8 Highland businesses from Inverness, Invergordon, Alness, Wick, Carrbridge, Aviemore, Dochgarroch and Kincraig honoured with new Highland Employer Charter awards
Eight Highland businesses have been honoured for their commitment to local recruitment and supply chains and fairer pay.
The companies, which are dotted around the Highlands and cover fields as diverse as construction, hospitality, tourism and engineering, have been awarded with accreditation to the newly created Highland Employer Charter.
They are the first phase of local businesses to get the accreditation - with five gold and three silver awards handed out last week.
The businesses awarded accreditation in this phase included the Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport (gold award), Hydrasun in Aviemore (gold), Jacobite Cruises in Dochgarroch (gold), Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge (gold), Ecosystems Technologies from Invergordon (gold), J Murphy and Sons from Alness (silver), Norscot in Wick (silver), and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (Highland Wildlife Park), in Kincraig (silver).
The charter is based on four key pillars by employers:
These are:
• Fair Pay - to pay all staff the Real Living Wage.
• Employ Highland - support development of local workforce, engaging within education and third sector volunteering opportunities.
• Procure Highland - support Highland based supply chains, community benefits.
• Employers of Choice - investment and to ensure fair work practices which attract and retain staff.
Businesses which achieve two or more of these commitments receive a bronze, silver or gold accreditation. Membership of the charter is free.
The Highland Council applies the commitments of the Highland Employer Charter to its 10,000 workforce and identified an opportunity to expand that high standard of excellence to other employers in the region,.
Convener of Highland Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: “The new Highland Employer Charter is a growing initiative that reflects our shared commitment to ethical employment, fairness, community investment, and sustainable economic growth across the Highland region.
“At its heart, the Highland Employer Charter is about championing good practice in employment. It’s a free initiative, but its value is far-reaching. The Charter is built on a vision of a Highland economy where businesses thrive not just through profit, but through principled leadership, fairness, and community connection. As we look ahead, the Highland Employer Charter offers a meaningful way to reflect the values many of us already hold.
“It’s encouraging to see how businesses across the region are embracing these principles, and how together, we’re shaping a Highland economy that’s resilient, inclusive, and future-focused.
“I invite all businesses, whether you’re an employer, a partner or a supporter to be part of this journey. Let’s build a Highland where good work practices are recognised, where communities benefit, and where businesses lead with integrity and for the greater good of Highland.”
Vice Convener, Cllr Ken Gowans added: "The first phase of businesses to the Highland Employer Charter marks the start of a wider adoption across sectors—from small enterprises to large employers.
“Creating a strong sense of community among chartered businesses, sharing best practices and mentoring others. This is not just a policy initiative, it’s a movement in a positive direction and every business that joins the Highland Employer Charter strengthens that movement.
"Congratulations to everyone involved on achieving their award, which recognises their commitment to investing in employees, being a positive employer and a responsible business.”
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
To find out more email employercharter@highland.gov.uk.