Last month, the Highland Sustainable Development Summit brought together an inspiring cross-section of people from across the region to contribute, listen, collaborate, and think boldly about the future of the Highlands.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended and took part. Your energy, ideas, and commitment made the Summit a powerful and meaningful gathering.

A Shared Vision for the Highlands

The Summit united a Highland-wide community of volunteers, small businesses, young people, community leaders, tourism operators, energy transition organisations, alongside our CIC Board of Directors and the Highland Renewables steering group.

Despite the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the room, one belief was shared by all: the Highlands can be a world leader in sustainable development, creating a region that is an even better place to live, work, study, and visit.

Insightful Panels and Meaningful Conversations

We were proud to host five panel discussions, each characterised by honesty, ambition, and deep insight. These sessions explored the challenges and opportunities facing the Highlands and demonstrated the value of open, collaborative dialogue in shaping sustainable solutions.

We are sharing a selection of images from the Summit, with more to follow soon, and we would like to thank every panellist for generously giving their time, expertise, and passion.

Our sincere thanks to all contributors, including: Miša Novak, Terry Stevens, Bruce MacGregor, Ben Thorburn, David Reid, Calum MacPherson, Mike Engelbrecht, Jamie Davidson, Martin Johnson, Jill McAlpine, Alison Hood, Fraser Campbell, Mark Brennan, Claire Bruce, Sara McGonigle, Grant Moir, Niven Rennie, Dr Mike Robinson OBE, Laura Sutherland, Duncan Bryden, Jocelyn Harcus, Rachel Johnstone, Kirsty McNamara, and Morgan Paige.

Keynote Reflections

We were honoured to welcome Michael Matheson as a keynote speaker. Reflecting on the event, he said:

“It was great to take part in the Highland Sustainable Development Summit in Inverness. The event brought together an impressive range of voices – from developers and tourism industry experts to third-sector organisations and representatives from local communities – united around a shared vision to see the Highlands thrive.

As we move forward, it will be crucial that we continue working collaboratively to ensure we maximise the full economic and social benefits of the renewable-energy revolution already underway across the region.”

We were also delighted to hear from Terry Stevens, who delivered a keynote address before chairing the tourism and destination development panel. He noted:

“Tourism in the Highlands is over 300 years old and throughout those centuries the industry has continually evolved, adapted, and stayed relevant to prevailing trends.

This collaboration of tourism and renewables through Highland CIC fits comfortably into that evolutionary model. Its potential goes far beyond being a zeitgeist; it represents a real route to delivering key UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 on affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.”

What’s Next

We have a number of initiatives underway with partners, as well as more events planned for 2026, which we will be announcing soon. If you would like to stay in touch or get involved, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at info@highlandcic.org.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners

Finally, our heartfelt thanks go to the sponsors and partners who made the Highland Sustainable Development Summit possible:

SSEN Transmission, Statkraft, Vattenfall, Copper Consultancy, RES, Haventus, Fred. Olsen Renewables, Field, Low Carbon, GreenPower International, BayWa r.e. EMEA, Kane Partners, Cobbs Group, BaxterStorey, Adventra, Vinje Industri, Woody’s Express Limited, BAM UK & Ireland, Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Powering Futures, Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, Galileo Empower Limited, Koehler Energy Group, and PSG Marine & Logistics Ltd.

Thank you once again to everyone who joined us. Watch this space for what comes next.