Highlands and Islands Enterprise

08/09/2026

Supporting small producers across the Highlands and Islands.

The Small Producers Pilot Fund (SPPF), a Scottish Government initiative delivered by us, is helping small-scale food and drink producers in rural and island communities overcome challenges such as high equipment costs, limited infrastructure and geographic isolation.

With £169,750 invested, supported projects are strengthening local supply chains, improving processing facilities, creating new routes to market and increasing access to locally produced food. Together, these investments are helping retain value within communities, support jobs and build stronger local economies.

Find out more about the businesses and organisations supported through the fund: https://ow.ly/tAJe50ZAvGP

Thorabella Farm The Boathouse Ulva Munro Butcher - Butchers and Wholesalersv Gather Deli, Isle of Bute The Dunes Larder

07/09/2026

Exciting progress for the Highlands' renewable energy sector.

A £778,000+ public sector investment will support an 18-month engineering study for BW Ideol's proposed floating offshore wind foundations facility at the Port of Ardersier.

If developed, the facility could create around 1,200 direct jobs and help establish the Highlands as a hub for large-scale floating wind manufacturing.

Read more: https://ow.ly/Q9Z650ZKjeJ

📸 Offshore wind turbine on a BW Ideol Concrete Foundation - credit V.Joncheray
📸 Illustrative Projection of a Concrete Floating Foundations Fabrication Line by BW Ideol in Ardesier - credit BW Ideol

06/09/2026

📢 Last chance to apply - closing tomorrow, Monday 7 September!

🚪Four open doors for new graduates - could one of them be right for you?

Graduated within the last four years? We're offering four two-year graduate posts giving you the chance to build valuable experience, develop your skills and make a real impact.

Graduate development officers x 2
📍 Innse Gall
📍 Orkney & Shetland

Graduate inward investment officer
📍 Inverness

Graduate marketing and communications officer
📍 Inverness

💷 £32,438 per annum

Find out more and apply: www.hie.co.uk/vacancies

05/09/2026

On Shapinsay in Orkney, local people are creating opportunities for the island’s future.

From affordable housing and transport to renewable energy and community facilities like the Smithy Café, the Shapinsay Development Trust has established a range of projects that address local needs and deliver lasting value to the island community.

Community-owned renewable energy is generating income for the island, while investment in solar and battery technology is helping build a more sustainable and resilient future.

An important part of achieving community goals has been access to a Community Development Officer (CDO). Funding for the post comes through HIE from the Scottish Government's Strengthening Communities programme.

Find out more about the Shapinsay story. And if you’re involved in a community-led project, get first hand hints and tips based on their experience: https://ow.ly/QXth50ZBVmq

Shapinsay Development Trust

04/09/2026

For over 100 years, John M Munro Ltd has been a cornerstone of the Highlands and Islands’ food system, quietly enabling farmers and crofters to bring their products to market.

But like many rural abattoirs, increasing costs, regulation and labour pressures were making that role challenging.

With support from the Small Producers Pilot Fund, the business invested in critical equipment to modernise operations, not to expand, but to protect a vital service. The result? Greater efficiency, improved resilience, and continued access to market for small producers across the region.

The impact goes beyond a single business. It helps maintain local processing capacity, supports supply chains, and keeps food production rooted in the Highlands and Islands.

Read the full case study to see the impact in action: https://ow.ly/83j350ZAuEY

Munro Butcher - Butchers and Wholesalers

03/09/2026

📢 Thinking about starting or growing a social enterprise in Orkney?

Our friends at Firstport are hosting two events this autumn, bringing together local organisations, social entrepreneurs and community leaders to share ideas, experiences and practical advice.

Good Ideas Start Here:
📅 30 September, 11am to 3pm
An interactive workshop for community organisations and social enterprises looking to become more sustainable.
Sign up: https://events.humanitix.com/good-ideas-start-here?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=organic%20social&utm_content=graphic&utm_campaign=Firstport%202026

Business for Good:
📅 1 October, 10am to 12pm
Discover how social enterprises are creating lasting benefits in communities through real-life examples, networking and discussion.
Sign up: https://events.humanitix.com/firstport-business-for-good

Good Ideas Start Here is a a free interactive workshop for potential and existing social enterprises, as well as community organisations looking to become more sustainable.

Whether you're exploring a new idea, growing an existing project, or looking for ways to generate income and increase your impact, this session will provide practical advice, inspiration and support.

To learn more about this event in Orkney and to attend , click on this link https://events.humanitix.com/good-ideas-start-here

03/09/2026

Have a great business idea but not sure where to begin? You're not alone. This Scottish Start-Up Month Business Gateway are there to help you get started, with expert-led webinars, practical guides and one-to-one advice.

Make sure to follow along 👇

02/09/2026

Got ideas for new products or smarter ways of working?

Before investing time and money in development, take time out to learn how design-led innovation can help you get it right first time.

Join manufacturers, engineers, innovation leaders and design experts to explore how strong design can:
✅ Reduce wasted time and cost
✅ Improve productivity
✅ Support automation and future growth
✅ Turn concepts into scalable manufacturing opportunities

With expert speakers, real business examples, networking opportunities and an optional tour of MICM, you'll leave with fresh thinking and practical insights you can apply immediately.
Step away from the business for a day. Return with ideas that could shape its future.

📅 9 September
📍 Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray

Book now: https://ow.ly/4yop50ZBP2I

01/09/2026

Lean To Coffee is expanding its operations with support from HIE, opening a new year-round commercial bakery at Broadford Business Park. The project will help the business meet growing demand, develop new products, extend opening hours and has already created four skilled bakery jobs.

Read more about the expansion: https://ow.ly/TomG50ZHGe8

Lean to coffee