SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SPARSELY POPULATED AREAS OF EUROPE Anne MacDonald Head of Policy, Strengthening Communities
Highlands and Islands in context H.I.E. Area Distance from Inverness to Lerwick
Remoteness and peripherality Inhospitable terrain and climate Water crossings Sparsity of population Fragile rural economies Low incomes Cost of Living Challenges facing the region
Helmsdale in Sutherland Black figures represent people Brown represents sheep Over a fifty year period
Population Year Population (000s) Source: National Records for Scotland (NRS)
Source: National Records of Scotland Net Migration by Age Group
Distinct local economies – each with their own challenges and opportunities Accustomed to adverse conditions, resourceful and resilient Large public sector SMEs dominate Regional Characteristics
Our Purpose To generate sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the Highlands and Islands Our Vision For the Highlands and Islands to be a highly successful and competitive region in which increasing numbers of people choose to live, work, study and invest. Our Priorities Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations Strengthening communities and fragile areas Creating the conditions for a competitive and low-carbon region Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Morvern Community Development Company
Encouraging Social Entrepreneurship
Supporting our Culture
Lochboisdale
Unemployment, Source: Claimant Count (NOMIS)
Social Enterprise activity in the Highlands and Islands 2015
Soirbheas video Thank you