A Holyrood review of enterprise and skills provision in Scotland has raised questions about the future of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
No specific outcome has been identified but politicians and industry in the far north have expressed fears HIE may as the result of the review be joined with Scottish Enterprise, which serves the rest of the country.
The Scottish government said the focus of the review “has been on improving the outcomes of those who engage with our enterprise and skills agencies, and building on the successes and strong point of these agencies, not the structures that lie behind this work”.
A spokesperson added: “We will set out our response to the review in due course.”
HIE is among other things responsible for overseeing Wave Energy Scotland and has played a large role in encouraging the wider renewables sector in the Highlands and Islands.
Image: Scottish parliament (Klaus)
