The Shine of the Scottish Highlands and Islands

As a Scottish-American based in the Washington, DC area, I value that each day someone or something connected to Scotland inspires me. In my various roles, I am an enthusiastic proponent of raising the Scotland is Now banner. In telling that story, I often sprinkle in my own additional expression of Scotland is Wow. The Highlands and Islands exemplifies that sincere belief. Frequently, my mind turns to the region, and those contemplations find an ardent welcome in my words of public praise.

I recently had the pleasure of a conversation with Elsie Normington who is the visionary behind the innovative The Haven Centre in Inverness. The Haven Centre just opened its doors amidst a lovely celebration. The Centre will be Scotland’s first multi-purpose facility for disabled young people with complex needs.

The meeting with Elsie was uplifting and inspiring. While we focused on The Haven Centre, I came away recommitted to upholding internationally that spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that permeates the Highlands and Islands. The world needs to know the contemporary attributes of the region beyond the romanticised version that is often assigned to it.

One modern story that I have come to truly admire is that of the University of the Highlands and Islands ( UHI ). As an academic institution, UHI is first rate. It offers an extensive set of courses with top teaching, and possesses a wide research portfolio. However, the UHI identity reaches well beyond traditional academics. UHI is uniquely engaged as a partner in building and enhancing local communities. It offers a framework of how such university and college partnerships with the community should function. Were there a global award for such engagement, UHI would be at the top of the list. It is a role model institution. Educational institutions, researches, businesses, and students from around the world should take a serious look at partnering with or attending UHI.

I also admire the active business networks in the Highlands and Islands, and the people behind them. Several come to mind in terms of how they are bridging economic growth, community development, and international aspirations.  

For over 50 years, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been rendering service to businesses, communities and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands. These last few years, the work of HIE has been critical. Their advocacy and engagement during and after COVID has been vital. HIE has raised the profile of why investing in the region is attractive, and offered support to businesses who have relocated there. HIE has now presented a five-year strategy for a greener, fairer, and more resilient region. It is a visionary and aggressive plan that boldly seizes a moment to bring new jobs and inject significant resources into the local economy.

So, too, has the Inverness Chamber of Commerce (ICC) continued to do exceptional work. In a variety of creative ways, ICC sparks linkages across the business community which fosters a genuine cooperative spirit. They have also been effective in globally promoting Inverness and the Highlands. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce network is hugely beneficial across Scotland, and the ICC continues to stand out for the work it is doing.

 Additionally, The Scottish Council for Development and Industry ( Prosper ) which works across Scotland offers a rich commercial resource in the Highlands. It is advancing ideas around key questions of housing, transportation, and infrastructure challenges. SCDI have been essential to supporting growth, advocating for greater investment in the Highlands and Islands, and aiding emerging businesses. SCDI’s Annual Highlands & Islands Business Excellence Awards is this week on 6th September. The exciting event will again showcase a diversity of businesses, institutions, organisations, and individuals at the heart of all these vibrant networks.

I also see innovation and strong forward facing leadership at the Port of Inverness and the Inverness Airport . The Port of Inverness is an integral part of the local economy and one of the oldest businesses operating in the Highlands. It also has a global link. Leaders there deserve credit for their forward-looking plans. Further, the expansion of the airport will be a massive step in the right direction. And there is genuine progress to expand a wider rail network infrastructure. All this progress is essential for economic growth, global engagement, international trade, and expanding outside investment.

One of the contemporary jewels of the Highlands and Islands is the theatre and entertainment venue of Eden Court Highlands . The facilities are modern, but the range of diverse performances are inspiring. It is represents a great success story.

Once when crossing over the Dornoch Firth Bridge with my friends Alison Wilson and Gary I Campbell of UHI, Alison pointed out the sublime beauty of the wide arc of the sky. There was reverence in her voice. Alison was correct, it was astonishing. As I close my eyes sitting an ocean away, I think of that extraordinary sky, the bridge, friends and leaders across the Highlands and Islands. I am inspired by the wide shine of the moment, the stirring crossing into the future, and the vision of the passionate people who are driving the region to that promising point.

Ian Houston is a GlobalScot, a columnist and commentator, writer, and an advocate for international engagement and trade. He is based in the Washington, DC area.