Inverness and the Highlands were showcased as key areas for investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth at the recent Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investment Conference. The event convened government representatives, investors, business leaders, and economic development partners to highlight the significant opportunities emerging across the region and the vital role Scotland's cities and regions play in national economic progress.
Organised by the Scottish Cities Alliance, the conference focused on how investment, infrastructure, and collaborative working can foster sustainable economic growth. Discussions emphasised the development of strong investment propositions, unlocking infrastructure, and enhancing collaboration between government, industry, and investors to meet national economic priorities. Contributions came from representatives of the Scottish and UK Governments, investors, enterprise agencies, and industry leaders.
Delegates participated in site visits to major developments, including Inverness Campus, Tornagrain, and Ardersier. These visits provided first-hand insight into how investments in housing, innovation, energy infrastructure, and place-making are driving long-term economic growth in the Highlands and bolstering Scotland's overall investment appeal.
Councillor Raymond Bremner, Chair of the Scottish Cities Alliance and Leader of Highland Council, expressed his gratitude to all participants. He stated, "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."
Councillor Bremner highlighted the Highlands' current period of opportunity, with long-term ambitions translating into tangible projects and economic activity across various sectors. He noted the momentum in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, innovation, tourism, food and drink, and opportunities linked to the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
He added that the breadth of investment, including major developments at Inverness Campus, Tornagrain, and Ardersier, alongside infrastructure, housing, and skills investment, is creating a diverse and resilient growth story attracting national and international interest. Councillor Bremner also stressed that growth in one part of Scotland benefits the entire country, advocating for continued collaboration to present a stronger investment proposition.
Positive feedback from delegates indicated satisfaction with the conference discussions, networking opportunities, and site visits, which offered valuable insights into the infrastructure, housing, innovation, and investment opportunities shaping future growth in Inverness and the Highlands.
