HIE Western Isles

Economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has reported assisting supporting 130 jobs in the Western Isles in the last year.

A summary of the organisation’s year-end figures shows turnover among supported businesses and social enterprises in the Outer Hebrides will increase by £4 million as a result of HIE’s investments.

This year has seen the opening of two major infrastructure projects in the Outer Hebrides. The community-led Lochboisdale port-of-entry was opened in September while 17 jobs were created following the opening of the distillery in Tarbert.

Also, with £2.8million investment from HIE, work will soon commence at BASF factory at Breasclete, Lewis, which makes omega 3 rich fatty acids for use in pharmaceutical and dietary supplements. The company is expanding to take advantage of its continuing global growth. Eighty high quality jobs will be supported and a further 20 jobs created in the life science sector as part of this project in the next three years.

Progress continued to be made in specific sectors such as creative industries, food and drink and tourism. Significant investments in these sectors include £300,000 to Harris Tweed Hebrides for a major expansion project which aims to create up to ten jobs.

The Outer Hebrides’ seven account managed communities continue to gain confidence and move towards sustainability through a number of community developments.

HIE funds local development officer posts in North Uist, Barra, Galson, Lochs and Harris.

HIE’s administration of the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) continued to support community land and asset acquisition across Scotland, including the Pairc, Barvas, Gallan Head, Keose, and Carloway estates this year.

Just over 40% of households and businesses in the Outer Hebrides can now access the new high-speed fibre broadband network, said the agency.

Rachel Mackenzie, HIE area manager for Outer Hebrides, said: “We are putting a lot of emphasis on account management and relationships with businesses that have growth potential and ambition. Each year we set challenging goals that deliver measurable benefits for those clients, and that enables the region to contribute to Scotland’s economic growth.

“At the same time, our commitment to community development, much of which is also underpinned by account management, has achieved excellent results. Community ownership of land and assets continues to grow, helping to improve the resilience of some of our most fragile areas. There is similar growth among many social enterprises, which helps tackle inequality, create jobs, develop skills and boost the economy.”

HIE hails Western Isles investments

18 May 2016