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50 jobs supported by HIE in Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross in 2023/24





Figures compiled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) show that businesses and communities supported by the agency across Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross during the last financial year are set to create or retain around 50 jobs, including 15 in fragile areas.

HIE’s outturns for 2023/24 were achieved through a combination of financial and non-financial interventions by the agency.

They included approved investment of more than £2.5m in more than 40 projects across Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross with a combined total cost of £7.9m. The organisation also helped to attract nearly £6m in external investment to the area.

As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are forecast to see combined turnover rise by more than £31m and international sales by around £13m.

HIE’s support for social enterprises, meanwhile, is forecast to bring about a £155,000 uplift in the social economy annual turnover.

There was also support for businesses across the patch to innovate, diversify, grow and create new jobs.

They include a £51,400 approval to the Highland Soap Company in Fort William towards a £205,600 expansion project that will double its production capacity, significantly increase turnover and create new jobs.

Investment of £175,900 was approved towards the costs of improving the energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of Glenfinnan House Hotel, helping the business to move to year-round operation.

A £113,300 project by the West Highland Tea Company (WHTC) to reduce its carbon footprint while increasing production and creating jobs secured a £56,600 investment from HIE.

Kishorn Port Limited was awarded £500,000 to help fund marine investigation works to inform a major upgrade.

Alastair Nicolson, HIE area manager for Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross, said:“It was great to be able to support so many projects across Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross last year that really sought to capitalise on the area’s strengths and natural advantages.

“We remain ambitious in the current year and continue to challenge ourselves to identify and pursue more economic opportunities as they arise. That’s what our five-year strategy, launched last year, is all about and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners, businesses and communities to secure further economic benefits for the area.”

The figures compiled by HIE are subject to review by Audit Scotland before publication of the agency’s annual report in December.

HIE also released its operating plan for 2024-25 today.

Priorities within Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross is to:

• Work with communities, businesses and partner agencies to create the conditions to attract and retain a skilled workforce (in and around the main settlements of Fort William and Portree), and to tackle rural depopulation with a particular focus on Wester Ross and north Skye.

• Foster collaboration to ensure we maximise community and supply chain benefits from major renewable energy investments within the area, including the proposed pump storage hydro scheme at Coire Glas and evolving developments at Kishorn Port.

• Work with our client portfolio to adapt to current labour market conditions and improve productivity – in collaboration with major manufacturing operators in sectors such as food and drink.


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