The group behind Highland Tourism CIC and Highland Renewables yesterday launched Highland CIC, in a move that will formally unite business leaders and community representatives behind a shared vision for the Highlands to become a world leader in sustainability and drive the development of a trust fund for innovation and enterprise in the Highlands.

The CIC is supported by the Highland Tourism CIC board of directors, made up of six leaders from the tourism and renewables sectors, a Highland Renewables steering group comprising 11 representatives from the energy sector, more than 200 ambassadors and a funding cohort of over 20 private sector organisations representing tourism, food and drink and energy. Together and with significant founding sponsorship from Tomatin Distillery, they have invested over £1m of private monies in the establishment of Highland CIC and the development of a strategic approach to destination development through a Brand Highlands Strategy.  

Speaking from yesterday’s event where partners and ambassadors gathered at The Strathdearn Hub in Tomatin to discuss the CIC’s strategy for 2025, Yvonne Crook, Chair of Highlands CIC said: “Launching Highlands CIC has been in the pipeline for some time. Increasingly, we are being approached with support and innovative ideas from a variety of sectors in the Highlands and, though we set out with the two key economic sectors of tourism and renewables,  it makes sense not to limit the organisation to just these two, but provide a framework for others to join in what is a very exciting movement for the Highlands.”

The event was sponsored by Fred. Olsen Renewables, one of two organisations to join the CIC as sponsors in recent weeks, alongside Planit Scotland.

Speaking at the event, Professor Terry Stevens, international destination development expert and an early ambassador for the CIC, shared his enthusiasm for the collaborative investment from tourism and renewables “this initiative has global significance and competitor destinations are watching with interest”

CIC Director, Willie Cameron, added: “We were delighted to have world leading destination development specialist and Highland Tourism Ambassador Professor Terry Stevens join us at today’s CIC gathering, where critical discussions were held on the value of tourism in the Highlands, the innovation in the collaborative approach with the renewables sector and the work will now do to lead to a more sustainable future for the Highlands. I am honoured to be part of such an innovative, forward-thinking group. I’m excited about what the future holds for the Highlands and I look forward to the CIC helping to put the Highlands on the map as a leader in sustainability and a great place to live, work, study, visit and invest in.”