HIElights June/July 2013 issue 7

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

INNOVATION CENTRE

GAELIC RESEARCH

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lights Driving sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands

June/July 2013

Issue No. 7

Rachel Sermanni (left) with Mamie Coleman (VP Music, FOX Broadcasting Company), goNORTH - page 09

WELCOME / FÀILTE

IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome to HIElights, a regular update on the activities of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Forres business expansion

HIE is a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government, with a unique remit which integrates economic and community development. Active across half of Scotland, from Shetland to Argyll and from the Hebrides to Moray, HIE pursues four priorities to achieve sustainable growth:

Fresh thinking from graduates

• Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations

Creative Industries delivers jobs

• Strengthening communities and fragile areas

Big Green Challenge results

• Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities

Broadband project update

Scottish Land Fund extended

• Creating the conditions for a competitive and low carbon region HIE has an annual budget of more than £75m and employs around 250 people based in locations around the Highlands and Islands.

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

Stay up to date with HIE’s work across the Highlands and Islands at www.hie.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

OUR PRIORITIES

Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations A’ toirt taic do ghnìomhachasan is iomairtean sòisealta gus na h-amasan aca a dhealbhachadh agus a’ ruigsinn

DEVELOPING GLOBAL BUSINESS LEADERSHIP HIE is building on a 10 year transatlantic relationship with one of the world’s leading business and innovation schools to launch a £1.7m programme for Scottish businesses.

Business leaders who have taken part in past programmes delivered through HIE with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have hailed the benefits of expanding their entrepreneurial skills and thinking.

Businesses working with HIE can benefit from a wide range of tailored support. This includes

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masterclasses, entrepreneurs’ networking events, sponsored places on the MIT Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP), and access to experts and knowledge through HIE’s membership of the MIT Industrial Liaison Program (ILP).

The new programme of Entrepreneurship Support 2013-15 will complement other existing initiatives. This includes the Scottish EDGE, a £1m fund from the Scottish Government for entrepreneurs in young businesses, and HIE’s

Bill Aulet, Managing Director of MIT Entrepreneurship Centre

Leadership for Growth programme, as well as workshops to develop strategies in business development, marketing and international trade.

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HIE, said: “Successful businesses are the lifeblood of any economy. We aim to support ambitious entrepreneurs across our region in leading and growing world class businesses.”

STAG BAKERIES’ NEW INTERNATIONAL LOOK Stag Bakeries, based in Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, continues to show that an island location is no barrier to ambition by attracting interest from across the globe.

The Stag Bakeries team. (L to R) Alasdair Maclean, General Manager, Jenny Burton Sales and Marketing, Ted Bainbridge, Production Manager

Over the last three years, the company has been growing its reputation within speciality food circles as a quality brand. It has invested in additional marketing activity and equipment,

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as well as completing a rebranding exercise to attract additional export business.

HIE and Scottish Development International (SDI) assisted Stag with project costs and HIE provided specialist advice on marketing, branding and packaging, including guidance from the Food and Health Innovation Service.

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

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EASYJET INVESTS IN INVERNESS HIE has welcomed the announcement by easyJet that it is to enhance connections between Inverness and London from Spring 2014 as part of a new five year deal between the airline and Inverness Airport.

Following the airline’s successful purchase of Gatwick take off and landing slots from Flybe, easyJet has confirmed the introduction of an early morning departure and an evening arrival from the London hub.

HIE has worked with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltds (HIAL) and community partners to support highly constructive talks with easyJet. The agency provided latest business information on current and future regional opportunities to support the investment planning.

SMAS DELIVERS EXTRA VALUE Highlands and Islands businesses working with the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) delivered more than £1.7m added value to the region in the last year.

The advisory service, staffed by manufacturing experts, helps firms to grow by developing new products, services, processes and ways of working.

The Highlands and Islands team provides oneto-one advisory services for manufacturing companies, particularly around business process improvements, as well as advice on best practice in manufacturing, support for collaborative projects between companies, and signposting to initiatives that will help companies exploit new business opportunities.

To find out if they can help your business visit our website at www.hie.co.uk/smas

EFC EXPANDS IN FORRES EFC Group, a leading designer of control systems for the global oil and gas industry, has announced the launch of a new manufacturing plant in Moray.

The base in the Enterprise Park, Forres marks EFC’s second phase of expansion in the area and a £100,000 investment. It follows the opening of a satellite office in the same business park in September 2012.

Bob Will CEO EFC Group (left) with Tom Dixon, Operations Director EFC Group, Forres

us more. They demonstrated there was a real opportunity to build on our presence in Forres and to facilitate a smooth transition into this phase two plan more quickly than anticipated.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to open our second Scottish manufacturing facility, which will support our existing, busy plant in Aberdeen and the thriving order book we have achieved in the last 12 months.”

Group CEO Bob Will said: “HIE and Horizon Scotland centre staff could not have supported

GRADUATES AND BUSINESSES PRAISE PLACEMENTS Businesses across the region are reaping the benefits of a graduate placement programme which is keeping more talented young people in the Highlands and Islands, according to a HIE report.

To date, over 100 fresh thinking graduates have been recruited by employers as part of the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme which is designed to support business innovation and growth.

More than 40% of graduates taking part said that without it, they would have been less likely to have been working in the Highlands and Islands.

A report carried out for HIE reveals that the programme has had a direct benefit to graduates’ career progression and has encouraged them to remain in the region.

Around half of graduates were retained by their employers at the end of the placement.

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www.hie.co.uk

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The senior Atos team were joined by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead and HIE Chief Executive Alex Paterson for the opening of the new innovation centre.

GLOBAL FIRM CREATES 50 JOBS AT INNOVATION CENTRE A development and innovation centre for international IT services company Atos has been officially opened in Moray.

and constructed through HIE in less than a year, and with the support of Scottish Government funding.

Venture House, a brand new 20,000 sq ft facility on the Enterprise Park, Forres, was designed

The investment by Atos has created 50 high value jobs, with the potential for another 200 to

follow, and further strengthens the company’s commitment to grow its business in Scotland.

Venture House delivers state-of-the-art facilities for the Atos team, which was temporarily based at the ex-RAF Kinloss base before the move.

HOLIDAY PARK UK FASHION CAMPBELTOWN INVESTS IN SUCCESS PICTURE HOUSE COMPETITIVE EDGE Harris Tweed Hebrides, based in Shawbost on MARKS 100 YEARS An ambitious Highland holiday park in Argyll has set its sights on growing its competitive edge in the international marketplace and delivering high quality services for modern day guests.

Drimsynie Estates operates a number of holiday parks in the area, employing up to 200 staff at peak times. HIE has worked closely with the business for several years.

Its latest development has seen the business install a dedicated fibre broadband link which will allow it to provide guest wifi, grow e-commerce and develop core business activity locally.

Turnover is projected to increase and new roles are to be created in IT and Marketing.

HIE invested £23,000, 30 per cent of project costs.

the Isle of Lewis, is celebrating success at the UK Fashion and Textile Awards in London.

The company carried away the two top awards - UK Textile Business of the Year and UK Manufacturing Company of the Year. The awards were presented by the Princess Royal to the Chief Executive of Harris Tweed Hebrides, Ian Angus MacKenzie, and Chairman, Brian Wilson.

Mr MacKenzie said: “To receive both of these awards is an extraordinary recognition of how much the company has achieved in the five years since we finished our first tweed.”

HIE’s Innse Gall team works closely with Harris Tweed Hebrides, and has provided both financial support for its growth and access to a range of specialist programmes.

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Scotland’s oldest purpose built, continuously operating cinema has celebrated its 100th birthday.

The Picture House in Campbeltown has been managed by the Campbeltown Community Group since the mid-1980s. HIE is working with them on their growth plans and recently assisted with the introduction of digital technology, and with specialist public relations support.

Several projects have helped restore the cinema to something of its former glory, with grants from Historic Scotland and The Heritage Lottery Fund.

Now The Centenary Project aims to revive the interior of the wonderful art deco building.

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

HIGHEST HOSTEL IN THE HIGHLANDS

NEW OVERSEAS MARKETS

The Smugglers Hostel in Tomintoul has been officially opened by writer, broadcaster and mountaineer Cameron McNeish.

HIE has revealed that more companies than ever before were supported into new overseas markets last year by its international trade arm Scottish Development International (SDI).

Now owned by the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust (TGDT), the 200 year old youth hostel is trading on the iconic image of the whisky smugglers that the area is well known for.

TGDT is a community development trust supported by hundreds of local people.

Community opening of the Smugglers Hostel

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HIE, The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Moray Council and the Crown Estate all provide support to the Trust including funding for their Development Officer.

In 2012/13, SDI worked with 156 companies across the Highlands and Islands to develop their international business, representing an almost 50 per cent increase from 106 the previous year.

This included five high value international projects, which are expected to lead to an increase in export sales of £36m over three years.

ENERGY EXPERTS GROW INVERNESS FIRM An independent Inverness-based energy consultancy is expanding and looking to new international markets.

Supported by HIE, the company is looking to employ extra staff and significantly increase turnover over the next few years.

esave, set up by Directors Neil Watson and George Michie, provides advice and consultancy on all aspects of energy to clients across the UK, Scandinavia and Africa.

esave provides consultancy services, carrying out energy audits and offering advice on carbon reduction strategies such as renewable energy schemes. Their bespoke online energy and water

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(L to R) esave Director George Michie, Fergus Ewing MSP, esave Director Neil Watson and HIE’s Susan Addison

monitoring tool, ensensus, helps clients track their usage and cut waste.

Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, recently visited the company to find out more about their international expansion plans.

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

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OUR PRIORITIES Strengthening communities and fragile areas A’ neartachadh choimhearsnachdan agus sgìrean dùbhlanach

Lochboisdale

LOCHBOISDALE CONTRACT AWARDED The construction contract for an ambitious multi-million pound project at Lochboisdale has been awarded to Benbecula builders MacInnes Bros.

HIE is backing community landowners Stòras Uibhist with £5 million of investment towards the overall £9.5 million Lochboisdale Port of Entry project. The development will create new

marine leisure and fisheries facilities and provide access to land for community and commercial development for the wider area.

Douglas Cowan of HIE, said: “This project aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in one of the Highlands and Islands’ most fragile areas.

“It will open up access to land for business development and community housing as well as create infrastructure for the marine tourism market.”

MacInnes Bros has invested £1m in new plant for the work and is recruiting staff locally.

COMMUNITY RENEWABLES SUPPORTS NATIONAL TARGETS Highlands and Islands communities are playing an important role in the development of income generating renewable energy projects.

Since 2009, the CRESP project delivered by Community Energy Scotland, has supported 32 projects to develop wind and hydro schemes. Within the HIE area alone and with HIE support, over 16% (81.4MW) of the Scottish Government’s 2020 ambition for 500MW of renewable energy to be community or locally owned projects is currently being generated or Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

already under development.

Orkney projects have led the way. Working collaboratively, six projects have completed their single turbine installations and are now generating electricity. The collective income from these projects is around £1m each year.

In the last year generating capacity from community owned projects has doubled to 18 MW and it has the potential to increase fourfold in the next few years. www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

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DC RESEARCH AIR FHASTADH AIRSON RANNSACHADH GÀIDHLIG Tha HIE air DC Research air fhastadh airson a’ coimhead air Luach a’ Ghàidhlig mar Stòrais airson gnìomhachasan, coimhearsnachdan agus iomairtean sòisealta.

Còmhla ris na com-pàirtichean againn, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Dualchas Nàdair na h-Alba, Alba Cruthachail, Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar agus Comhairle EarraGhàidheal is Bhòid, tha dùil aig DC Research fhaighinn a-mach mar a tha a’ Ghàidhlig air a’ chleachdadh an dràsta agus de na cothroman a dh’fhaodadh a bhith ann.

Thuirt Niall Ros, Ceannard Fàs Coimhearsnachd:“Tron an obair a tha sinn a’ dèanamh mu thràth, tha sinn a’ faicinn gu bheil buannachdan ann dhan ar luchd-cleachdaidh airson Gàidhlig a’ cleachdadh. Bheir an rannsachadh seo fianais dhuinn air de a’ bhuaidh a tha air a bhith aig a sin air iomairtean agus bheir e dhuinn stiùireadh air na dòighean as fheàrr airson tuilleadh buannachdan fhaighinn bhon taic a thèid a chur air adhart.”

SCOTTISH LAND FUND EXTENDED

Mull of Galloway Estate.

Photograph courtesy of Mull of Galloway Trust

A Scottish Government fund to stimulate community growth by supporting local people to buy their own land and assets is to be extended.

First Minister Alex Salmond announced a further £3m for the Scottish Land Fund which will continue an extra year into 2016.

The fund was launched in 2012 and is delivered across Scotland by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Big Lottery.

It has already supported projects in Moray, Argyll and Ross-shire. The latest success story is a community buy out of the Mull of Galloway Estate which is to be protected and developed as a tourism and heritage asset.

RESEARCH EXAMINES GAELIC AS AN ASSET HIE has commissioned DC Research to study the economic and social value of Gaelic as an asset for businesses, communities and social enterprises.

In partnership with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Scottish Natural Heritage, Creative Scotland, The Highland Council, Argyll & Bute Council, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, HIE wants to look at the current use of Gaelic as an asset, and to examine the potential

Abhainn Dearg Distillery or Red River Distillery, Isle of Lewis

of the language to generate economic and social impacts.

Neil Ross, Head of HIE’s Community Growth team said, “Through the work we are already doing, we can see a whole range of benefits our clients are experiencing from capitalising on Gaelic. This research will help us quantify the impact we’re achieving through our actions to support Gaelic and guide us in deciding which future investments will deliver the strongest results.”

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LEWS CASTLE MUSEUM AND ARCHIVE The main works contract for the Lews Castle Museum and Archive project has been awarded to Graham Construction.

Conducted under EU procurement rules, the £8.5m contract will include a new museum and archive extension to the castle and repair and restoration works to the interior of the historic building.

The £13.5m project is led by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and HIE is conributing £1m. www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

OUR PRIORITIES

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Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities A’ leasachadh roinnean fàis, gu h-àraidh cothroman sònraichte na sgìre

REPORT EVALUATES ISLAND RENEWABLES The UK and Scottish Governments have published a report highlighting the benefits and costs of developing renewable energy generation on Scottish islands.

The work was guided and assisted by a steering group, with representatives from the island communities, HIE and the transmission companies.

It shows that renewable generation, including onshore wind, wave and tidal, on the Scottish Islands could make a significant contribution to the UK’s 2020 renewables targets.

It also provides detail on the impact of transmission links on the costs of deploying developments on islands compared to the mainland.

(L-R) Alex Paterson Chief Executive of HIE and Professor Lorne Crerar, Chairman of HIE

REGION DOES BUSINESS AT ALL-ENERGY The Highlands and Islands had a significant regional presences this year at All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy event.

Over 70 businesses, HIE, local authorities, and regional stakeholders used the international arena to showcase the region, its infrastructure, supply chain and resources.

ORKNEY MAN TO DEVELOP ISLAND SECTORS An Orkney man has been appointed to develop the area’s food, drink and craft sectors.

Edgar Balfour is originally from Evie and has lived and worked in Orkney all his life.

He has been appointed as a joint Development Officer for Orkney Quality Food and Drink and the Orkney Craft Association. The post is supported

by HIE, Orkney Islands Council and LEADER. A past Chairman of HIE Orkney, he has spent the last four years as Manager of the Kirkwall Post Office after almost 25 years running Orkney Meat Ltd.

Feedback from exhibitors and visitors highlighted the importance of the event for networking, deal making and winning new contracts.

demonstrated how investment in ports infrastructure and regional supply chain is accelerating growth in the marine sector. Senior Development Manager Gavin Mackay stressed the importance of HIE’s role in OFGEM’s fundamental review of island transmission charges.

And the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters‘ potential as Scotland’s first Marine Energy Park was profiled in a series of joint networking events hosted by HIE’s joint Head of Energy, Audrey MacIver.

Calum Davidson, HIE’s Director of Energy,

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DELIVER ECONOMIC BOOST A review of HIE’s investments in the creative industries sector has revealed that every £1 invested is generating an economic return of over £6. The additional support is helping businesses deliver millions of pounds extra for the economy.

While HIE’s business advisers support growth for individual companies the agency has also invested in significant infrastructure projects - including the Creative Industries and Media Centre in Stornoway; and helped develop trade

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networks delivering activity like the popular goNORTH showcase event.

The report, delivered by ekos, shows that HIE support to businesses and trade networks has generated a combined 270 jobs, with a further 250 forecast. The area’s economy has seen an additional boost of £9.3m in Gross Value Added (GVA), which is broadly delivered through profits and wages, with £7.2m forecast for the future.

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

BUMPER YEAR FOR CREATIVITY AT GONORTH 2013 was another record breaking year for Scotland’s leading creative industries conference and showcase, goNORTH. The event attracted over 1,000 delegates, held 35 sessions and events, showcased over 75 bands, screened 50 films and broadcast Radio goNORTH over the airwaves over two days at the start of June.

Panelists this year included international industry figures such as LA-based Mamie Coleman of Fox TV and Ernesto Elias of MTV, local successes such as fashion designer Sandra Murray MBE and Jura-based music producer Giles Perring, a recent nominee for producer of the year by the Music Producers Guild.

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goNORTH is Scotland’s leading creative industries festival

As well as providing a unique opportunity for creative talent to meet industry decision makers, the event saw a lot of business being done.

Carrbridge singer songwriter Rachel Sermanni’s performance attracted immediate licensing interest from a major US TV network.

NATURAL PRODUCTS CONFERENCE One of Scotland’s leading life sciences locations is the venue for an international conference on the importance of natural products.

Hosted by HIE, the Natural Products Conference will bring together experts, businesses and academic researchers on 25-26 September 2013 at the Scottish Association for Marine Science and European Marine Science Park, Dunstaffnage, near Oban in Argyll.

The conference will feature presentations from global leaders and explore opportunities for businesses and researchers working in natural products.

Over the next four years, global markets for health-related food and drink are expected to rise to £132bn and those for natural cosmetics to £176bn.

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

SHETLAND A FOCUS FOR ENERGY TESTING

FOOD AND DRINK ‘OSCARS’

Two locations in Shetland have been identified as potential onshore test sites for the next generation of offshore wind technology around the coastline of the Highlands and Islands.

Three ambitious companies working with HIE were recognised at this year’s Scotland Food and Drink Awards.

The extensive study by Atmos Consulting highlighted sites at Rova Head and Kebister Ness.

HIE has held positive initial discussions with landowners Shetland Islands Council and Lerwick Port Authority, about the potential development of these sites, and now intends to market test the proposition.

Scotland already has two similar test sites, at Hunterston in Ayrshire, where Mitsubishi and SSE plan to test machines later this year, and at Methil in Fife, where Samsung is testing a new turbine design.

Isle of Lewis-based Hebridean Sea Salt Ltd won the Soup, Preserves and Accompaniments award for its product which is hand-harvested from Hebridean sea water.

The prize for Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Drink was won by The Orkney Brewery for its deluxe beer, Dark Island Reserve.

And first place in the dairy category went to Taste of Arran for its Arran’s Cheese Shop Mustard Cheddar.

The grand final of the competition, which is organised by HIE, saw finalists from eight local heats debate topical renewable energy issues.

EMEC CELEBRATES TENTH ANNIVERSARY The Highlands and Islands’ status as a global centre in marine energy was cemented at a reception at All-Energy to mark the 10th anniversary of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

The celebrations were opened by HIE Chairman, Lorne Crerar: “EMEC has been the catalyst for Scotland’s role as a global leader in marine energy renewables,” said Professor Crerar. “The growth and success of EMEC has been a perfect example of Team Scotland at work, with strong leadership from HIE, the public sector, industry and academia.

“Together we have created the momentum which ensures that Orkney, the region and Scotland remain at the forefront of marine energy development and deployment.”

INVERNESS PUPILS WIN BIG GREEN CHALLENGE A team of pupils from Charleston Academy in Inverness has been hailed as the Highlands and Islands’ top young renewable energy experts, after the Scottish Parliament played host to the climax of this year’s Big Green Challenge debating competition.

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(L-R) Charleston Academy pupils Katie Stark, Jemimah Morris and Morvern Carmichael react with delight to the news of their win.

The event is sponsored by two major energy industry companies, SSE and Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe.

The finalists were from Alness Academy; Charleston Academy, Inverness; Golspie High School; Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh; Nairn Academy; Portree High School; Sandwick Junior High, Shetland, and Shawbost Community School, Lewis.

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(L-R) Professor Lorne Crerar, Chairman of HIE and Neil Kermode, Managing Director, EMEC

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

OUR PRIORITIES

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Creating the conditions for a competitive and low carbon region A’ cruthachadh àrainneachd airson sgìre le comas farpais is nas lugha de charbon

HIE AWARDS PROPERTY FRAMEWORK HIE has appointed four construction firms to its new prime contractor framework to deliver the majority of its building projects.

In the agreement which will last up to four years, Galliford Try Construction Ltd (trading as Morrison Construction in Scotland), Kier Construction Ltd, Mansell Construction Services Limited, and Robertson Construction Group Limited will work on projects estimated to be worth around £6m per year.

Carroll Buxton, Director of Regional Development at HIE, said: “We are delighted to have appointed these four highly skilled and respected companies, all of which have strong links to the area. This framework approach provides flexibility for the businesses and healthy competition for us which will ensure best value.”

HIE is now discussing a number of projects with the construction firms and hopes to award the first projects under the framework later in 2013.

SCOTTISH OPEN The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open is making a welcome return to Castle Stuart Golf Links for its third successive year from July 11 to 14.

The event has attracted growing numbers of visitors each year and an economic impact study carried out by HIE shows that it contributed £5m to the Scottish economy.

HIE’s Area Manager, Martin Johnson, said: “Castle Stuart Golf has successfully hosted the Scottish Open for the last two years and we are looking forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers to the Highlands and Islands for a third successful year.

“International media coverage has underlined the status of the Highlands and Islands as a golf destination. The high profile event has also helped us highlight the region’s assets to a wide variety of global investors.”

See progress at www.invernesscampus.co.uk

COLLEGE FIRST TO BUILD AT INVERNESS CAMPUS The first occupier at HIE’s Inverness Campus has announced it is to start building work.

The construction of the £50m Inverness College UHI premises is expected to create 300 jobs and a minimum of 28 modern apprenticeships. When complete, in 2015, it will provide facilities for over 8,500 students.

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The college will occupy a 13.3 acre site on HIE’s pioneering business, learning and research location.

As well as the high quality business sites, plans for Inverness Campus also include an innovative hotel, student accommodation, sports facilities, parkland and outdoor art area open to everyone.

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

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ENTERPRISE PARK BOOMING There has been significant growth at one of HIE’s flagship business parks - The Enterprise Park, Forres.

In response to strong demand from investors, Scottish Government funding has enabled HIE to accelerate the construction of three new

A REGION OF KNOWLEDGE Over the past five years HIE has invested £5m in a range of university-related projects in the field of marine energy.

The Highlands and Islands is home to a growing mass of research into the environmental impacts that wave and tidal devices will have on our seabed, our coastal waters, marine life, and our communities.

In 2008, HIE provided initial research funding, supported by EU structural funds and the Scottish Funding Council. Investments have seen the total number of researchers in the region with a focus on environment impacts of marine energy grow to approximately 80.

buildings and further open up the Park’s road and path infrastructure.

This work means that HIE now has access to develop a further 60 acres of land. The agency has commissioned a masterplan to set out its vision for the future.

The park currently has nine buildings including a business incubator as well as two units under development catering for 14 businesses and 500 employees. Businesses on site include AccuNostics Ltd, Atos Ltd, Capita plc, The EFC Group, HIE, Horizon Scotland, Mohn Aqua (UK) Ltd, and Scotland Electronics International Ltd.

£7M TO HELP BUSINESSES GO DIGITAL A new £7m funding package to help businesses across Scotland to participate in the digital economy has been announced by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

HIE, in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland, will make the government funding available to businesses in the region through a range of projects.

It will help companies adopt and make better use of digital technologies, to become more competitive.

Theresa Swayne, Senior Development Manager for Digital at HIE, said: “The rollout of

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

next generation broadband (NGB) across the Highlands and Islands is transformational. It will open up opportunities for businesses in rural areas to reach new markets, trade internationally and develop innovative ways of working.

“We are committed to supporting people to make the most of the internet access we have now and to prepare for the new capabilities NGB will bring.”

Please go to www.hie.co.uk/digital to access information about all Digital Highlands and Islands developments, including the NGB rollout, digital engagement, support and opportunities.

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

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ENGAGEMENT Working with government and parliament Ag obair leis an riaghaltas agus a’ Phàrlamaid

HIE BOARD IN SHETLAND The HIE Board were in Shetland at the end of May to visit businesses and social enterprises and hear about local opportunities and challenges.

and Chairman Professor Lorne Crerar were joined by Chief Executive Alex Paterson, Director of Regional Development Carroll Buxton and Area Manager for Shetland, Rachel Hunter.

Board members Professor Mary Bownes, William Swann, Craig Spence, Jim Royan, Steve Thomson

They met local business people including the

The Thurso Cinema, the UK mainland’s most northerly cinema celebrates further development after re-opening in 2012 with the introduction of digital technology. The cinema signed up to a Virtual Print Fee (VPF) deal with

Sony Digital Cinema with the installation of two SRX-R515 4K cinema projectors allowing cinema-goers to experience the best possible picture quality. Pictured here (L-R) David McIntosh, Director, Sony Europe, Roy Kirk

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HIE Board visit to the Scalloway Museum, Mainland, Shetland.

Shetland Arts Development Agency to see the new facilities at Mareel, and Greig Seafood Hjaltland, Ocean Kinetics, Peterson SBS, Laurence Odie Knitwear and social enterprise Scalloway Museum.

HIE Area Manager Caithness and Sutherland, Peter Guthrie, HIE Head of Strengthening Communities Caithness and Sutherland, Rob Arthur, Managing Director of The Thurso Cinema and Alex Paterson HIE Chief Executive. www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

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ORKNEY COMMUNITY BROADBAND CHARITIES AND SCOTLAND SHARE INNOVATION TRADING SESSION Pioneering Scottish communities looking to HIE is lead delivery partner of this new £5m improve broadband services in remote areas have met together for the first time.

A charities and trading session with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) took place in May in Orkney which gave charities the opportunity to learn more about trading and complying with charity legislation.

Participants gathered at a Community Broadband Scotland’s (CBS) event in Aviemore at the end of April.

The event organised by HIE and Voluntary Action Orkney was attended by an OSCR representative from the OSCR who delivered a presentation and answered questions.

Existing community broadband projects and the six CBS pioneer projects came together with the newly appointed CBS team. The session allowed the groups to share experiences and CBS staff were able to explore how the initiative could best help community efforts.

Scottish Government fund which is designed to help the most remote communities across the whole of Scotland to realise their digital ambitions.

CBS will go where the market won’t, ensuring the hardest to reach communities are not left behind. CBS works with communities currently receiving under 2 Mbps and which are least likely to benefit from the national next generation broadband (NGB) rollout programmes.

UPDATES ON NEXT GENERATION BROADBAND DELIVERY HIE’s Digital team has started a series of meetings with UK and Scottish politicians to provide updates on the agency’s pioneering role in supporting next generation broadband (NGB) development across the region.

HIE, the Scottish Government, BDUK and BT are investing £146m to roll out fibre broadband across the region. BT says the first fibre service delivered as a result will be live around April 2014.

Information is available from the HIE website www.hie.co.uk/digital - including the project’s

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

aims and latest activity.

More details, particularly for people who want to know when they can expect to receive NGB, will be available in stages from BT over the lifetime of the project.

www.hie.co.uk

June/July 2013

KEY FACTS

Things you may not know about the Highlands and Islands Rudan inntinneach mun Ghàidhealtachd ‘s nan Eilean

Population of the Highlands and Islands is 465,220 (2011). This represents an increase of 7.3% since 2001 and compares to a 4.6% increase overall in Scotland.

Tha àireamh-sluaigh na Gàidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan aig 465,220 (2011) – àrdachadh air 7.3% bho 2001 an taca ri 4.6% àrdachadh gu h-iomlainn ann an Alba.

Employment rate in the Highlands and Islands at 76.3%, is significantly higher than the rate for Scotland at 70.6% (2012).

Tha an ìre-cosnaidh anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus na h-Eileanan (76.3%) nas àirde na ann an Alba (70.6%) (2012).

Self-employment rate in the Highlands and Islands is 11.2%, which compares to 8.1% in Scotland (2012).

Tha an ìre fèin-fhastaichte anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan aig 11.2%, an taca ri 8.1% ann an Alba (2012).

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The Highlands and Islands area covers over 50% (39,900 sq km) of Scotland’s land mass, despite having only 9% of Scotland’s population. Population density is 12 people per sq km, compared to 127 people per sq km in the rest of Scotland.

Tha an roinn a’ còmhdachadh còrr air 50% (39,900sq cm) de meallfearainn na h-Alba, a dh’ aindeoin 9% de sluaigh na h-Alba. Tha dlùths àireamh an t-sluaigh 12 duine gach cilemeatair ceàrnagach an taca ri 127 duines gach cileameatair ceàrnagach ann an àiteanan eile air feadh Alba.

Claimant count unemployment in the Highlands and Islands over the past few years has been consistently below the Scottish and UK rates. (March 2013: Highlands and Islands 2.9%, Scotland 4.1%, UK 3.9%.).

Tha cìon-cosnaidh cunntais neach-tagraidh air a bhith tòrr nas lugha na ìre Alba agus RA air na cuid bliadhnaichean a dh’fhalbh.

(Am Màrt 2013: A’ Ghàidhealtachd is na h- Eileanan 2.9%, Alba 4.1%, RA 3.9%.)

The female dominated sectors of education, human health and social work are the largest employment sectors, employing nearly 30% of the workforce in the region.

‘S iad na roinnean-obrach fo bhuaidh boireannaich (foghlam, slàinte daonna agus obair shòisealta) na h-earrannan fastaidh as motha, a’ fastadh 30% de luchd-obrach san roinn.

The business start-up rate is higher in our region compared to Scotland with 3.5 new start-ups per 1,000 of the population compared to 2.6 per 1,000 in Scotland (2012).

Tha an ìre aig a bheil daoine a’ tòiseachadh gnìomhachasan nas àirde nar roinn an taca ri Alba, le 3.5 daoine ùr gach 1,000 den sluaigh againn, an taca ri 2.6 gach 1,000 ann an Alba ann an 2012.

Gross annual pay for all employee jobs in the Highlands and Islands of £18,993 is around 8% lower than the equivalent for Scotland (2011).

Bha am pàigheadh bliadhnail de £18,993 airson a h-uile luchd-obrach sa Ghàidhealtachd is na h-Eileanan, timcheall air 8% nas lugha Alba gu lèir (2011).

• (This information provides the latest available data from the most reliable sources.)

Ambitious for Scotland | Àrd-Amasach airson Alba

www.hie.co.uk

lights www.hie.co.uk info@hient.co.uk Published by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Cowan House, Inverness IV2 7GF All images are copyright Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

All written material Crown Copyright.

Ambitious for Scotland Àrd-amasach airson Alba