The Highlands has a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to be a global leader in sustainable development
The Highlands has a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to be a global leader in sustainable energy and drive economic growth, the former Net Zero Minister Michael Matheson told a major Highland CIC conference on renewables today.
He said the region could become an “exemplar” for the whole of the country with investment benefitting communities, businesses and net zero goals.
But speaking at the launch of the Highland Renewables Network, he cautioned that people had to work together to maximise those opportunities.
Addressing delegates at forum, The Highlands in Focus: Unlocking the Highlands’ Potential as a Global Leader in Sustainability in Inverness, he said: “We are at the beginning of a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
“The opportunity to get it right for the Highlands is now, and the work of Highland CIC has the potential to be a blueprint to inspire other parts of the country – an exemplar in sustainability, by investing in innovation, embracing community leadership and driving inclusive economic growth.
‘It is incumbent on us all to work collaboratively to maximise the benefits of the development that is happening in the Highlands to deliver a just transition that the Highlands deserve.’
Mr Matheson MSP, former Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy and current Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, co-hostedthe forum and led a vital discussion on the region’s role in achieving Scotland’s climate goals.
It brought together green energy developers, business leaders, community representatives and policymakers to discuss how to make the Highlands a sustainability powerhouse.
It also marked the official launch of the Highland Renewables Network, which will enable collaboration to maximise the value of renewable energy developments to communities and the local and regional supply chain.
Participants explored how renewable energy can act as a catalyst – not only for environmental targets but also for economic empowerment and community transformation.
Established in August 2023 with the support of deputy First Minister Kate Forbes MSP, Highland CIC has rapidly evolved into an influential, business-led organisation, with strategic investment in sustainable development and community empowerment at its core.
The event outlined the groundwork already laid by Highland CIC over the past three years, including community consultation, strategic regional analysis of renewable energy andtransmission development, tourism challenges, community development trusts and areas of deprivation.
These efforts have shaped a vision for how the Highlands can prepare for a forecasted £100 billion in transformational investment.
Central to that vision is the creation of a strategic fund, supported by the Highland Renewables Network, to invest in economic, community and environmental initiatives across the region – projects that might otherwise remain out of reach.
“This is not just about harnessing the power of renewable energy development,” said Yvonne Crook, Chair of Highland CIC.
“It’s about shaping the future of the Highlands – empowering local communities, building economic resilience and placing this remarkable region at the forefront of the global sustainability movement.”
The forum included a panel discussion and Q&A with representatives from Highland community, third sector, energy, environment and culture and heritage sectors and concludedwith a renewed call to action for all stakeholders – businesses, developers, government representatives and communities – to join forces and ensure that the Highlands’ future is one of prosperity, sustainability and leadership.
Highland CIC also announced it was inviting stakeholders to join the Highland Renewables Network and efforts to align efforts and action on sustainable development in the Highlandsby emailing info@highlandcic.org
Highland Renewables is a forward-thinking network of businesses committed to harnessing the Highlands’ abundant natural resources to deliver renewable energy projects and strategically important sustainable development initiatives.
Driven by a shared ambition and vision, we support the business-led community effort for the Highlands to become a global leader in sustainable development, aligned with both local and national government policies.
Through these initiatives, we not only contribute to global climate goals and Scotland’s net zero ambitions, but also promote strategic investment in local communities, environmental stewardship and infrastructure.
Our aim is to leave a lasting legacy that benefits the Highlands for generations to come. If you’d like to know more about our organisation and how you can get involved in our sustainable development initiatives, please contact us on info@highlandcic.org