HIE chairman: 'Highlands have key role in Covid-19 comeback'
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Unlocking the potential of the north will be key to Scotland’s recovery from the economic impact of coronavirus.
Writing on the development agency’s website, Highlands and Islands Enterprise chairman Alistair Dodds is positive about the future of the region, especially following the publication of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, including the announcement of a £100 million Green Jobs Fund.
This is something the region could be well placed to benefit from, given it has a marine environment which is ideal for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy development and existing skills and infrastructure developed for the oil and gas sector, which could be adapted for the renewable energy sector.
Mr Dodds also commends HIE’s staff for their “huge effort” in helping distribute more than £28 million of additional Scottish Government support to hard-hit businesses and communities, and highlighted its work with businesses and other organisations to plan for the future.
Mr Dodds writes: “Collaboration is a strong theme that runs through all these responses to the pandemic. Engagement with local communities, businesses, other public bodies and local authorities is fundamental to achieving progress. I have seen these partnerships strengthen during the crisis and I expect they will become stronger still during recovery.”
Mr Dodds also commented on the need to provide opportunities for young people to pursue rewarding careers in the region and welcomed the Scottish Government’s Youth Guarantee, promising young people the chance of work, education or training.
“It’s clear from the Programme for Government that unlocking the potential of the Highlands and Islands will be a key factor in Scotland’s recovery,” he concludes.
“We look forward to working with businesses, social enterprises, communities and partners to make the most of new opportunities, bring benefits for every part of the region, and to make sure the Highlands and Islands emerge from this crisis as quickly as possible."
