Appointment of the Chair to the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic
Leas Phrìomh Mhinistear agus Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson Eaconamaidh agus Gàidhlig
Kate Forbes MSP
Ceit Fhoirbeis BPA

Dear Colleague
Appointment of the Chair to the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise

I am writing to advise you that we are about to appoint a new Chair to the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Scottish Government’s economic development agency for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. I would find it very helpful if you would consider circulating details of the role to your organisation and networks. The appointment is for three years from 1 October 2025.

I have worked closely with HIE for a number of years and I have seen firsthand the vital role it plays in supporting businesses and communities across the Highlands and Islands. It is an ambitious organisation working to build a greener, fairer, and more resilient region that benefits everyone and makes a strong contribution to Scotland. HIE’s five-year strategy, launched in August 2023, sets out its vision for a leading net zero region with a dynamic wellbeing economy. The themes in the strategy align to the actions set out in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government.

HIE’s Board, which is appointed by Scottish Ministers, is responsible for setting strategic direction, key decision making and effective governance. Board membership encompasses a range of skills, knowledge and experience that reflect the diversity of its region and the breadth of its remit. Board members come from a range of backgrounds but have at least two things in common: HIE’s passion for this part of Scotland and its commitment to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and prosperity of all those who live there. Information on HIE’s current Board members can be found here.

In response to a challenging fiscal environment, our public bodies are pursuing a programme of reform. The new Chair of HIE will require to demonstrate strong leadership in order to maintain HIE’s focus on improving outcomes and efficiency whilst adjusting to these fiscal realities. Nonetheless, it is an exciting time to be working on economic development across the Highlands and Islands. HIE has recently been instrumental in producing research looking at regional transformation opportunities. These include the tremendous potential of renewable energy, natural
capital, space and life sciences. More traditional sectors such as tourism, creative industries and food and drink, are also key drivers of growth, prosperity and fair work.

The work HIE does every day, to bring projects to fruition that will maximise those opportunities, comes from making solid connections. Its links with the private sector and other partner organisations help to turn those ideas into genuine opportunities, supported by the agency’s strong leadership and effective Board.

Scottish Ministers value very highly the benefits of having different experience and points of view on the Boards of our agencies. I am very keen that we have the most capable and diverse pool of candidates to consider – individuals from all walks of life who can add real value to HIE and support our vision and ambition for all parts of the Highlands and Islands.

Full details of the role and how to apply are at www.jobs.gov.scot/public-appointments. If anyone interested in the role would like to find out more, or if they would like to discuss it with the current Chair, please contact the Executive Support Team at HIE, on 01463 245245 (ask for HIE Executive Support) or email execsupport@hient.co.uk

Thank you for your support.
KATE FORBES