Our region

Caithness and Sutherland

Take a journey around Caithness and Sutherland

About Caithness and Sutherland

People travel the length of the country to come to the North Highlands.

It's home to Scotland's most famous drive - the North Coast 500, and to one of our most iconic destinations - John O'Groats. It's no surprise that when people discover Caithness and Sutherland they want to stay.

The landscape is breathtaking, featuring spectacular mountains and flat rolling moorlands. High tech companies sit side by side with vibrant, innovative SMEs. The A' Mhoine peninsula is also the site of a planned commercial spaceport, where rockets will launch satellites into low earth orbit up to 12 times a year in the near future.

Back on Earth, the Beatrice offshore project, based in Wick, is a leading example of development in the green energy sector. The decommissioning of the former nuclear power plant at Dounreay has seeded many supply chain opportunities in the region.

Rolls Royce, Subsea 7 and BT are among the global companies investing in employment in the far north of Scotland.

With the world renowned Royal Dornoch golf course and an internationally recognised surf spot around the Thurso East reef, the area is a draw for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Featuring beautiful beaches and bays, wildlife, high hills and big skies, Caithness and Sutherland has much to offer, whichever mile on a journey of 500 you’re on.

Support

We work with businesses, social enterprises and communities across the Highlands and Islands to help them develop and grow. Find out how we can work with you or get in touch to find out more. 

Browse all support services

We support businesses, communities and social enterprises through a range of services, including advice, funding, events and property. Find out how we can help you.

Property and land

We have a large portfolio of land, premises and development opportunities available to help businesses and communities across our region.

Contact us

Please get in touch if you need our help or would like to discuss working with us.

Who we work with

Have a look at our case studies to find out more about who we work with and support in Caithness and Sutherland.

Loch Duart

Loch Duart have been rearing salmon in north west Scotland since 1999 and employs 115 employees across Sutherland and the Outer Hebrides.

Gro for Good

Find out more about aquaponics and how Gro for Good benefited from HIE innovation support in developing its local, nutritional food production.

The Flow Country

Learn about this remarkable landscape's role in fighting the climate crisis.

SHORE

How our R&D support helped SHORE expand their product range and create new jobs.

Did you know..

Caithness and Sutherland has

38,489

population

5,000

of history at Smoo Cave

2,500

people employed in the health sector

We are delighted with the support we have received from HIE. It has helped us maintain steady growth of the company over many years to become a significant employer in Caithness and elsewhere.

Stephen Bremner, Chairman, Ashley Ann

Growth sectors

Find out about some of the related sectors with a strong operating base in Caithness and Sutherland.

Space

The Highlands and Islands is fast becoming a hub of space sector activity in Scotland and looks set to continue to play a vital role in the years to come.

Tourism

The tourism industry makes a vital contribution to the economy and communities of our region.

Energy

Our region is at the forefront of Europe's energy industry.

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