Breakfast means business for Inverness entrepreneurs

A business networking group taking the UK by storm launches in Inverness this month and promises entrepreneurs a chance to make new connections over an informal breakfast.
4Networking has grown rapidly throughout the country and now has over 200 groups in the UK with nearly 20 in Scotland. Inverness is the most northerly group in the [...]

Enterprise agency allowed Cairn Gorm railway costs to spiral to £26million

Press and Journal – A SCOTTISH Parliament committee has severely criticised Highlands and Islands Enterprise for its handling of the Cairn Gorm mountain railway project, saying the agency failed to take account of spiralling costs.

£500K HIE cash grant firm cut to two staff

Highland News – AN American-owned company which received £500,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise on the strength of a contract estimated to be worth £50 million has been reduced to just two employees,

Highlands bid to secure millions from renewable energy

Press and Journal – TALKS are under way in a bid to secure tens of millions of pounds in revenue from offshore wind, wave and tidal power developments for communities in the Highlands and islands. The negotiations with the Crown Estate Commissioners were revealed last night at a meeting of the Commons Treasury committee.

Interest from 76 in HIE redundancies

Inverness Courier – ABOUT one-quarter of the workforce at Highlands and Islands Enterprise are interested in being considered for voluntary redundancy, it has emerged. After the development agency recently announced it was looking to shed up to 45 jobs in a bid to cut costs, 76 people have expressed an interest

Council signals help for Blindcraft bed factory

Press and Journal – Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart has been encouraged by Highland Council’s response to his calls for it to provide as much work as possible for Highland Blindcraft.

Michelle Rodger: Closed mentality harms tourism – not VisitScotland

Scotland on Sunday – MUCH has been said recently about the success, or otherwise, of VisitScotland. So can I suggest that not all the criticism is fair?
If you ignore the arguments about VisitScotland’s performance – 2.65 million fewer trips to Scotland in 2008 than in 2005 – and the debate over chief executive Philip Riddle’s [...]

Highland Airways strikes deal with potential buyer

Scotsman – A TROUBLED airline is reported to have entered an exclusivity agreement with a mystery potential buyer. Highland Airways employs 100 people – some of whom have experienced wage payment problems during the difficulties.

University director to push Moray tourism

A TOP tourism expert has been named as the chairman of a new company set up to raise the profile of Moray and Speyside – Press and Journal
Other media:
Scotsman – Tourism expert to boost home of malt whisky

Plans in for £20m Inverness IT centre pledging 400 jobs

Proposals for a £20million computing centre at Inverness, creating up to 400 jobs, have been submitted to Highland Council planners – Press and Journal

Enterprise chief to leave agency

The chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will leave his post next month, the agency has announced. HIE said Sandy Cumming, 57, had been chosen by the Scottish government to lead its efforts to develop renewable offshore energy in the public sector – BBC

HIE plans to cut over 30 jobs

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced plans to cut between 30 to 45 posts. The Scottish government agency said it was reorganising so it could target resources at priority areas of work, reports the BBC

New business start-up grant scheme launched

A new grant scheme has been introduced in the Highlands to help new businesses with their start up costs.
It is hoped that at least 120 businesses will benefit from a grant – which can be used, for example, to buy equipment or market the new business.
The scheme has been developed by The Highland [...]

Island photographer is top journalist

A photographer for a weekly newspaper in Skye has scooped a top press award and become only the second snapper in 22 years to win it.
Willie Urqhuart, who works for the West Highland Free Press in Skye was named Journalist of the Year at the annual Highland and Islands Media Awards on Friday, February 5. [...]

Highland Airways investor talks continue

Troubled Highland Airways, which operates flights in Scotland and Wales, has said it is continuing discussions with potential new investors, reports the BBC

Launch Event for Moray Tourism Development

A development group which is aiming to put Moray firmly on the international tourism map is seeking local support next month.
Moray Tourism Development will host an event, sponsored by VisitScotland, at the Robbie Dhu Centre, Glenfiddich Distillery on Wednesday 24 February.
Local businesses, communities and organisations will be invited to explore how everyone can work together [...]

Whisky firm short-listed in UK Drinks Retailing awards

Elgin-based whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail has been short-listed in a prestigious national awards scheme for drinks retailers.
The independent firm will be heading to London on February 2 in the hope of being named ‘Drinks Wholesaler of the Year’ in the Drinks Retailing Awards 2010. It will be the second year that G&M has been [...]

Festive retail therapy… and it benefits charity

A festive shopping event which hopes to bring together local retailers to benefit charity is being organised.
Countdown to Christmas is the new Shopping and Indulgence Event being launched by Jelly and Cream Events this year at The Newton Hotel in Nairn.
On the evening of Thursday 26th November between 7pm and 10pm The Newton [...]

Inverness Rotarians pick up distinguished awards

Two Highland businessmen were surprised in front of 500 of their fellow Rotarians from throughout District 1010 Scotland North, when they were presented with Distinguished Service Awards by outgoing District Governor David Rankin.
James Martin, general manager at Inverness Leisure is a member of the Loch Ness Club and Mike Phimister who has been a commercial [...]

New features planned for John O’Groats revival

Highlands and Islands Enterprise and consultants GVA Grimley are unveiling a vision of how the five hectares site could be developed. The masterplan, which has been shaped by the views of residents, businesses, tourists and public agencies, offers various design options. They all feature the creation of a destination focal point, possibly a sculpture or piece of artwork, drawing ‘end to enders’ to a main square near the harbour.

Next Page »