50+ jobs in Caithness and Sutherland created ‘thanks to HIE support’
More than 50 jobs created or retained in Caithness and Sutherland this year owe their existence to support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The agency made the claim after it released figures that showed that it was able to support dozens of posts in the 2023/24 financial year “through a “combination of financial and non-financial interventions”.
They included investments of more than £1.1 million in 26 projects with a combined total cost of £4.05 million. The organisation said it also helped to attract almost £2.5 million in external investment.
As a result of HIE’s support, the agency said that businesses in the area were set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4 million as a result, while international sales “will grow by £661,000”.
HIE said its support for social enterprises is also forecast to bring about a £480,000 uplift in the social economy.
There was also support for businesses across the patch to innovate, diversify, grow and create new jobs.
This included a £94,700 approval for Reid’s Bakery in Thurso towards the cost of specialised equipment. An expansion project by GMG Energy Limited in Sutherland was awarded £65,200 and a £250,000 investment was approved to help Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd establish a whisky distillery within the Castletown Mill.
Community led initiatives receiving investment support included £250,000 towards the £4.9 million renovation of the John O’ Groats Mill by the John O’ Groats Mill Trust.
The Assynt Development Trust, Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust and the Scourie Community Development Company all received support to deliver local benefits.
Eann Sinclair, HIE area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, said: “It was great to be able to support so many business and community projects across Caithness and Sutherland last year. It was equally pleasing to see the recent completion of the £2.7 million project to create small business units at Wick Business Park, and the encouraging progress with the ground infrastructure at Sutherland Spaceport near Tongue.
“We remain ambitious in the current year and continue to challenge ourselves to identify and pursue more economic opportunities as they arise. That’s what our five-year strategy, launched last year, is all about and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners, businesses and communities to secure further economic benefits for the area.”