Highlands look ahead with optimism in 2026

Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport Established

The establishment of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport offers hope for the region’s industrial future.

New Year Reflections

Happy New Year to all readers!

I was housebound over the festive season, recovering from a wee op at Raigmore. This enforced confinement with my trustworthy zimmer gave me more time for reading than normal.

There seemed to be a theme in current affairs articles. Political previews of 2026 were universally negative and depressing, as if the Rev IM Jolly had penned every article.

Let’s not be naïve. The state of outstanding debt in the UK, levels of NHS waiting lists, and the war in Ukraine are good reasons for concern about what 2026 holds for the world.

However, I made a new year’s resolution to try to be positive and cheerful, whatever the circumstances may dictate.

Reasons to Be Cheerful in the Highlands and Islands

Here are some reasons to be cheerful as we look toward 2026!

Firstly, our region is beautiful and safe. We are all lucky to stay here.

Tourism is our number one industry because of the picturesque lochs, glens, and habitats, along with the culture. The NC500, which starts and ends in Inverness, is an internationally recognized success.

The Highlands have a low overall crime rate compared to other parts of Scotland. Some property crimes, like housebreaking, have seen significant drops.

Our area is an iconic location for major films and TV series, including Harry Potter, Braveheart, Skyfall, and Outlander.

Energy Sector Growth

Secondly, energy is one of the region’s most important drivers.

This is recognized by the award of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. It is the largest green engineering development area in the UK, with over £6.5 billion planned investments over 25 years and 11,300 long-term jobs projected.

The Highlands and Islands host a significant share of Scotland’s renewable energy assets, including onshore wind, hydro power, marine energy, and emerging green hydrogen projects.

These generate skilled jobs in construction, engineering, ports, and supply chains.

The Point and Sandwick Trust’s Beinn Ghrideag project in Lewis is the UK’s largest community-owned wind farm. It generates significant funds for local social, cultural, and environmental projects.

Inverness-based Global Energy Group (GEG) is a UK success story in the renewable energy sector. Its end-of-year revenue climbed to £330 million from £253 million in the previous year.

Educational Achievements

Thirdly, we have high educational standards and achievements, from early years to further and higher education.

The University of the Highlands and Islands is a unique tertiary institution. It offers flexible courses up to PhD level at partners across the region from Shetland to Argyll. It boasts one of the best student satisfaction results in the UK’s university sector.

Strong Business Sector

Finally, our region has a strong network of dynamic businesses, supported by innovative organizations. These include the chambers of commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Business Gateway, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The food and drink sector is important for tourists and locals alike. The area’s reputation for high-quality, locally-sourced produce continues to grow.

Inverness and Nairn are well served by restaurants such as Café One, The Mustard Seed, and The Sundancer.

Oh, and could I add another one? Caley Thistle will win the First Division this season, and neighbors Ross County will stay up in the Championship!

Is this not enough to bring a smile to the face of Rev IM Jolly?

Summary of Key Facts