GRANT CAMPBELL: Infrastructure is key to achieve sustainable economic growth in flourishing Highland and Island areas
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I had the pleasure of joining a number of our regional committee members on a visit to Kishorn Port recently where we were given an extensive tour of the impressive facilities and a showcase of the future expansion plans.
In addition to continuation of support to the aquaculture industry, Kishorn Port will undoubtedly be a key location in supporting the energy transition through manufacturing, decommissioning and the operation and maintenance for future offshore projects.
It is estimated that in this small corner of the Applecross peninsula, up to 1000 skilled jobs could be created with a future pipeline of work spanning decades.
But despite the significant investment in port infrastructure by the owners of KPL and with the Scottish Salmon Company investing tens of millions of pounds in their new facilities next door, the rural infrastructure and skills shortages continue to be the biggest challenges for these businesses who are committed to large-scale local investment.
Throughout the Highlands and Islands, if we are to achieve sustainable economic growth with flourishing rural communities at the heart of it, we need to ensure that key infrastructure such as transport links, utilities, digital connectivity, housing, and education are in place for businesses who choose to invest and to help attract and retain the skilled people to live and work in the local areas.
Our Young Engineers and Science Clubs have been supporting industry needs for over 30 years and it is the STEM outreach to the primary and secondary children across our communities that will inspire them to join the traditional and emerging industries who will be part of the future economy for generations to come.
SCDI are working in collaboration with the Scottish Government and will launch a report for the Business Purpose Commission next month.
This will examine how Scotland can help to encourage, nurture and sustain purposeful businesses across the county’s diverse economy and geography. We aim to help promote the creativity and ingenuity that has greatly helped social development in Scotland and will play a key role in economic recovery.
