Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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Hear from Keith Morrison at Wee Studios in Stornoway about working with HIE.

Supporting Creative industries in the Highlands and Islands

With its rich culture and heritage, the Highlands and Islands is a hub of innovative creative businesses. Our unique cultural landscape attracts global consumers eager to find new ways to engage with the region’s creative output. 

The sector is largely made up of micro-businesses and freelancers, competing in global markets alongside major multinationals. Collaboration helps these businesses scale, while the sector’s diversity and flexibility ensure that size is no barrier to growth or economic impact.  Instead, the creative industries in the region are fast-moving and vibrant, delivering both economic and social benefits.

Creative industries are increasingly important to all sectors as they further adopt digital technology, including AI. Across Scotland, 85% of businesses report needing creative skills to grow.

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Our Support for Creative Businesses

We support creative businesses across the Highlands and Islands to develop and grow, recognising their value to the regional economy. Our services range from general business support to more specialised assistance, including advice, funding access and tailored development programmes. We also offer a huge archive of video content that covers a wide range of creative business topics and advice, which are free for you to access as you need. Through our extensive network of global industry leaders and experienced local businesses, we offer valuable networking opportunities and insights ensuring we stay at the forefront of industry trends and business needs.  

Examples of these networks in action include our work with Smartify, the leading app for museums and galleries which has over 5 million users. Our collaboration enabled nine independent museums in the region to develop new skills, digital content and a promotional platform which offered them the same opportunities typically reserved for major institutions like the Smithsonian or the National Gallery.

Get Involved 

Our network and industry expertise can be invaluable in helping you develop your creative business. Whether you're looking for support, funding or collaboration opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

 We'd love to hear from:

  • Creative businesses in the Highlands and Islands region interested in participating in video interviews or providing short video stories about their work and the region’s creative potential.
  • Creatives interested in taking part in collaborative projects. 

If you’d like to stay updated on our programmes, funding opportunities, sector developments, and new resources, we will soon be launching a newsletter and notice board. Get in touch, and we’ll let you know when it’s available. 

Contact us today to explore how we can support your creative journey.

Illustration Educate

Our creative industries noticeboard

Have a look at our creative industries noticeboard and keep up to date on the latest industry news, funding opportunities, industry reports, jobs and statistics. We're adding new content all the time, so check back often! 

Our noticeboard

Support from HIE

Have a look at our support or get in touch to have a chat about how we can work with you.

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.

HIE's Innovation Service

HIE's innovation service can provide you with expert advice and funding to help you get your ideas off the ground.

R&D funding

We have R&D funding available for businesses of all sizes in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

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Unique and immersive higher and further education

Unsurprisingly, our region’s vibrant, rich and diverse culture and history supports a strong further education network for those looking to study, research and develop within the creative industries.

The Moray School of Art in Elgin couples research and a special blend of traditional and contemporary art practices.

The Centre for Island Creativity based in UHI Shetland was created in 2015 with the support of HIE, Shetland Islands Council and Creative Scotland. Here, interdisciplinary research acts as a focal point for teaching, knowledge exchange and engagement with those in the creative industries.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig based in Skye is the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. It’s the only centre for Higher and Further Education in the world that provides its courses entirely through the medium of Gaelic.

 

See who we're working with and they type of support we can offer.

Case Study

Campbell’s of Beauly

Campbell’s of Beauly hosted a student placement during summer 2023, with funding support from the Northern Innovation Hub’s (NIH) Technology Placement Programme.

Campbell’s of Beauly

Case Study

Candles from the Croft

IMPACT30 is a cohort programme custom-designed to develop young business leaders and entrepreneurs in the Highlands and Islands. Hear about the journey Candles from the Croft took.

Candles from the Croft

Case Study

DP Digital Media

DP Digital Media took advantage of our Technology Placement Programme to bring new thinking into their business.

DP Digital Media

Case Study

Black Bay Studio

Unique island recording studio develops talent to reach world-wide markets.

Black Bay Studio

Case Study

Laurence Odie

Employee-owned Shetland knitwear company creates lasting legacy for jobs and skills in area by developing new talent.

Laurence Odie Knitwear

two staff stand beside a white board

News from the creative industries

All Creative industries news

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