Four years ago, while walking my dogs near the Moy windfarm close to where I live in the Scottish Highlands, I was struck by a powerful realisation. Standing beneath those turbines, I could see the physical scale of renewable energy development, but I also understood that scale alone is not enough. The opportunities unfolding in our region will not deliver full and lasting benefits to our communities without a clear vision, shared ambition and, above all, collaboration. The future we want for the Highlands will not happen by accident and it is time to move from working in silos and seeing challenges to coming together and taking action.
I quickly discovered I was not alone in that thinking. Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of working with community and business leaders who share a bold, integrated vision for sustainable development across the region. At Highland Community Interest Company (Highland CIC), I am supported by a committed volunteer board of directors, by the Highland Renewables steering group, and by more than 200 tourism and renewables ambassadors from across the Highlands. Their passion and expertise continue to guide and inspire our journey. Our progress has also been strengthened by invaluable support from people such as Kate Forbes, in what was then her position as MSP, who brought momentum to our work when she co-hosted a series of cross-region community roadshows with us in 2024.
The Highlands is a place of rare natural richness. Its hills, ancient forests and lochs are not only the foundation of Scotland’s tourism success, but they are also home to fragile ecosystems and unique species. These landscapes are now also the backbone of the nation’s decarbonisation ambitions. They are central to achieving net-zero. Yet during Covid, many of us were compelled to reflect on the legacy we are leaving behind. After more than 30 years working in tourism development, I came to a difficult conclusion: tourism has often taken more from the Highlands than it has returned. Without action, that imbalance will continue.
Recognising the scale of the challenge, Highland CIC set out to think differently. We knew that incremental change would not be enough. We needed transformational thinking and a collaborative model capable of matching the ambition of the opportunities emerging around us. Working with our directors, ambassadors and private sector partners, we have created an innovative relationship between tourism and renewables that has now brought over £1million of private sector investment into our work.
This partnership is guided by our new Highland CIC manifesto: a shared commitment to making the Highlands a global exemplar of integrated environmental, social, cultural and economic development.
Over four years, we have analysed the intersecting mapping data that tell the real story of where the Highlands is right now; renewable project proposals, areas of deprivation, cultural and heritage assets, economic indicators and more. This work has given us a clear picture of what is possible: the Highlands can become not just a renewable energy hub, but a sustainability powerhouse where communities are stronger, the environment is protected, and economic opportunity is shared.
Earlier this year, I presented this strategic mapping at the All-Energy conference and the Sustainable Scotland Green Series. The message resonated strongly: if we want communities to benefit for generations, we must rethink how resources are allocated. Community benefit funds should be strategic and long-term. Investment should create enduring legacies, not temporary interventions. This work was made possible thanks to our clean energy developer and tourism partners who have dedicated funds, time and expertise to this initiative.
The Highlands is on the brink of transformation. Highlands and Islands Enterprise estimates that the region stands before a £100 billion investment opportunity. To ensure that investment strengthens rather than fragments our communities, we must act with unity. Transformational investment requires transformational leadership, shared between business, government, communities and the third sector.
This is our moment for collaboration and getting things done. Clean energy development offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of the Highlands and, in turn, contribute to the economic wellbeing of all Scotland. I invite leaders across business, community development and all sustainability champions to join the conversation at the Highland Sustainable Development Summit in Inverness on 25–26 November and help us create a Highlands that thrives for generations to come.
Partner Content by Highland CIC
