Figures compiled by Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) show that it exceeded 18 out of 20 of its key targets in 2024/25 with particularly good performance in innovation, green jobs and across what it calls Focus Areas which are disadvantaged areas which require targeted support for inclusive growth.
The agency was involved in securing more than £81 million pounds in external investment to the region which included around £24 million pounds in green investment, a similar amount in Focus Areas, and £28 million pounds external investment in community group projects and social enterprises.
Support provided to businesses and communities by HIE is forecast to create or retain around 765 jobs across the region. These include 242 green jobs and 293 jobs in inclusive growth focus areas. The period saw HIE’s highest level of investment in community organisations in three years with £7.5 million pounds approved for 271 projects across the region.
New Craigs Hospital in Inverness which provides care to people across the Highlands with mental illness and learning disabilities with further services including dementia care and alcohol and drugs recovery, has officially been handed over to NHS Highland on the expiry of the private finance initiative under which it was constructed and has been maintained since it was built in 2000.
The Chief Executive of NHS Highland confirmed the building is in excellent condition and there would be no impact on services as a result of the transfer. The cost of construction is believed to have been £16.5 million pounds whereas the total cost to the health board of taking the facility into its ownership is estimated to be in excess of £100 million pounds by virtue of the private finance initiative funding.
Parts of one of the most significant Highland businesses will change hands when Japanese company Mitsui takes over three companies currently owned by Global Energy Group, headquartered in Inverness.
The companies are The Port of Nigg, Global Energy (Fabrication) and Global Energy Services. The value of the deal has not been disclosed but the purchasers say it paves the way for significant new investment at Nigg supporting long term skilled employment and economic growth in the Highlands. The Global Energy Group, owned by Roy MacGregor Chairman of Ross County Football Club, w
