Sustainable future for the Highlands
COMMENT: Yvonne Crook, Chair of Highland CIC
At The Scotsman’s Green Energy Conference, I had the privilege of sharing a message that has been four years in the making. Backed by extensive community consultation and comprehensive mapping work, a vision was presented that not only captures the challenges facing our region, but also the extraordinary opportunities ahead.
Our work to date – a collaboration with over 200 ambassadors from across the Highlands and 11 green energy developers – has involved deep analysis of green energy developments as well as third sector activity, cultural heritage, the natural environment, and the tourism landscape.
We’ve also looked at areas facing significant deprivation, where the gap between potential and opportunity is far too wide.
The message was clear – if we are to harness the full benefits of the energy transition, we must rethink how we allocate resources. Community benefit funds, often too narrowly distributed or short-term in scope, must be used more strategically. Our communities deserve a long-term legacy, not just a temporary boost.
This principle lies at the heart of Highland CIC’s mission – to position the Highlands as a global exemplar in sustainable development.
The conference was a key moment to talk about what our partnership has accomplished over the past four years, bringing together voices from across the Highlands and across sectors. We are immensely grateful to our partners and sponsors for their investment, expertise and commitment to our shared vision.
The scale of what lies ahead cannot be overstated. According to Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the region is poised to see around £100 billion in economic investment. This is a “once in many lifetimes” opportunity to shape the future of The Highlands, but it must be done right, it must be a just transition.
We are calling on all stakeholders – developers, public agencies, community organisations, and policymakers – to come together in a strategic collaboration that works together to prioritise sustainable development goals for the Highlands and an aligned investment strategy.
The Highlands have always been a place of resilience, innovation and pride. Now we have the opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating how rural and remote communities can thrive in a net-zero future while preserving the natural and cultural assets that make our region so unique.
Together, we can build a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible Highlands – one that not only adapts to the changes ahead but helps lead them. The time to act is now, and we invite everyone with a stake in this region’s future to join us by pledging support and getting in touch to find out about the many initiatives and events we have planned throughout the remainder of this year and beyond.