discover
our region
Set at the very top of mainland Britain, the North Highlands is a place of vast skies and powerful seas. Where mountains meet moorland, innovation sits alongside ancient landscapes, and ambition is rooted in close-knit communities. This is a region shaped by energy, enterprise and resilience – home to world-class natural assets, a growing renewables sector, and people who take pride in where they live and work. From dramatic coastlines and dark skies to vibrant towns and welcoming villages, the North Highlands offers room to grow, invest, breathe and belong.
industries
Offshore wind
Four major offshore windfarms operational or consented off the Caithness coast, producing enough energy to power
2.5 million homes.
Onshore wind
432 MW of power produced by onshore wind farms across the north Highlands, with a further 40 consented, bringing significant supply chain and job opportunities.
Tidal
The largest planned tidal stream project in the world, powered by the mighty Pentland Firth. Eight years providing energy to the grid and potential capacity of 398MW.
Nuclear
National centre of decommissioning excellence via NRS Dounreay, with £200m pa budget and £117m supply chain spend.
Space
Vertical launch site in rural Sutherland with planning permission for small satellite launch.
Environmental science
World-class research opportunities at the Flow Country peatland, the UK’s newest World Heritage Site.
developments timeline
infrastructure
The North Highlands benefits from resilient infrastructure that supports both daily life and large-scale industry. Wick Airport offers six weekly flights to Scotland’s central belt, providing fast access to national markets. Strong road links, the Far North rail line, and regular ferry services to Orkney and beyond ensure reliable connectivity. Ports at Wick and Scrabster are expanding to meet growing demand from oil and gas, renewables and tourism, reinforcing the region’s role as a key northern operational hub. Yet ultimately it’s the people that make the region, and we benefit from a highly skilled workforce, diverse supply chain and friendly, welcoming communities.
Interested?
Get In Touch
Partners
Address
The Dome
UHI NWH Campus
Ormlie Road, Thurso
Caithness, KW14 7EE
Phone
01463 383 286