By Peter A Walker

Copyright insider

The West Highland Chamber of Commerce is unveiling its new manifesto in Edinburgh today, setting out the priorities that businesses in Lochaber, North Argyll, Skye, Raasay, Lochalsh and Wester Ross believe can unlock growth, sustainability and wellbeing across the region.

The document states that while the West Highlands contributes to Scotland’s economy, it faces persistent challenges in transport, housing, skills and infrastructure – arguing that without targeted investment and devolved decision-making, the region cannot reach its full potential.

The manifesto highlights five key areas where the support of the public sector is required:

Community infrastructure – better healthcare, education, public transport and community spaces. Calls include a replacement Belford Hospital in Fort William and stronger local decision-making powers. Transport – upgrades to the A82, A83 and key routes on Skye and Wester Ross to remove bottlenecks and support growth. Training and skills – creating a Strategic Skills Forum and boosting links between schools, colleges and businesses to prepare young people and career-changers for future jobs. Housing – more affordable homes to tackle depopulation and help businesses retain staff, alongside planning reform to speed up delivery. Tourism and culture – sustainable visitor management, improvements to licensing and stronger promotion of Gaelic as both a cultural and economic asset.

The West Highland Chamber is also calling for the appointment of a dedicated Minister for the Highlands, retention of Highlands and Islands Enterprise as a regional agency and stronger local authority presence in the area.

Frazer Coupland, chief executive of the West Highland Chamber of Commerce, said: “The West Highland Manifesto is designed as both a business-led action plan and a clear ask of government.

“It sets out practical steps that could transform the region’s future and underpin Scotland’s wider prosperity.”

Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron commented: “With 18,000 long-term jobs projected by 2040, the region is poised to become a powerhouse for economic growth.

“This manifesto rightly calls for the infrastructure, housing, and skills investments needed to realise that ambition.

“All of Scotland’s political parties should now consider how they can work with the chamber to unlock the region’s considerable promise.“

A recent Highlands and Islands Enterprise report that underlined the scale of the potential in the area, with more than 250 planned developments in the economic pipeline. Together, these projects represent a potential total investment value of up to £100bn and could bring around 16,000 jobs at the peak of construction and development, along with 18,000 operational jobs by 2040.

Coupland added: “The West Highlands gives far more than it gets back, so with fairer investment in roads, homes, skills and services, we can deliver even more for Scotland.

“Our businesses are ready to lead, and we need governments to match that ambition.“

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