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Highlands and Islands Enterprise has "had its day" says former Scottish Secretary as he calls for it to be replaced


By Ali Morrison

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FORMER Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael has called for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to be scrapped.

The Lib Dem MP for Orkney and Shetland said he is in favour of a return to the model of HIE’s predecessor, Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB), saying it allowed for more local voices to be heard.

“Highlands and Islands Enterprise as we currently know it has had its day, he said. “It needs to be replaced with a body that can do what we need.”

HIDB was created in 1965 before being replaced by HIE in 1991.

HIE was spared in 2016 after the Scottish Government reversed a decision to centralise Scotland’s skills and enterprise services, following widespread criticism of the plan.

A spokesman for HIE said: “Our board members have in-depth knowledge and experience of the region and its economy and social structure. They also bring experience of industries and opportunities relevant to future growth.”

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