GRANT CAMPBELL – Business Focus: SCDI representative says it is essential the Highlands are seen as a must-visit destination

by Grant Campbell, SCDI's regional manager for the Highlands and Islands

Since I moved to the Highlands over 20 years ago, I have always championed the region as a place for my friends and family to come visit.

Having just spent the Easter staying in the beautiful village of Findhorn and exploring the wonders of the Moray coastal villages in the sunshine, I don’t think there is a better place in the world than the Highlands and Islands, particularly for families to share special occasions.

Staying in a beautifully refurbished traditional cottage, I was fully aware of the investment the owners had put into their business and how important small self-catering businesses are for the regional economy of the Highlands and Islands.

A recent report placed a value of £211 million on the economic contribution of these businesses so it’s essential that everything is done to ensure visitors from home and abroad continue to see our region as a must-visit destination.

Our members across all industries and sectors continually place digital connectivity as a key area that will support economic growth in our rural communities.

A fibre network that allows our businesses access to the data speeds they need to compete and thrive in the modern world is a necessity and in the coming weeks, this will be an area of focus for SCDI as we bring together our members to address the issues and look for the solutions.

SCDI was delighted to see that all 17 of the ScotWind winning bidders had now signed their options and intend to proceed with their respective projects.

The sheer magnitude of opportunity that these projects can bring to the nation and our region shouldn’t be underestimated.

On Thursday [April 28] we will be hosting an online event with Dr Stuart Black, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise [HIE] who will be setting out HIE’s approach to supporting economic recovery in the context of the new National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

Sign up via our events page if you would like to join us for this event at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, from noon-2pm, visit www.scdi.org.uk/events

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