GRANT CAMPBELL: Biggest problem Highlands faces to realising a strong and prosperous future is housing

The arrival of spring has seen our natural environment coming back to life across the region and, in many ways, it mirrors the emergence of continued opportunities for economic growth. The level of activity across all sectors and industries, which with considerable pressures and challenges, continues to show resilience and optimism that our region can flourish.

With public sector spending facing significant challenges, we continue to engage with Scottish and UK governments on the importance of sustained investment into local government and enterprise to support the rural economy of the Highlands and Islands.

Our members in traditional industries such as food and drink continue to report excellent results. Hospitality and tourism demand is looking good for the season ahead and manufacturing continues to use innovation to deliver consistent growth and take advantage of new opportunities.

New and emerging industries with the promise of highly skilled and well-paid jobs are very much on the horizon as development moves forward with the Green Freeport, Sutherland Spaceport and the new Life Sciences Innovation Centre.

I was pleased to hear the First Minister talking this month about migration and people are undoubtedly the key to unlocking the full potential of our region. Thriving communities with health and wellbeing at the core, transport and digital connectivity to link us together and a diverse population where people like me, who grew up outwith the Highlands, want to live, work and contribute to society.

So herewith lies the biggest problem we face to realising a strong and prosperous future – housing. Now I won’t attempt to simplify this extremely complex issue into a few short words but be rest assured the Scottish Council for Development and Industry's (SCDI) Rural Commission review and our engagement events are supporting great work already being done by members and stakeholders region-wide.

It will be our unique ability to unite sectors, who can give visibility to large-scale, long-term investment through the right financial, legislative and regulatory frameworks delivered with regionally devolved powers which will give us the best chance of success.

Grant Campbell is SCDI’s regional manager for the Highlands and Islands.

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