Delegates see first-hand how major developments across the Highlands are driving investment, innovation and sustainable economic growth
Government representatives, investors, business leaders and economic development partners gathered in Inverness last week for the Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investment Conference, showcasing the significant opportunities emerging across Inverness and the Highlands while highlighting the contribution Scotland's cities and regions can make to national economic growth.
Hosted by the Scottish Cities Alliance, the event brought together delegates from across the public and private sectors to discuss how investment, infrastructure and partnership working can support sustainable economic growth and help realise Scotland's economic ambitions. With a focus on the city of Inverness, discussions highlighted the important role that Scotland's cities and regions can play in delivering national economic priorities by developing strong investment propositions, unlocking infrastructure and fostering collaboration between government, industry and investors.
The conference featured contributions from representatives of the Scottish and UK Governments, investors, enterprise agencies and industry leaders, alongside site visits highlighting major developments at Inverness Campus, Tornagrain and Ardersier. Through these visits, delegates were able to see first-hand how investment in housing, innovation, energy infrastructure and place-making is helping to drive long-term economic growth in the Highlands while contributing to Scotland's wider investment proposition.
Chair of the Scottish Cities Alliance and Leader of , Councillor Raymond Bremner, thanked everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the event.
He said: "I would like to thank everyone who took part in this year's Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investment Conference, especially our speakers and panellists. The event demonstrated the strength of Scotland's collective investment proposition and the value of collaboration between our cities, regions and partner organisations. It also provided an important opportunity to showcase the scale of opportunity emerging across Inverness and the Highlands.
"The Highlands is entering a period of remarkable opportunity. We are seeing long-term ambition being translated into real projects, real investment and real economic activity across a range of sectors. From renewable energy and advanced manufacturing to life sciences, innovation, tourism, food and drink, and the wider opportunities linked to the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, the momentum we are seeing is real.
"What makes the Highland opportunity particularly compelling is the breadth of investment taking place. Major developments at Inverness Campus, Tornagrain and Ardersier, alongside investment in infrastructure, housing and skills, are helping create a diverse and resilient growth story that is attracting interest from across the UK and internationally."
In his welcoming speech, Councillor Bremner highlighted the role that collaboration between Scotland's cities and regions plays in strengthening the country's overall economic competitiveness and attracting investment. Delegates heard how opportunities linked to energy transition, innovation, housing, infrastructure and skills development are helping to drive growth across Scotland and support the ambitions of both the Scottish and UK Governments.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of strong regional partnerships, investment-ready propositions and infrastructure in unlocking long-term economic growth across Scotland.
Councillor Bremner added: "One of the strongest messages emerging from the conference was that growth in one part of Scotland can create benefits across the whole country. By working together to promote opportunities, share experience and align investment priorities, Scotland's cities and regions can present an even stronger proposition to investors, unlock further investment and create sustainable economic growth for communities across Scotland.
"I hope delegates left Inverness with a greater understanding of the opportunities available in the Highlands, stronger relationships with potential partners and confidence in the future. The Highlands is not simply talking about opportunity. Increasingly, we are seeing it take shape on the ground, and the future is an exciting one."
Feedback from delegates has been very positive, with many highlighting the quality of the conference discussions, networking opportunities and site visits, which provided valuable insight into the infrastructure, housing, innovation and investment opportunities helping to shape future growth in Inverness and the Highlands.
The Scottish Cities Alliance is a partnership of Scotland's eight cities and the Scottish Government, working together to attract investment and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the country.