5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Highlands has ‘once in a generation' chance to lead on green energy
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, Mr Matheson 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.
READ MORE:
"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, current Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, co-hosted the forum and led a 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.
Yvonne Crook of Highland Tourism CIC and Michael Mathieson MSP (Image: Trevor Martin) Established in August 2023 with the support of outgoing deputy First Minister Kate Forbes MSP, Highland CIC is a social enterprise focused on promoting sustainable tourism and development in the Highlands. It aims to create a thriving, inclusive Highland community with prosperity, responsible stewardship, and a unique cultural identity at its heart.
The event outlined the groundwork already laid by Highland CIC over the past three years, including community consultation, strategic regional analysis of renewable energy and transmission 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 concluded with 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.
The news comes as hopes that Scotland is set for a hydropower boom fade as giants delay key projects amid tensions with the Government.
SSE and Drax caused excitement with plans for huge pumped hydro storage developments that they said would create hundreds of construction jobs in the Highlands and Argyll.
