Building on the establishment of University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), this decade has seen HIE invest heavily in digital technology and other high tech, high value added investments. A particular focus on internationalisation and innovation have helped make the economy more resilient to external shocks, and to create more higher paying jobs across the region.
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wave hello to a new energy revolution
Pelamis Wave Power Ltd are named as the technology supplier for three major offshore wave energy projects in the world’s first marine energy seabed leasing off the north coast of Scotland. The projects include two offshore wave projects near the west coast of Orkney and a wave farm site off the north coast of Sutherland.
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Welcon Towers concludes lease agreements with HIE for an extension to their existing factory at Machrihanish, to facilitate the production of offshore turbine towers in addition to those already manufactured for the onshore market, potentially providing employment for around 300 staff by 2012.
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As part of its remit for a greener, more sustainable Scotland, HIE signs the Highland Climate Change Declaration, committing to reduce emissions by 3% per year.
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major investment in renewables
Developed by HIE and SE in 2010, the National Renewable Infrastructure Plan aims to identify key strategic ports, harbours and fabrication facilities around Scotland, that could accommodate large scale inward investment for off-shore renewable manufacturing, and associated supply chain. Nigg, Ardersier, Machrihanish, Kishorn and Arnish are selected as having the potential for major manufacturing.
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Alex Paterson is appointed Chief Executive of HIE.
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EMEC, the world’s flagship test centre for full-scale wave and tidal energy machines, completes a £5m expansion, increasing its capacity by a third and enabling new prototype devices to go into the water.
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DEFENDING LOCAL JOBS
HIE establishes the Moray Task Force to tackle job losses in the defence sector. When the UK Government publish its Strategic Defence and Security Review in October, Moray is particularly affected, with the cancellation of the Nimrod contract and withdrawal of personnel from RAF Kinloss. There is also uncertainty about the future of RAF Lossiemouth.
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world class subsea facilities
Stenman Engineering's Underwater Centre in Fort William embarks on a £5m improvement and expansion programme to cement its position as a world-leading subsea training facility. HIE invests £1.5m in the project which will increase diver training capacity at the Centre and create 20 new jobs as well as safeguarding the 53 existing jobs.
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The EU2020 Strategy is approved by the European Council. It is designed to advance the EU economy, and promote sustainable economic growth.
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The Cairngorms National Park is extended to take in Blair Atholl and Spittal of Glenshee.
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THE NEXT GENERATION OF BROADBAND
HIE successfully bids to be one of the initial four rural areas in the UK to receive a funding package from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) to spearhead the rollout of Next Generation Broadband.
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The Crofting Reform (Scotland Act) 2010 is passed, and the Crofters Commission’s development functions are transferred to HIE. It will now be named the ‘Crofting Commission’, and members of the Board will include a majority of elected crofters. Meanwhile, Register for Scotland announces plans to establish a map-based register of crofts.
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West Highland College UHI is established with the merger of Lochaber, and Skye and Wester Ross Colleges.
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Glasgow School of Art establishes a presence in the region. They open the Institute for Design Innovation (InDI) at Forres Enterprise Park, and the Digital Design Studio at the Centre for Health Science in Inverness. The InDI will have a particular focus on digital health research, while the Digital Design Studio will bring virtual medical training to areas of Scotland that struggle to gain access to traditional medical training resources.
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After securing a £65m information and communications technology contract with the Highland Council, global company Fujitsu establish a new headquarters at Beechwood Business Park in Inverness. This new office will be staffed by 70 of Fujitsu's 500 Scottish employees.
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The Spirit of Lewis
The Spirit of Lewis, the first cask of whisky to be distilled in the Outer Hebrides since 1829, is unveiled for tasting. Abhainn Dearg Distillery, or Red River in English, is located in Uig on the Isle of Lewis, and is the first legal whisky distillery in the Outer Hebrides in almost two hundred years. Following the initial tasting, the distillery releases their first single malt at three years in 2011. There will be no further bottling available until 2018 when the first spirit laid down will be a mature ten year old single malt whisky.
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Work begins on a second slipway at Crinan Boatyard near Lochgilphead. This enables it to handle an increased number of boats and take advantage of the increasing popularity of sailing in the west of Scotland.
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The Harris Tweed Industry Forum (HTF) recognises that if Harris Tweed is to continue and grow, there needs to be a radical reassessment of the product, and how the cloth is positioned in the market. There also needs to be a collaborative approach to shared issues of concern such as press coverage, skills and training and seasonality. In response to this, the group launches an industry strategy outlining its framework for development for the next three years. The HTF strives to "realise the potential of Harris Tweed as a world renowned brand, leading to sustainable growth in the industry and contributing to the economic well-being of the Outer Hebrides".
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A new research unit looking at the impact of lipids, commonly known as fats, on disease development is set up by UHI. It is part of a £2.3m funding partnership between HIE, the European Regional Development Fund (through UHI as a key allocator of strategic funds) and the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council. The unit is the first in Scotland to turn the spotlight specifically on the role of lipids in disease.
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pioneering the home working revolution
Internationally renowned outsourcing firm Vertex in Dingwall establish an innovative home working pilot which creates 15 jobs in the rural communities of East Sutherland and the Seaboard villages in Easter Ross. Understanding the economic benefits that home working can bring to some of the more remote communities, HIE supports the pilot with funding of £20,000.
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Scotland’s first Year of Food and Drink celebrates and promotes Scotland's natural larder and quality produce.
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Technology business AVC Group PLC opens a contact centre at Cradlehall Business Park in Inverness and a warehouse and trade counter elsewhere in the city, creating around 50 jobs in the area.
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HIE pilots a marketing project to offer customised advice to food and drink businesses on promoting their products.
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A triumph for community owned land
With support from HIE, Community Land Scotland is established to support the fast-growing community land ownership sector. In the same year, West Harris Trust buys 17,850 acres of Scottish Government crofting estate land, the first ever use of the Transfer of Crofting Estates (Scotland) Act 1997.
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In the wake of the news that RAF Kinloss is to close, the Scottish Government announces a £300,000 skills and training package for Moray, providing opportunities for those facing potential redundancy.
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Hjaltland Hatcheries Ltd announces expansion plans to develop a state of the art Atlantic salmon smolt hatchery facility at Girlsta, creating seven jobs. HIE provide a funding package worth more than £300,000 towards the £3.7m project.
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To celebrate the next 20 years of communities and culture in the Highlands, a major conference called ‘Old Maps and New’ takes place, organised by HIE and the newly created Creative Scotland. It marks the centenary of celebrated poet Norman MacCaig, who was born in Sutherland.
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TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme is launched offering 750 Scottish university graduates real-life business experience and helping ambitious companies achieve crucial growth.
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HIE invests £400k in Soillse, a Gaelic research pool led by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI.
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a modern energy park for the future
The Nigg fabrication site on the Cromarty Firth is successfully purchased by Global Energy Group (GEG) in October 2011 with a £1.8m funding package from HIE to help transform the largely dormant site into a multi-use modern energy park, paving the way for ambitious plans to develop the 238 acre site servicing the energy industry, including oil and gas and renewables.
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The SNP secure a majority win in the Scottish Parliament elections, and Alex Salmond is reinstated as First Minister.
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Wind Towers (Scotland) takes over the Welcon towers factory at Machrihanish near Campbeltown, establishing itself as a specialist supplier of high quality wind turbine towers to markets across Europe.
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THE FOUR PILLARS OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY
HIE announces its key priorities to support economic recovery and deliver sustainable growth. They pledge to shape and support businesses and social enterprises, strengthen communities, develop key sectors and create a thriving low carbon region.
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New £12m Scottish Government fund is established to support the deployment of wave and tidal energy devices – The Wave and Tidal Energy: Research, Development and Demonstration Support Fund – to be known as WATERS – will be administered by SE, in partnership with SG and HIE.
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Sleat Community Trust purchases the 1087 acre Tormore Forest in South Skye. As well as providing local woodfuel supply from the forest, they plan to improve access for walkers and cyclists.
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A new £9m tourism development is earmarked for the Kintyre peninsula, with HIE offering a £2.2 million support package. This will go towards the restoration of The Royal Hotel in Campbeltown and The Ugadale Hotel at Machrihanish. The development, which is led by the Kintyre Development Company (KDC), will create over 50 jobs and bring in more than £3m a year to the Scottish economy.
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the highlands go dutch
Flybe begins a daily scheduled air service from Inverness to Amsterdam Schiphol, providing access to one of Europe's global hub airports. The service is the result of proactive discussions between HIAL and Flybe, with collaborative support and key funding from HIE.
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Shetland Islands Council completes its link with the SHEFA2 cable to improve fibre capacity within the islands.
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Hebridean Jewellery is sold to its employees in a deal that will secure the future of the company. This safeguards 14 jobs and important design and manufacturing skills in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
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Rumster Forest in Caithness is purchased by a community development company and managed by a team of local directors. The new owners investigate renewable energy production, and a network of local paths to increase public access. However, securing funds to progress these plans is proving challenging.
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THE UNIVERSITY OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS
The University of the Highlands and Islands is established following the award of university title by the Privy Council.
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Medical diagnostics company AccuNostics is supported by HIE to grow the international reach for its cutting edge self monitoring devices.
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Vertex, with bases in both Dingwall and Forres, expands its Highland operations when it wins a contract with Westminster City Council to provide 24 hour social services and environmental action helplines.
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Establishing one of the world's largest seafood markets
An agreement between the Scottish and Chinese Governments sees Scottish salmon being exported to China, one of the world's largest seafood markets, for the first time.
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The Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) is published by the Scottish Government. The plan includes new commitments to completely dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2025, and the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness by 2030.
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The 'Just Enterprise' programme is launched by the Scottish Government, to provide support to the third sector in Scotland. HIE contributes £300,000 of the initial £3m budget.
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HIE establishes a masterplan and invests £7.5m to create the European Marine Science Park alongside the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Dunstaffnage.
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The place to be for I.T
International Information Technology Services company, Atos, announces that it will create 50 jobs at a new development and innovation centre at Forres Enterprise Park. HIE contributes £1m to the project, and the centre opens in 2013.
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Exports of fresh Scottish salmon leap to record levels for the second consecutive year, and now reach 64 countries worldwide.
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BT takes over ClientLogic contact centre in Alness.
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EU Protection for wool
Native Shetland Wool becomes the UK's first non-food and drink product to secure protected designation of origin (PDO) status under the European Union's scheme.
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HEROtsc announces more jobs in their Rothesay call centre. HIE provides financial assistance totaling £366,000 to help expand their operations.
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the energy to learn
Nigg Skills Academy, an industry-led energy skills academy, is established at Nigg Energy Park to deliver training for thousands of workers across key sectors including oil & gas and renewables.
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A new oil and gas industry strategy for Scotland, targeting higher long-term recovery rates, greater exports and £30bn annual sales by 2020, is published by the First Minister.
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making waves internationally
The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park is established in the North of Scotland, confirming its place on the global marine energy map. The purpose of the Park, which incorporates the world-leading European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), is to heighten the international profile of the region and its reputation as a world leader in marine energy.
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The Moray Economic Strategy, a blueprint for the long-term diversification of the Moray economy, is officially launched. The need for the strategy emerged, following the UK Government's far-reaching review of the country's defence capabilities, which led to the closure of RAF Kinloss, and uncertainty over the future of RAF Lossiemouth.
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A multi-million pound renewable energy investment fund (REIF), geared to stimulating greater levels of private finance into innovative green power and renewable district heating projects in Scotland, is opened for business by First Minister Alex Salmond.
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A £10m fund to support innovation in the Oil and Gas sector is launched by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. Projects funded under the scheme will help ensure offshore assets can continue to run effectively and safely in the future, through inspection, change management, and analysis of their future integrity.
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Always at the forefront of innovation, HIE pioneers Tourism Webinars, delivering market intelligence and business support to thousands of remote and rural businesses.
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The Scottish Ferries Plan is published by the Scottish Government, setting out the future of ferry services until 2022. It outlines various improvements to ferry services, including planned investment of £295m in 15 new vessels, and £73m in ports and harbour works by 2025.
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CONNECTING THE PERIPHERIES
HIE is chosen by the Scottish Government to manage Community Broadband Scotland (CBS), a key element of the Scottish Government’s Digital Strategy. CBS underpins the next generation broadband programme, supporting those communities that will not be reached to develop their own community-led solutions to deliver improved connectivity.
As part of the CBS pilot, three communities in the Highlands and Islands - Applecross, Colonsay and Tomintoul & Glenlivet – are chosen, along with three others elsewhere in Scotland, to benefit from a £5m fund that will help bring next generation broadband to hard-to-reach rural areas. Members of local communities will work with assigned broadband experts to develop ideas for improving internet access for local businesses and residents.
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Supporting Creativity in Shetland
Mareel Creative Industries Centre in Shetland officially opens. This £12m investment includes £965,000 of support from HIE. The Centre is owned and managed by the Shetland Arts Development Agency (SADA), which is a registered charity and HIE account managed social enterprise. The centre will act as a hub for the growth and development of the creative industries sector in Shetland.
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The Scottish Government launches its new £6m Scottish Land fund, which is delivered by HIE in partnership with the Big Lottery Fund across the whole of rural Scotland. In 2014, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces that the fund will be increased to £10m in the next two years.
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Handover of Phase 1 of the European Marine Science Park, providing laboratory and office space to those in the marine science sector. The Park is adjacent to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology, incorporating marine science, research and development, education and commercial activity in one location.
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space for dynamic business
Having already created 140 jobs over the last year, Capita announce another 30 jobs for the region. HIE contributes £385,000 to their £1.14m investment at the Forres Enterprise Park, helping to support the development of a world class customer service centre in the region.
Capita Plc deliver a wide range of services including life and pensions, property consultancy, IT services, recruitment, and occupational health services, amongst others.
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Marine Harvest announces plans to invest around £80 million to grow its business and support jobs in rural communities, as they discuss their new 'five-year' plan for Scotland. The company, which operates 38 fish farms in Scotland and supports around 460 jobs, is the world's largest producer of farmed salmon. Its Scottish business unit was highlighted as the company's best-performing in 2011, with high production, good price achievement and good operational performance.
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The Tourism Scotland 2020 industry strategy is launched, led by the Scottish Tourism Alliance. This aims to target those markets with the greatest potential for growth. It also encourages more collaboration between Scotland's tourism destinations.
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An ambitious strategy 'Scotland's Digital Future - Delivery of Public Services' is launched by Finance Secretary John Swinney, with a view to enhancing public service delivery through the use of digital channels.
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HIE launches ‘Maximising Community Assets', a programme of support which helps to develop the skills and knowledge of people actively involved in community ownership.
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At the heart of diabetes research
Inverness is to be the new home for all diabetes R&D into blood glucose monitoring carried out worldwide by LifeScan. The announcement is made by First Minister Alex Salmond during a visit to the North American commercial headquarters of LifeScan in Milpitas, California and with a live link-up to the company's Inverness research and development centre. The £11m project - including up to £2.8m public investment - creates 19 new high-value jobs and anchors 1,100 others at LifeScan Scotland, which is already Scotland's largest life sciences company and one of the biggest private sector employers in the Highlands and Islands.
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Scotland's Greatest Export
Scotland’s Food and drink exports reach £5.3 billion. The sector is soon expected to rival oil and gas as Scotland’s greatest export, and new targets are set to grow the value of food and drink sent abroad to £7.1 billion by 2017. Oil and gas exports are currently worth £7.6 billion.
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The University of the Highlands and Islands launches its first international undergraduate degree, BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Development. The online course was developed by staff at Lewis Castle College UHI, and can be studied from anywhere in the world.
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Island communities in the Outer Hebrides
Island communities will benefit from an economic boost, as a new brand is created for the Outer Hebrides, encouraging visitors from around the world to experience its unique attractions. The brand positions the islands as a top global destination with diverse appeal, and is pitched at emerging tourism markets. It highlights the islands' appeal as a historical, cultural and natural force to be reckoned with.
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A Media Cluster
The Creative Industries Media Centre, based in Stornoway's “media village”, officially opens. This £2.6m development offers creative sector employment opportunities in the Outer Hebrides, and those associated with Gaelic are particularly recognised.
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communities flying high
The long awaited community buyout of the former RAF Machrihanish air base is confirmed. Now owned by The Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC), this is one of the more complex community buy-outs to date, and involves assistance from HIE, Scottish Government, Scottish Water and the Ministry of Defence.
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The Scottish Funding Council (SFC), working with SE and HIE, makes up to £10 million available to support the development of new Innovation Centres. The Innovation Centres will become sustainable communities of university academics and researchers, businesses, entrepreneurs and others that will drive innovation in and across Scotland's key economic sectors.
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Talktalk’s Stornoway centre is officially opened by CEO Sir Charles Dunstone, who decides to base his office there.
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Valhalla Brewery, the most northerly brewery in the UK, moves to new, larger premises. The company, based on the Shetland Island of Unst, also opens a brewery shop and recruits additional staff as part of the £103,000 project.
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A new £950,000 yachting marina is officially opened in Mallaig.
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The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure Alex Neil announces £120m investment towards the rollout of next generation broadband across the Highlands and Islands.
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The Harris Tweed Industry Forum welcomes the news that 2012 has been the best year for production of the cloth in nearly 15 years.
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the right chemistry for investment
The extended BASF Pharma (Callanish) plant on Lewis is officially opened by the First Minister, seven months after BASF - the world's largest chemical company - take a controlling stake in Lewis-based Equateq. Planned £18m investment commences at the plant, which specialises in lipid chemistry and pharmaceutical omega-3 fatty acid production.
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Stornoway becomes the site for another telecoms business, Consumer Advice Direct (CAD), who move into the new £1m centre at Gleann Seileach. They will deliver the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline for the UK, and also receive funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig to provide a helpline for Gaelic speakers.
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Scottish wild salmon secures EU recognition at protected geographic indication (PGI) level.
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Scottish tourism businesses are encouraged to tap into the growing wildlife tourism market in Scotland, ahead of 'The Year of Natural Scotland' in 2013.
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HIE's first Director of Digital Highlands and Islands, Stuart Robertson is appointed.
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Scottish textile weaver, Bute Fabrics Ltd, which has also recently delivered a shipment of tailor-made upholstery fabric to Singapore’s Opera House, confirms that it has successfully doubled its exporting activity in Scandinavia to £250,000. It has reached over £1m export sales in the US and achieved an annual turnover increase of 40% year on year. Working closely with Scottish Development International (SDI) and HIE, Bute Fabrics is fulfilling its ambitious growth plans, opening up new markets overseas and achieving exporting success.
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TòMaS, an innovative Gaelic translation service is launched, developed by the University of the Highlands and Islands. It is the first ever translation tool for Gaelic, and will speed up the translation process and ensure greater consistency across texts.
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Porex Technologies Ltd, an Alness-based manufacturer of high performance porous plastic parts used in medical and bioscience devices, sees sales rise 40% on the previous year to £3.2m.
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Aon Hewitt acquire Babcock International Group’s pensions business, and expand their office at Forss Business and Technology Park, Thurso.
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HIE establishes a £100,000 challenge fund to support Food and drink and Tourism projects in the North Highlands.
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harbouring plans for development
Completion of the new Jubilee Quay at Scrabster Harbour, a £17.6m redevelopment project, helps to position the north of Scotland at the forefront of the renewables revolution. In 2008, Scrabster Harbour Trust set out an ambitious programme of port infrastructure development with a view to capitalising on the marine renewable activity in the Pentland Firth and oil and gas development West of Shetland.
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ABO Wind office opens in Inverness, with plans to bring forward an initial five wind farm projects in the Highlands over the next three years involving a total investment of £390m.
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The lsland of Scalpay moves into community ownership, having been gifted to the community by the landowner. The title transfers to the North Harris Trust.
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The Scottish Government announces a new £15m fund to develop deep-water turbine foundations. The Scottish Innovation Foundation Technologies Fund will support the development of prototype foundations for offshore wind turbines sited in water depths greater than 30 metres.
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Natural Retreats tourism project
The Natural Retreats tourism project at John O’Groats is open for business, providing high quality accommodation for visitors to this iconic place.
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A pilot vehicle ferry service is introduced between Campbeltown and Ardrossan to help boost tourism and trade across the Argyll region.
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£146m For Superfast Broadband
Following the project announcement in 2011, HIE signs a contract with BT to deliver Next Generation Access broadband across the Highlands and Islands.
The £146m investment is the biggest project the agency has ever undertaken, and one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history. It will deliver high speed fibre broadband across the region, transforming the area’s digital capabilities.
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A training programme is launched to support the development and growth of the Harris Tweed sector.
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‘HIE Ambitious for Culture’ is published. This is the organisation's first Culture Policy framework, which sets out its strategy to develop and support cultural activities in the region.
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The Post-16 Education (Scotland) Act 2013 identifies the University of the Highlands and Islands as the regional strategic body responsible for the co-ordinated planning, funding and monitoring of further (college) education across the Highlands and Islands.
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A virtual diabetes clinic goes live across the Highlands. The year-long pilot supports people with type one diabetes living at a distance from specialist services. The project builds on the introduction of video conferencing to the diabetes service in 2012.
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Following the announcement in 2011, a new development and innovation centre for international IT services company Atos officially opens at Venture House on the Forres Enterprise Park. The facility creates 50 high value jobs with the potential for another 200. HIE contributed £1m to the overall project cost of £12m.
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Lochaline Marina opens
Lochaline Marina opens. The facility on the shore of Loch Aline, is developed and run by the local community, and includes a new harbour office, showers, toilets, laundry and wifi. This inspiring community development complements the Cala Loch Àlainn pontoons which opened in 2011.
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HIE, in partnership with Business Gateway and Citizens Online, launches 'Our Digital Zone', a roadshow offering free advice across the region to help users of all levels make the most out of digital technology.
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The revival in the fortunes of the Harris Tweed industry is underlined by Highland Tweed Hebrides' success at the 2013 UK Fashion and Textile Awards.
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UHI launches the first ever Professional Graduate Diploma in (primary) Education to be delivered in the region. Students based at Inverness or Stornoway, who are fluent in Gaelic, have the option to complete the diploma through the medium of Gaelic and work in a Gaelic-medium primary school.
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LifeScan Scotland win the Community Engagement Award at the Scottish Enterprise Life Sciences Awards for their work with local schools and communities.
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Whisky Galore
According to the Scotch Whisky Association, Scotch whisky exports reach £4.3bn, the equivalent of 1.3bn bottles.
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The Scottish Open Golf Championship is held at Castle Stuart for the third year in a row. It is broadcast to a worldwide audience of 100m people.
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IT Engagement Programme is launched following an announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Alex Neil, in 2012. Led by HIE in partnership with business gateway, the initiative will support more than 350 businesses across the Highlands and Islands to take up broadband and use digital technologies.
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Moving on Up with Katie Morag
The Isle of Lewis is confirmed as the location for Katie Morag, the new CBeebies drama based on the hugely popular series of books created by author and illustrator Mairi Hedderwick. Produced by Scottish indie Move On Up, Katie Morag is a 26-part series for CBeebies. Filming begins in May for four months, using both studio facilities on the island as well as the beautiful Hebridean landscape – a key part of the Katie Morag adventures. HIE welcomes the announcement, stating “this TV series will highlight the potential of the area as a base for major productions, boosting both the local supply chain and tourism industry. This flagship production has the potential to showcase the scenery, landscape and culture of the Scottish islands".
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A 4 day surgical "bootcamp" is delivered in the Centre for Health Science, providing highly innovative, intensive training for young, newly qualified surgeons. The training attracts attendees from across Europe, and two bootcamps per year are to follow from here on in.
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HEROtsc is sold to French company, Webhelp, and will now be known as Webhelp TSC. The company now has six Scottish bases, including their original premises at Rothesay and Dunoon.
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Stornoway black pudding and Orkney cheddar cheese secure EU recognition at protected geographic indication (PGI) level.
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The results of an extensive island visitor survey are published, highlighting that around 425,000 visitors were drawn to Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides between October 2012 and September 2013, generating approximately £100m for these local economies. The research is led by VisitScotland, in partnership with HIE and the three island local authorities.
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£7m investment to help businesses participate in the Digital Economy announced by DFM Nicola Sturgeon.
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more land ownership by 2020
First Minister Alex Salmond announces a new target to transfer an additional 500,000 acres of land in Scotland by 2020.
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academy for young scientists
Plans are announced for the creation of a Science Academy at Inverness Campus. The Academy will open up prospects for the region's young people to benefit from thousands of future job opportunities in the coming decades.
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BT creates 150 new posts as part of a major drive to recruit engineers to help roll out Next Generation Broadband across Scotland.
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Healthcare technology company Inside Biometrics Ltd is founded by former LifeScan employees. The following year sees the Dingwall-based firm announce appointments of Olympic doctors to its Science and Medical Advisory Board, and receive a £1.6m research and development grant from HIE to accelerate the development of its fitness and performance trackers.
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BT announces £26.9m fibre contract
BT awards three companies a £26.9m contract to lay 20 fibre optic subsea cables across the Highlands and Islands as part of HIE project to bring high-speed broadband to the region.
The cable-laying operation is the biggest subsea engineering project BT has undertaken in British territorial waters, and is the first ever with so many seabed crossings. The longest cable, at nearly 50 miles, is to run under the Minch from Ullapool to Stornoway, with the second-longest running more than 35 miles between Carnan on South Uist and Dunvegan on Skye.
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Community owned Raasay House re-opens
Community owned Raasay House re-opens following a multi million pound restoration, with the return of the Raasay Outdoor Centre Ltd.
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a decade of marine energy
The renewable energy industry gathered last night (Wednesday 22 May) to celebrate the European Marine Energy Centre’s (EMEC) 10th anniversary at the annual All-Energy Exhibition and Conference in Aberdeen.
Over 250 people attended a reception held on the HI-energy and Orkney pavilions at the show, which featured a wide range of Orkney produce.
The celebrations were opened by the Chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Professor Lorne Crerar, who said:
“EMEC has been the catalyst for Scotland’s role as global leader in marine energy renewables. The growth and success of EMEC has been a perfect example of Team Scotland at work, with strong leadership from HIE, the public sector, industry and academia. Together we have created the momentum which ensures that Orkney, the region and Scotland remains at the forefront of marine energy development and deployment.”
EMEC remains the world’s first and only grid-connected, independently accredited test centre for wave and tidal energy devices. The facility has grown from having nine test berths available, to now operating 14 berths, in addition to two scale test sites where smaller scale devices, or those at an earlier stage in their development, can gain real sea experience in less challenging conditions.
- See more at: http://www.hie.co.uk/about-hie/news-and-media/archive/industry-celebrates-emec-s-10th-anniversary-at-all-energy.html#sthash.NC4f6RbW.dpufThe renewable energy industry gathered last night (Wednesday 22 May) to celebrate the European Marine Energy Centre’s (EMEC) 10th anniversary at the annual All-Energy Exhibition and Conference in Aberdeen.
Over 250 people attended a reception held on the HI-energy and Orkney pavilions at the show, which featured a wide range of Orkney produce.
The celebrations were opened by the Chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Professor Lorne Crerar, who said:
“EMEC has been the catalyst for Scotland’s role as global leader in marine energy renewables. The growth and success of EMEC has been a perfect example of Team Scotland at work, with strong leadership from HIE, the public sector, industry and academia. Together we have created the momentum which ensures that Orkney, the region and Scotland remains at the forefront of marine energy development and deployment.”
EMEC remains the world’s first and only grid-connected, independently accredited test centre for wave and tidal energy devices. The facility has grown from having nine test berths available, to now operating 14 berths, in addition to two scale test sites where smaller scale devices, or those at an earlier stage in their development, can gain real sea experience in less challenging conditions.
- See more at: http://www.hie.co.uk/about-hie/news-and-media/archive/industry-celebrates-emec-s-10th-anniversary-at-all-energy.html#sthash.NC4f6RbW.dpufIn its 10th year, EMEC remains the world’s first and only grid-connected, independently accredited test centre for wave and tidal energy devices. The facility has grown from having nine test berths available to now operating 14 berths, in addition to two scale test sites where smaller scale devices, or those at an earlier stage in their development, can gain real sea experience in less challenging conditions.
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The result of the Scottish Independence Referendum is in favour of Better Together, 55% to 45%. Alex Salmond resigns as First Minister, and Nicola Sturgeon assumes the position.
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HIE makes way for business growth
HIE relocate to Inverness city centre from Cowan House at Inverness Business and Retail park. The move is to make way for office accommodation for CapGemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services and create up to 500 new jobs. HIE also contributed £1.175m to the project, demonstrating commitment to economic growth in the region.
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HIE maintains its status as an exemplary public sector organisation, becoming one of the first public bodies in Scotland to achiever Investors in Young People status.
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HIE and partners successfully argue EU transition status for the Highlands and Islands, securing €193m of EU structural funds until 2020.
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The Scottish Rural Parliament is established to give a stronger voice to Scotland’s rural communities.
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hie embraces wave energy
Wave Energy Scotland is set up as subsidiary of HIE in December 2014, to support and accelerate the development of wave energy technology and encourage investment in Scotland’s natural tidal resources. The Scottish Government hope to attract private sector investment to produce tidal power on a commercially viable scale.
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Natural Retreats is announced as the new operator of Cairngorm Mountain. There is a £6.2m investment plan for the area, and HIE are supporting this development with a £4m loan to develop a new day lodge.
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EasyJet becomes the sole operator of Inverness to London air services, following Flybe's withdrawal from Gatwick airport, which includes the sale of its take-off and landing slots to Easyjet.
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Funding of £6.6m is announced by the Scottish Government to support digital skills and support actions set out in the information and communications technology (ICT) and digital technologies Skills Investment Plan.
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HIE launches a new five year Creative Industries Strategy. It states "This Highlands and Islands Creative Industries Strategy is about helping the region's creative businesses, sole traders and freelancers to keep growing. The industry networks and XPONORTH are at the core of this. Between them, the network programme managers bring a huge range of experience and capability. They will provide valuable practical support on, for example, industry and markets, use of digital platforms and collaboration, particularly international."
Four contractors are appointed to deliver the Creative Industries Network Programme, which is funded by over £2.3m from HIE and Creative Scotland. This new funding also supports ambitious growth of the showcase festival XPONORTH, formerly called goNORTH, as an international platform for creative industries talent from across the Highlands and Islands.
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HIE’s establishes a £3.85m three year Community Capacity Building programme, replacing its Growth at the Edge initiative. Aimed at supporting communities with aspirations for growth, it provides Local Development Officer support, Specialist intervention, and Social Enterprise growth.
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OpenBrolly wins the Scottish Enterprise Life Sciences Award for collaboration with NHS Highland, having developed a re-usable platform to allow patients to self-report outcomes and enter clinical diaries using a secure mobile and web application.
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NSL establish a site in Dingwall to deliver processes associated with parking provision for Westminster City Council.
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A £170m package of investment in the Aberdeen-Inverness rail line is announced by First Minister, Alex Salmond. This first phase of work, to be completed in the next five years, will ultimately support an hourly passenger service between the two cities, with the average journey time reducing to around two hours.
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The first cabinets go live in Inverness as part of the roll out of Superfast Broadband.
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HI-Enterprise in Schools is launched. Delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy, it aims to help young entrepreneurs to set up their own social enterprises.
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Alexander Graham Bell Centre opens in Elgin. It is a centre for excellence in Digital Health and Life Science, enabling expertise in research and education.
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London based ERPaaS Ltd establishes an Oracle Development Centre in Inverness for its Enterprise Resource Planning Service. The new centre creates 17 highly skilled IT roles, and it is hoped to be the beginning of a cluster of technology businesses in the region. HIE supports the company with funding of £340,000.
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A new taste for Scottish Gin
The UK becomes the World's leading exporter of gin as exports reach £394m, a rise of 37% in value since 2010. A taste for craft gin has helped boost the industry, with handcrafted and bespoke botanicals driving demand. Across Scotland, where 70% of the UK’s gin is produced, gin distilleries are drawing on whisky production to create unique recipes.
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The first fibre optic cable lands on the Outer Hebrides having been laid across the Minch.
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It is a big year for Scotland internationally, hosting the Year of Homecoming, the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup.
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The UHI announces a new MSc in Applied Science Skills for Industry to help life science graduates, as well as those already employed in the sector, improve their practical and laboratory skills.
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Fujitsu moves from Alness Point to larger facilities at Fyrish House, Alness, owned by HIE. The move will enable the company to expand its service desk operations, and HIE provides funding towards capital expenditure and staff training.
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Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd, the most northerly distillery on the British mainland, start producing 'Rock Rose Gin'. Using botanical ingredients, such as locally harvested Rhodiola Rosea, the Gin will herald a new vintage each year as local botanicals are dependent on the climate, and will subtly change year on year.
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Fibre broadband arrives in Shetland
Superfast broadband has been introduced to Shetland with the announcement that 4,000 properties will have access to the system. It is the first Island grouping in Scotland to see the roll out of superfast broadband, and coverage is expect to expand to 75 per cent of properties in 2016.
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HIE develops global social enterprise links, as they address the Social Enterprise World Forum in South Korea.
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catapulting into the future
HIE signs a memorandum of understanding with the Satellite Applications Catapult to explore the use of space technology in health delivery. A number of projects are already active.
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Fyne Ales start work on a £2m expansion of their brewery at Loch Fyne, to meet growing demand for their range of award-winning craft beers.
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In November, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces that 30 thousand premises in Highlands and Islands can now order fibre broadband.
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working for the common good
The independent Land reform Review Group publishes its report, ‘The Land of Scotland and The Common Good'. This group was established in 2012, to assess the current state of land reform in Scotland.
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developing marine science
The European Marine Science Park in Dunstaffnage opens and the first two tenants move into the building. Developed by HIE and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), the multi-million pound facility provides flexible laboratory and office space to those working in marine science, as well as access to skilled staff and services from SAMS.
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HIE and partners start work on the Hebrides Taste Trail which will take in 20 different food sites across the islands of Lewis, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula and Barra.
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A PIONEERING PROJECT UNDER THE SEA
Digital Scotland celebrates completion of a once-in-a-generation subsea telecoms project which sees almost 250 miles of fibre optic cabling installed across 20 seabed crossings – the most complex subsea engineering challenge ever undertaken by BT in UK waters. The £26.9m subsea project is a key milestone in the £146m Digital Highlands and Island rollout of Next Generation Broadband. A celebration takes place in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae to mark the event.
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Glycomar secures share of £700,000 funding in a competition run by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre.
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4G arrives in Inverness.
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The Collaborative Creative Communities programme is launched, to promote growth and foster greater resilience amongst cultural organisations, utilising creative hubs and outreach work. This nationally unique approach will build skills in the social enterprise sector. HIE invests £900,000 in the project.
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Carbon fibre wheelchair producer, Carbon Black, receives £280,000 investment from Highland Venture Capital and the Scottish Investment Bank to accelerate the commercialisation of their cutting edge wheelchair design. The Nairn-based company had previously been awarded a SMART:SCOTLAND grant for product development.
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NHS Highland R&D office takes over the Highland Clinical Research Facility, with some funding from HIE. The department now employs around 23 staff.
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A new Algal Biotech Master's degree is introduced by the Scottish Association for Marine Science. Students will be based at the SAMS facility at Dunstaffnage.
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accelerating innovative business
HIE launches its first ever business accelerator for innovative projects, early stage companies and entrepreneurs working in life sciences and technology. Operating from the Centre for Health Science in Inverness, the Pathfinder programme provides expert coaching and mentoring in an exciting and challenging environment to help businesses and teams develop an idea and bring it to market.
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tidal on a grand scale
MeyGen, the world’s first and largest commercial scale tidal stream array, starts construction on the north coast of Caithness. MeyGen Limited intends to deploy up to 398MW of offshore tidal stream turbines to supply clean and renewable electricity to the UK National Grid by the early 2020s.
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After nearly five years of stability, the price of oil collapses. This is driven by a number of inter-related factors including low demand, increase in supply and change in OPEC policy priority. While lower fuel bills are good news for household budgets, this does present challenges for Scotland's oil and gas sector.
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HIE undertakes a wide-ranging study to explore the attitudes and aspirations of young people in relation to the Highlands and Islands. A total of 4,409 young people participate, sharing their views on issues such as educational and employment opportunities, housing, transport, connectivity, leisure, culture and community life.
The overwhelming message from these young people is one of pride and confidence in the region. They do not need to be convinced of what the region has to offer and there is an appetite to live, work and study here. However, high quality jobs, career progression opportunities and access to appropriate housing are seen as vital to support sustained population retention and attraction.
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A HIE research study exploring Adventure Tourism in Scotland identifies over 350 adventure tourism businesses, providing around 3,000 jobs. The study confirms Scotland as a world-class adventure tourism destination. It highlights the increasing popularity of 'soft' adventure, particularly marine-related activity and walking/climbing. Enhancing collaboration between adventure tourism businesses, and better utilsing digital technology to support e-commerce and extend market reach are key recommendations emerging from the research.
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celebrating 50 years of energy
HIE, in partnership with Scottish Renewables, host a Marine Energy Conference focusing on 50 years of energy in the Highlands and Islands.
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For HIE, the work to help Scotland flourish goes on. Scotland’s Economic Strategy is published, outlining the government’s overall plans for economic growth and development. Increasing competitiveness and reducing inequality are the two central tenets of this new strategy. HIE is now focussing on these aims to help create a country with an innovative, international outlook, which will thrive far into the future.
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The Conservatives secure an outright majority in the UK General Election, under the continuing leadership of David Cameron. The SNP enjoy a historic landslide victory in Scotland, winning 56 of the 59 Scottish seats, making the party the third largest at Westminster.
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INVERNESS CAMPUS OPENS
Inverness Campus opens. This new world class facility will bring together business, research and educational organisations to support collaboration and knowledge transfer. The Life Sciences building is completed in July, and Inverness College UHI opens it doors to staff and students in August. The Campus will be a leading resource for enterprise and innovation, and part of the site has been designated as a Life Sciences Enterprise Area.
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Fibre broadband goes live in Stornoway
Next Generation fibre optic Broadband goes live in Stornoway - the first time fibre has ever been available in the Western Isles.
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Superfast Broadband Scotland project features on BBC Scotland programme Scotland at Work, How Scotland Works.
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The Scottish Tourism Minister announces the Government's Marine Tourism Strategy. Entitled 'Awakening the Giant', its aim is to boost Scotland's reputation as a world class marine tourism destination.
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The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is set up as a new franchise, separate to Scotrail, with management and customer service functions relocated to Inverness.
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The Creative Futures Partnership's Design Network, a collaboration between The Glasgow School of Art and HIE, is launched. It aims to offer communities and businesses across the region access to national and international design expertise, through a range of formal and informal events. Its programme will also be aligned with the research and teaching work of The Glasgow School of Art.
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Community Empowerment Act
The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 receives Royal Assent. The legislation is intended to give communities more powers to take on land and buildings to develop local amenities, and to have a say on how their services are delivered.
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Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) agrees to move its Epidemiology Research Unit, which employs more than 20+ staff, to new, bespoke premises at Inverness Campus.
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Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, celebrates and promotes Scotland's natural larder and quality produce to residents and visitors.
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new tariffs for the clyde and hebrides network
The Scottish Government completes roll-out of RET fares to all remaining ferry routes in the Clyde and Hebrides network. This includes 14 additional routes, including inter-island ferry services. The rollout of RET is central to the Government’s commitment to providing one single overarching fares policy across Scotland’s entire ferry network.
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HIE partner Atkins awarded Royal Academy of Engineering Major Project Award for its part in the delivery of high speed broadband infrastructure in the Highlands and Islands.
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Glasgow School of Art expands its presence in the Highlands and Islands, joining forces with HIE to offer a range of teaching and research opportunities to students, businesses and communities across the region.
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The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
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AspireNorth, Technology Enabled Care, Craegmoor Healthcare and Robert Gordon University all take up tenancies at the Centre for Health Science, bringing occupancy to 99%.
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The Isle of Harris Distillery, known as the Social Distillery, opens providing 20 jobs in the community.
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a dual purpose for the a9
Construction starts on dualling a 7.5km section of the A9 between Kincraig and Dalraddy, at a cost of £35m. This is the first phase in the Scottish Government’s £3 billion A9 Dualling Programme, which involves the upgrading of 80 miles of single carriageway along the A9 between Perth and Inverness, by 2025.
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North Highland College UHI, in association with the Royal Dornoch Golf Club launches Scotland’s first degree for budding professional golfers. The new degree complements UHI’s existing BA (Hons) Golf Management degree, also delivered at the Dornoch campus.
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Community ownership continues to grow. The Carloway Estate Trust (Urras Oighreachd Charlabhaigh) purchases the 11,400 acre crofting estate on the west side of Lewis, with support from HIE.
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Three of the seven categories in the Scottish Enterprise Life Sciences Awards are won by companies from the Highlands and Islands - Frontier Science Scotland (Business Leadership Award), Tactical Wireless (Innovation Award) and BASF Pharma Callanish (Community Engagement Award).
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Broadband arrives in Drumnadrochit
Nessie spotters capturing images of the elusive beastie can now upload their images in superfast time, as high speed broadband arrives in Drumnadrochit. The new fibre access is being delivered as part of the Digital Scotland project being led by HIE in the region.
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Transport Minister, Derek MacKay, announces an enhanced timetable for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network from next summer. The improvements reflect commitments made in the Scottish Government's ferries plan. Proposals include a dedicated daily Oban-Castlebay service, a new daily Lochboisdale-Mallaig service and increased sailings on the Mallaig-Armadale and Oban-Craignure routes.
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The University of Stirling begins discussions to transfer pre-registration nursing provision to the University of the Highlands and Islands from 2017/18. It is part of a wider strategy to maximise and enhance regional coherence of nurse education throughout Scotland and will add 300 nursing students to the UHI’s overall student headcount.
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€250,000 of European Space Agency funding is awarded to a consortium to test the feasibility of LymeMap, a phone app and web-based system that will help to identify tick hot-spots. The collaboration brings together a unique combination of health, veterinary and academic researchers from SRUC, NHS Highland, and UHI with significant expertise in Lyme disease.
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Easyjet announces an increased number of flights between Inverness and London, commencing in March 2016. The airline plan twice daily flights to London Luton four days a week, and will also operate a third daily flight to London Gatwick three days a week.
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HIE hosts the Scottish Social Enterprise Summit in Inverness; the first event of its kind to be held in the region. The two-day event, which includes region-wide study tours, celebrates 50 years of HIE, and its work in supporting businesses and communities.
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Sitekit, a digital health company based on Skye, wins the ScotlandIS Digital Technology Award for their work on the ‘Living it Up' portal project. ‘Living it Up’ is an online self-management hub that empowers people aged over 50 to use technology to manage their wellbeing, feel more in control of their health, and get better connected in their local communities.
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The Social Enterprise in Scotland Census identifies over 5,000 social enterprises operating in Scotland, with 22% located in the Highlands and Islands.
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facilitating scientific enterprise
A new £2.2m facility for life sciences companies on Inverness Campus is now ready to welcome its first tenants.
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A BOOST FOR RURAL BROADBAND
A new funding scheme to support rural broadband is announced by the First Minister as part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2014-2020. The broadband grant scheme is a £9m fund to support community-led broadband projects in the hardest to reach broadband areas and will be administered by Community Broadband Scotland.
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In response to a partnership study, Ar Stòras Gàidhlig, HIE launches a new Gaelic project, providing initial investment of £250,000 to support the development of ideas that will enhance the economic and social use of the language.
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Eleven life sciences and technology companies start on the HIE Pathfinder programme to put their business ideas on the fast track. Based at the Centre for Health Science, Pathfinder offers expert help and a concentrated environment for businesses working to develop an idea and explore its commercial viability before bringing it to market.
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New £10m port opens in Lochboisdale
Community landowner Stòras Uibhist completes the £10m Lochboisdale port of entry redevelopment, officially opened by Deputy First Minister John Swinney.
Two causeways and two breakwaters are completed as part of the project, along with a road along Rubha Bhuailt to Gasaigh Island. There is also a new fishery pier, a slipway, pontoon berths and facilities for fishermen and leisure sailors.
This major regeneration project, the largest ever undertaken by a community landowner, has transformed commercial and community facilities at Lochboisdale, South Uist.
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Serco Caledonian Sleeper establishes its main office and Guest Services centre in Inverness. The busy office will handle phone, email and social media correspondence - alongside sales, marketing and finance.
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HIE TURNS 50
After 50 years of tireless work to create better economic conditions for the Highlands and Islands, HIE is presented with the Scottish Council for Development and Industry President’s award for Outstanding Contribution to Scotland. This coveted award recognises the work that HIE and the HIDB have done to bring investment and jobs to the region since 1965.