Government representatives, investors, business leaders and economic development partners gathered in Inverness last week for the Scottish Cities Alliance (SCA) Autumn Investment Conference, which showcased the scale of opportunities emerging across the city and the wider Highlands, and underlined how Scotland's cities and regions can contribute to national economic growth.

Hosted by the Scottish Cities Alliance, the programme brought together public- and private-sector delegates to explore how investment, infrastructure and collaboration can support sustainable economic growth and advance Scotland's economic ambitions. With Inverness in the spotlight, discussions emphasised the part that cities and regions play in delivering national priorities by shaping robust investment propositions, unlocking critical infrastructure and fostering cooperation between government, industry and investors.

The conference included contributions from the Scottish and UK Governments, investors, enterprise agencies and industry leaders, alongside site visits to major developments at Inverness Campus, Tornagrain and Ardersier. These visits gave participants first-hand insight into how investment in housing, innovation, energy infrastructure and place-making is catalysing long-term growth in the Highlands while strengthening Scotland's overall investment proposition.

Chair of the Scottish Cities Alliance and Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner, thanked those who attended and helped make the event a success.

He said: "I would like to thank everyone who took part in this year's Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investment Conference, especially our speakers and panellists. The event demonstrated the strength of Scotland's collective investment proposition and the value of collaboration between our cities, regions and partner organisations. It also provided an important opportunity to showcase the scale of opportunity emerging across Inverness and the Highlands.

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"The Highlands is entering a period of remarkable opportunity. We are seeing long-term ambition being translated into real projects, real investment and real economic activity across a range of sectors. From renewable energy and advanced manufacturing to life sciences, innovation, tourism, food and drink, and the wider opportunities linked to the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, the momentum we are seeing is real.

"What makes the Highland opportunity particularly compelling is the breadth of investment taking place. Major developments at Inverness Campus, Tornagrain and Ardersier, alongside investment in infrastructure, housing and skills, are helping create a diverse and resilient growth story that is attracting interest from across the UK and internationally."

In his welcome, Councillor Bremner underlined that closer collaboration between Scotland's cities and regions enhances the country's competitiveness and ability to attract investment. Delegates heard how opportunities linked to energy transition, innovation, housing, infrastructure and skills are driving growth across Scotland and supporting the ambitions of both the Scottish and UK Governments.

Discussions also stressed the importance of strong regional partnerships, investment-ready propositions and enabling infrastructure in unlocking long-term economic growth nationwide.

Councillor Bremner added: "One of the strongest messages emerging from the conference was that growth in one part of Scotland can create benefits across the whole country. By working together to promote opportunities, share experience and align investment priorities, Scotland's cities and regions can present an even stronger proposition to investors, unlock further investment and create sustainable economic growth for communities across Scotland.

"I hope delegates left Inverness with a greater understanding of the opportunities available in the Highlands, stronger relationships with potential partners and confidence in the future. The Highlands is not simply talking about opportunity. Increasingly, we are seeing it take shape on the ground, and the future is an exciting one."

Feedback from delegates was highly positive, with many praising the quality of the discussions, networking and site visits, which offered valuable insight into the infrastructure, housing, innovation and investment activity shaping future growth in Inverness and the Highlands.

The Scottish Cities Alliance is a partnership of Scotland's eight cities and the Scottish Government, working together to attract investment and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the country.