Inverness (27 Jan), Dundee (28 Jan) and Gretna (29 Jan). Each event will bring together business leaders, innovators and practitioners to explore the potential of AI to support rural economies.
The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP, today announced the reappointments of Simon Cotton and David Wilson as Members of the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Simon Cotton has over a decade of experience of running textile manufacturing businesses in the HIE region, including Johnstons of Elgin and Macnaughton Holdings.
NDA group puts decommissioning at the forefront of the agenda at Nuclear Week in Parliament. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group put decommissioning at the forefront of the agenda at this year's Nuclear Week in Parliament, as the essential foundation underpinning the Government's ambition to become a clean energy superpower.
Angus Campbell, Chair of HIE, visited the Outer Hebrides last week to see the ambition in Uist and Benbecula as he begins a wider tour to meet staff, businesses and community groups. Over the next few weeks, I'll be travelling across the Highlands and Islands to meet HIE staff, businesses and community groups.
Secondary pupils across Highland are being offered new Green Skills learning with a ground-breaking module from the Science Skills Academy. Developed as part of Green Skills Pathway - Highland, with funding from SSE Renewables' Highland Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), Green Skills is designed for S1 and S2 pupils.
Scottish EDGE is set to provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs living outside the central belt thanks to a second round of its successful Regional EDGE competition. Backed by £400,000 of Scottish Government funding, the competition is open for applications from 9am on 14 January 2026.
Maps of the Council's gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting. The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.
A Shetland-based design and signage company has entered an exciting new chapter moving to larger, greener premises with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Established in 1992, Artmachine began as a vinyl graphics and design studio and soon expanded into signage services across Shetland and Orkney.