West Highland business leaders are travelling to Westminster this week to put the region’s economic priorities directly in front of politicians and government decision-makers.
Two-day visit aims to build links
A delegation led by the West Highland Chamber of Commerce (WHCC) will take part in a two-day visit designed to strengthen ties with the UK Government and highlight the businesses and industries contributing to growth across the West Highlands.
The chamber said the trip will include meetings with politicians and parliamentarians as part of a wider effort to build longer-term relationships with Westminster.
Sectors represented
Businesses taking part cover a range of industries across the region, including clean energy, aquaculture, ports, tourism and marine science.
The delegation includes representatives from AMP Clean Energy, SSE Renewables/Coire Glas, SSEN Transmission, Kishorn Port, MOWI Scotland, Jahama Estates/Alvance, the Scottish Association for Marine Science, West Properties/West Holidays and Lunchys Holiday Consultants/TSL Contractors.
WHCC said it represents more than 200 businesses across the West Highlands, including in Ullapool, Skye, Oban and Lochaber.
Meetings planned in Westminster
The visit begins on Tuesday, September 8, with a meeting with Scotland Office minister Melanie Ward MP.
That will be followed by a roundtable discussion with parliamentarians hosted by Angus MacDonald, MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire.
Delegates will also attend an evening reception at Scotland House.
On Wednesday, September 9, representatives are due to meet members of the House of Lords at a breakfast reception led by Lord Cameron of Lochiel.
WHCC also hopes to hold meetings with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and HM Treasury during the visit.
Why the chamber says the trip matters
The chamber said the visit is intended to give the region a stronger voice in national economic discussions and encourage continued engagement between Westminster and businesses operating across the West Highlands.
Frazer Coupland, chief executive of WHCC, said: “The aim of this visit to Westminster is to put our region’s voice at the heart of UK Government and our members’ businesses in front of the people who make the decisions.
“This delegation is about building lasting relationships with government, not just a single visit.
“We want ongoing engagement and ministerial familiarisation with the businesses driving growth across the West Highlands – from clean energy and aquaculture to ports, tourism and marine science – over the next 18 months.”