Highland and Island Enterprise

Our vision is to make the Highlands and Islands a highly successful and competitive region where increasing numbers of people choose to live, work, study and invest. We are the Scottish Government's economic and community development agency for the north and west of Scotland. HIE's purpose is to generate sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands. The Highlands and Islands is recognised as a region where communities take responsibility for shaping their future, where social enterprise as a sector is innovative, strong and growing, where community asset ownership and service delivery are well established and supported, and where unique cultural assets, including Gaelic, play a significant role in creating vibrant, strong communities
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European Community Highland Leader 2007 - 2013 Programme

About LEADER There have been 3 previous LEADER Programmes (LEADER 1, 2 and LEADER+), LEADER is now part of the new Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), aimed at promoting economic and community development within rural areas. It is a bottom up method of delivering support for rural development aimed primarily at small and medium sized community driven projects that are pilot and innovative in nature. The main aims of the new fund are: Revitalising Communities Progressive Rural Economies Whether it is a facility, historic asset, a publication, a research study or new interpretation and pathworks, LEADER can consider it. Ideas which support the local economy, help the natural environment, women or young people may apply as can projects related to the culture of the area.
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The University of Aberdeen

Education in Aberdeen is recognised as a national and international centre of excellence for creative and innovative thinking and practice in the field of professional and inter-professional learning and development. It contributes to the development of a world class education system in Scotland through excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Covering initial teacher education, adult and community education and the continuing professional development of teachers and related professionals, Education continues to receive significant government funding influencing policy and informing practice across Scotland and further afield. A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are offered which take account of national policies and priorities, and are flagship programmes in terms of innovative pedagogies and often involving technology-enhanced learning. Aberdeen is a leading provider of Gaelic Education programmes in Scotland.
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The Scottish Government

Scotland is a modern, open economy and is rich in economic potential and natural resources. Our broad industrial base includes core industries such as Financial and Business Services, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Food and Drink, Life Sciences, Sustainable Tourism, Universities and the Creative Industries. Scotland’s Digital Future outlines the steps that are required to ensure Scotland is well placed to take full advantage of all the economic, social and environmental opportunities offered by the digital age. These four main themes are explored further on this website and your involvement in delivering a Digital Scotland is welcome. Feedback on the ideas and different approaches presented here will help us to develop, refine and implement our digital strategy.
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The Small Isles Community Council

What are Community Councils? Community Councils are the most local tier of statutory representation in Scotland. They bridge the gap between local authorities and communities, and help to make public bodies aware of the opinions and needs of the communities they represent. Their primary purpose is to ascertain and express the views of the community to the local authority and other public bodies. Many Community Councils also involve themselves in a wide range of other activities including fundraising, organising community events, undertaking environmental and educational projects and much more. There are currently around 1200 Community Councils in Scotland, all of which are composed of elected volunteers from the community.
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The European Union

The creation of the single market and the corresponding increase in trade and general economic activity transformed the EU into a major trading power. The EU is trying to sustain economic growth by investing in transport, energy and research, while also seeking to minimise the environmental impact of further economic development. Regional policy targets EU regions and cities, boosting economic growth and improving quality of life through strategic investment. It is also an active form of solidarity which focuses support on the less developed regions
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