Proposals for creating an innovation zone for the Western Isles to attract investment and support for business are being drawn up.
The aim is to create jobs by encouraging enterprise and boosting economic development.
New and enhanced powers would allow incentives to be provided for new and expanding companies to help offset the extra costs of operating from the islands.
The initiative is being driven by joint Our Islands, Our Future campaign which was set up by Comhairle and Orkney and Shetland councils to get better recognition from both the Scottish and UK governments for the three island communities.
Though the proposal is at an early stage, one possible feature may be to offer a business rates discount.
Other incentives such as financial support, streamlined planning protocols or the availability of skills and training, may be packaged for a marketing campaign to promote the commercial benefits to potential investors.
Islands Minister Derek Mackay gave a "clear commitment" to consider any proposals from the island councils to establish local innovation zones.
He asked the councils to engage with Highlands and Islands Enterprise "to set out
in further detail the potential of any such zone," when the proposal was discussed
at the island areas' ministerial working group -
Mr Mackay said: “The Scottish Government’s economic strategy has placed innovation
at the heart of its plan for long-
“Overall, I welcome the work done to date by the councils to identify specific sources of potential competitive advantage and jobs growth as well as the aim of a potential innovation zone.
“In determining the strategic imperatives of any zone, a thorough assessment of genuine strengths and real potential is crucial."
Business innovation zone plan under discussion
28 November 2015