Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in Stornoway is to begin a new era of co-location from the beginning of April.

The HIE building in James Square, James Street, Stornoway, will soon become the base for three other organisations.

From today, the HIE office will also house Business Gateway, Skills Development Scotland and Community Energy Scotland, making it easier for members of the public to access all services under one roof.

Anne Macaulay, HIE's head of operations in Stornoway, said: "HIE is delighted to be in the vanguard of a new era of shared services offering greater convenience to the public and better value for taxpayers. Being based together at James Square will encourage all of the participating organisations to work closer in partnership to the benefit of the communities we serve."

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Business Gateway is the new national service which sees the provision of business advice in the Highlands and Islands moving from HIE to Local Authorities. The service has been running in the rest of Scotland for a number of years but as part of the Enterprise Networks Review is being rolled out across Scotland.

Skills Development Scotland is the new skills agency for Scotland, formed as a result of merging Careers Scotland, Scottish University for Industry, Learn Direct Scotland and key elements in Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise.

Community Energy Scotland, formerly the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company is an independent Scottish charity which actively supports and funds community groups throughout Scotland to develop sustainable energy products.

(GK/JM)