During a period of industrial decline in much of the country, the Board invested heavily in the diversification of the regional economy, supporting business ventures in new sectors and encouraging the use of new technologies.
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HIDB hosts a major conference in Aviemore: Energy in the 90s, which promotes the Highlands and Islands as a “geographical test bed” for nuclear, wave and wind power, offshore oil and gas, hydropower, solar energy, peat and timber.
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Start of 1980-82 recession due to the tightening of monetary and fiscal policy to reduce inflation.
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The Highlands and Islands Air Services (Scotland) Act 1980 makes formal provision for the subsidising of air services to and across the region.
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Self-help TV transmitters
Acharacle, in Ardnamurchan, secures the first licence for a community-owned television relay, thanks to the determined efforts of its local butcher in challenging Home Office Policy.
This leads to a programme of licensing for 'self-help' TV relay transmitters, originally being used illegally by small communities to access public service broadcasting. These self-help schemes are generally funded by the local community, and tend to cover relatively small areas.
The HIDB provides support to a number of groups installing relays, the costs of which can range from £1,000 to £8,000 depending on distance and height between premises and the masts.
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The HIDB publishes 'The future of ferry services in the Highlands and Islands: A development strategy'. It proposes radical restructuring of all Scottish ferry services by a long-term programme of reinvestment in vessels, terminals and related facilities.
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Supporting Creativity and Craft
In Beauly, the Highland Craftpoint building is ready to be opened. This new organisation aims to stimulate and support the development of the crafts industry and help artists achieve commercial success. Craftpoint provides individual advice to craft firms on technical and business issues, including marketing, and offers a range of training courses, as well as a crafts apprenticeship scheme. They are also responsible for trade fairs, showcasing Highland crafts.
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The Board continues to provide financial support to the salmon farming sector, meeting the high demand for assistance from businesses in this expanding sector.
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HIDB adopts two new tourism strategies: to develop the provision of water sports in Argyll and Bute, and to undertake a recreational development project in the Great Glen. The Board appoints a water sports development officer on a three year contract, to ensure that both projects are expertly realised.
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A new crafts complex and tearoom 'An Clachan' opens in Leverburgh, on the Isle of Harris. It is built by the HIDB and leased to Harris community co-operative Co-Chomunn Na Hearadh. The facilities include an exhibition area devoted to the story of Harris Tweed, and a demonstration room, as well as a tearoom, workshop and retail outlet.
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Two new scheduled air services begin: a direct service between Edinburgh and Kirkwall by Loganair; and one between Glasgow and Wick via Aberdeen, by Air Ecosse. Loganair withdraws the twice-daily scheduled service between Inverness and Edinburgh, citing the effects of improved road access between the two centres, alongside rising airport charges, as reasons for termination of the service.
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The Board agree to purchase the building used by Highland Stoneware in Lochinver, and construct a 2,500 square foot extension for the company. The HIDB also build a second premises for the business in Ullapool, incorporating a workshop and retail unit.
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Winds of change in Orkney
Burgar Hill in Orkney is established as a test site for wind turbines.
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NEW ERA FOR WESTERN ISLES
The board proposes an EEC backed Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the Western Isles. It's the first European funded financial programme to deliver tangible benefits to remote communities in the region, creating local markets and having a high degree of local control. Communities are keen to become involved, and the plan would stimulate community awareness and individual enterprise.
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New infrastructure for the oil industry
A new tanker terminal at Nigg is inaugurated to handle oil from the Beatrice Field.
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The British Aluminium smelter at Invergordon closes at the end of the year, in the wake of the pulp mill closure at Corpach the previous year.
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RK Carbon Fibres Ltd begin operations at Muir of Ord, manufacturing carbon fibre for use in various industrial applications.
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HIDB opens Isle of Raasay Hotel
HIDB's conversion of the former Borrodale House is complete and the Isle of Raasay Hotel opens.
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The European Economic Commission announces an Integrated Development Programme (IDP) for the Western Isles. The initiative removes financial barriers to local individuals entering small scale salmon farming, supporting a significant increase in the number of salmon farms by 1984.
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The HIDB pioneers a scheme to install moorings for visiting yachts, effectively opening up the west coast to sailors. Pontoon landing stages are built at Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, Inchnacardoch Bay, Loch Oich and Laggan Locks, and 18 jetties are constructed on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal. This is jointly financed by the HIDB and the British Waterways Board.
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Fèis movement begins
The first Fèis takes place on the Isle of Barra (Fèis Bharraigh), with the aim of promoting and developing Gaelic language, music and culture among young people. It is established following local concerns about the decline in these traditions amidst a lack of provision in the formal education sector.
The annual Gaelic arts, music and culture event lays down the path for many more Fèisean around Scotland, each community led and tailored to local needs.
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Following Rear Admiral David Dunbar-Nasmith's one year appointment, the Board's fifth chairman is international business consultant Robert Cowan. He is the last and longest serving chairman of the HIDB.
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The Secretary of State turns down a planning application for skiing development at Lurcher’s Gulley on the Board’s Cairngorm Estate. This follows a major public inquiry.
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a link to the black isle
The Kessock Bridge opens across the Beauly Firth, linking Inverness with North Kessock on the Black Isle. It is the second and most southerly of the "Three Firths" crossings transforming road connectivity in the Highlands. Replacing the Kessock Ferry with its limited vehicle capacity, or a 20 mile drive via Beauly, the opening of the bridge significantly reduces journey times between Inverness (and the rest of Scotland) and the far north.
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GENERATING COMMUNITY ENERGY
This year sees communities working together in a powerful way, with HIDB investing in the UK's first community based wind power scheme. This pioneering project takes place on Fair Isle, Shetland, and not only harnesses the natural resources of the region, but puts local people firmly in charge of their energy costs.
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Còr na Gàidhlig report published in 1982 leads to the formation of a series of Gaelic policy initiatives within the HIDB, including the creation of An Comunn Gàidhealach.
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The Board commissions research work into renewable energy, notably wind turbines.
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Construction work concludes at Sullom Voe.
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Following the closure of the British Aluminium smelter at Invergordon, an Enterprise Zone is created for Invergordon and Alness with special 10 year taxation and planning status.
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The HIDB supports the installation of the world’s first sea-water heat pump at Iona Abbey.
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Rig Inspection, repair and maintenance in the Cromarty Firth
Investment by the Board includes rig inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) in the Cromarty Firth and the first Oil Rig is soon undergoing IRM at Invergordon.
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The Board introduces a village hall scheme, designed to help communities make use of existing facilities to provide all-weather attractions for tourists, and also to accommodate social and recreational pursuits. Almost £10,000 is divided amongst 30 schemes.
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Construction work concludes on the A9 upgrading south of Inverness.
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Sabhal Mòr Ostaig starts delivering full-time further education courses in the medium of Gaelic.
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The European Economic Council agrees the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) after several years of negotiations. The policy originally formed part of the Common Agricultural Policy, but has developed a separate identity as the European community has evolved and adopted Member States with substantial fishing fleets. The policy ensures the preservation of fish stocks and the economic viability of European fishing fleets, and protects the marine environment. This new CFP provides for conservatory management measures based on total allowable catches and quotas.
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A loss of 4,000 jobs occurs at Nigg fabrication yard on completion of their latest contract. A surge in IRM work continues, aided by Scottish Development Agency funded reclamation scheme at Invergordon.
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HIDB’s property portfolio exceeds 300 factory and workshop units for first time. The largest of these is a factory for Highland Forest Products Ltd at Dalcross.
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The Tourism (Overseas Promotion) (Scotland) Act 1984 provides authority for the Board to start marketing Scotland’s attractions internationally.
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The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) puts seven Scottish airports up for sale - Sumburgh, Inverness, Kirkwall, Benbecula, Wick, Islay and Tiree. The extent of their annual deficit makes the proposals unattractive to the private sector, and a bid by the islands authorities to take over their own individual airports, with Government assistance, is turned down.
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The 'Highland Chieftain' replaces the 'Clansman' on the Inverness to London service via the East Coast Main Line.
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KEEPING GAELIC ALIVE
A new body called Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG) is launched to co-ordinate new Gaelic related initiatives. The language is part of the region's heritage and has an important role to play in both social and economic development.
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building bridges for Sutherland
The Kylesku Bridge opens in North West Sutherland, replacing the ferry from Kylesku to Kylestrome over Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin.
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Serimax, a global welding and fabrication solutions firm for offshore and onshore projects, open their pipe spool base at Evanton.
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INDUSTRY GROWTH COMES NATURALLY
The Norbord Plant is established at Dalcross in Inverness.
The Inverness mill is the first in Europe to manufacture orientated strand board (OSB), a particle board made from woodchips and used in the building trade. The process uses small roundwood which is plentiful in the region.
This plant is also the first OSB plant in Europe to receive Forestry Stewardship Council accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to the environment and sustainable forestry practices.
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Taking the HILine
Following the success of their landmark advance booking system in the 70s, the HIDB introduces HILine, a computerised booking system which will bring the entire tourism sector together on one database.
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Fort William welcomes a new tourist information centre and cinema complex with the backing of the HIDB. The first film shown in the cinema, the Walt Disney animated fantasy adventure film The Black Cauldron, is sold-out. The complex is leased and later sold to a local tourism operator.
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The Rise of Pharmaceuticals
The HIDB agrees support for plans to manufacture natural pharmaceutical products in the former fish-drying factory at Breasclete, Isle of Lewis.
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Investing in aquaculture
Total investment by the HIDB in fish farming since 1965 reaches £23.8m (1985 prices).
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The Scottish Crofters Union is set up to promote and protect the interests of crofters in the region and help crofting communities to thrive.
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A fishmeal processing factory opens at Ardveenish on the Isle of Barra.
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The HIDB boundary is further extended to include Forres and Upper Moray. This area consists of the parishes of Aberlour, Cabrach, Dallas, Dyke, Edinkillie, Forres, Inveravon, Kinloss, Kirkmichael, Knockando, Mortlach, Rathford and Rothes.
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The Skye Development Programme is launched, following the success of Western Isles IDP, helping remote communities create new business.
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Glensanda Superquarry begins operation on the Morvern peninsula on the shores of Loch Linnhe, and the first shipload of granite is transported to Texas. The quarry is developed by Foster Yeoman in response to a UK Government report, which identified a shortage of aggregates for building. It proposed the idea of a superquarry, situated in a remote location, from which stone could be exported by sea. This project creates well-paid jobs in a remote area, with around 160 employees either living on site or commuting by boat from Barcaldine, near Oban.
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Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd is established by the Government, to operate airports in the region on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority.
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Following a study on Telecommunications in the Highlands and Islands, commissioned by the HIDB and the Office of Telecommunications, the Board hosts a joint conference with Oftel on the implications for the Highlands and Islands. The report outlines the potential social and economic benefits of advanced telecommunications technology and new opportunities offered, especially for businesses in remote rural areas.
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SUPPORTING COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE
The Association of Community Enterprises in the Highlands and Islands - ACE-HI is established. This is a support body for community enterprises, offering help and advice, and sharing skills and knowledge throughout different communities across the region.
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BT Nutrition opens a £3.5m salmon and trout feed mill in the Invergordon Enterprise Zone.
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a warmer shetland
A community electricity scheme is constructed on the island of Foula, Shetland which is not connected to any mainland electricity grid system. It comprises a 3.3kV island grid linking diesel generators, a wind turbine and a hydroelectricity scheme to the island’s properties.
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The first Policy and Financial Management Review of HIDB takes place, conducted by the Treasury and Scottish Office. It gives a glowing endorsement of the Board’s effectiveness in stimulating economic growth and revitalising the region.
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The Queen opens a new £3.5m wet dock facility at Invergordon that will boost the Cromarty Firth's oil industry potential. The Queen's Dock is an extension to the facilities for repair and maintenance of oil rigs.
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The Board approves a number of major financial assistance packages including three large fishing vessels in Shetland and Walkers Shortbread in Moray.
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This year sees the first successful hatchery production of juvenile halibut at the Marine Farming Unit in Ardtoe.
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Oil-related employment in the Highlands and Islands continues to fall as fabrication yards at Ardersier, Arnish and Kishorn struggle, although rig inspection, maintenance and repair operations are strong, with a doubling of the number of rigs needing work.
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The Highlands and Islands is one of four areas in Britain, and 73 in the EU to qualify for Objective 5(b) European assistance. This is a major region-wide programme, which aims for a more flexible approach to rural development.
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Approval is given to create a funding package for the Aonach Mòr gondola and ski area.
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The MV Columba, the last dedicated hoist-loading Cal-Mac vessel, is withdrawn from service. It is sold, refurbished and emerges the following year as the luxury cruise ship, The Hebridean Princess.
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An Agricultural Development Policy (ADP) is introduced for the Scottish islands, with the exception of the Outer Hebrides, to encourage the expansion of the agriculture sector in the area. The policy provides for financial assistance to be given towards the cost of farm and livestock development measures, agriculture infrastructure, or to support measures set out in a farm plan.
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the final days of dounreay
Staffing numbers are reduced from 1989 as the Government decides to wind down the Fast Breeder Reactor programme at Dounreay. A Caithness Project Team is set up to address the employment rundown.
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Nevis Range opens
Following numerous feasibility studies on the viability of a winter sports development on Aonach Mòr, construction begins in late 1988. A strong focus on environmental protection is sustained throughout the build, and Nevis Range opens to the public in late 1989. It is hailed as a model of a well-managed, low impact development.
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Heriot Watt University establishes the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) in Stromness, Orkney as a specialist arm of its School of Life Sciences. It offers research and Msc provision focusing on renewables and the environment.
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Shetland Catch Limited opens as a joint venture between the Lerwick Harbour Trust (now Lerwick Port Authority), the Shetland Fish Producers Organisation and Jaytee Seafoods, to process herring and mackerel for sale to customers all over the world. By 2015, it is the largest pelagic factory of its kind in Europe.
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NEW COMMUNICATIONS
Communication is always an issue for remote areas, and the HIDB makes its largest single investment to date - the ground-breaking Highlands and Islands Telecommunications Initiative. They invest £4.9m towards a £16.2m programme by BT to roll-out ISDN, including the upgrading of 43 telephone exchanges across the area. This pioneering project would go on to pave the way for broadband and transform communications for some of the UK’s most remote areas.