Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Investment decisions are made by a board of directors chaired by Susan Helliwell, with day-to-day operations led by Interim Chief Executive Alasdair MacLeod. Sector-specific teams within HIE assess and recommend projects, with larger proposals requiring board approval. The organization operates under a framework set by the Scottish Government, which appoints board members.

HIE sources opportunities through a mix of proactive regional development strategies, competitive funding calls, and unsolicited applications from businesses and community groups operating across the Highlands and Islands. The agency's area offices across the region maintain close relationships with local stakeholders, helping identify projects aligned with its strategic priorities.

HIE operates as both. It administers grants for business development (especially for startups, innovation, and community assets) and runs loan and equity programs that mimic commercial investment but with developmental return thresholds. The HIE Growth Fund, for instance, offers loans from £50,000 to £500,000, while the Renewable Energy Fund provides equity co-investment in community and commercial renewable projects.

HIE's strategy explicitly targets renewable energy (especially wind, marine, hydrogen, and carbon capture), sustainable tourism, food and drink (aquaculture, seafood, distilling), digital infrastructure (broadband and mobile), life sciences and biotech, and creative industries. It also has cross-cutting programs for rural diversification, net-zero transition, and population retention.

No. HIE's remit is strictly limited to the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland, as defined by the Scottish Government. It does not invest outside this geographic area, although it may collaborate with international partners on renewable-energy projects that benefit the region. Any external investment would fall under Scottish Enterprise (which covers other parts of Scotland) or other UK-wide bodies.