Industry leaders, investors, policymakers, businesses and communities gathered on 9 September for the annual conference.

Major projects moving from planning into delivery, growing demand for local skills and a strong focus on creating lasting regional benefit were among the key messages under this year’s conference theme, Changing Perceptions.

North Highland Chamber of Commerce is a partner in Focus North, which brings together public, private and academic organisations to drive transformational change and economic growth across Caithness and north Sutherland.

Throughout the day, speakers challenged outdated perceptions of the North Highlands and highlighted the scale of investment, expertise and opportunity already emerging across the region.

A developers’ panel provided a snapshot of projects progressing across energy, infrastructure, environmental restoration and emerging sectors – alongside a clear message that local benefit must remain at the heart of growth.

Mark Williams of Murphy outlined progress on the Banniskirk substation project, with construction now underway and the company opening a new office in Thurso. Employment is expected to reach between 1,300 and 1,500 people at the project’s peak, with Murphy aiming to recruit locally and “grow our own” wherever possible.

Highlighting the wealth of skills and experience already available within the region, he stressed the importance of the legacy major projects leave behind: “We’re here long enough to create careers.”

Gavin Mackay of Ayre Offshore Wind highlighted the considerable opportunity presented by floating offshore wind, while warning that high grid connection charges remain a potential barrier. His message to developers was not to simply “watch and learn”, but to collaborate – particularly in an emerging sector such as floating wind – to make projects work both in and for the region.

At Dounreay, Dave Calder of NRS said major programmes were advancing, including a new infrastructure programme spanning immediate works, medium-term requirements and longer-term masterplanning. Picking up on a question posed earlier in the conference – whether organisations are consumers or drivers of growth – he emphasised Dounreay’s role as a driver of growth within the regional economy.

Janet Bromham outlined an innovative approach being taken by the Flow Country Partnership to attract private investment into peatland restoration through the sale of carbon credits, matched with public finance. Around 100 hectares have been restored over the past two years, generating income for crofters while delivering environmental and community benefits, with profits reinvested to grow the pipeline of future restoration.

Erin Macleod of Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm reported that the project’s route to market has been approved and its demonstrator is under construction in mainland Europe. Feasibility work is also examining the jobs and careers that could be created locally, with learning from the demonstrator expected to help shape future opportunities for the North Highland supply chain.

Claire Wilson of Highlands and Islands Enterprise underlined the shift from potential to tangible investment, telling delegates: “We’re not talking about a pipeline of ideas, we’re talking about a pipeline of projects and investment.”

HIE has invested £2.8 million across the region over the past year and has acquired assets at A’ Mhòine to safeguard the opportunity for future space sector development, with significant interest and demand being seen from the industry.

Claire said HIE’s role was to help create the conditions for growth by addressing barriers and de-risking investment, adding: “We measure success not by figures but by the local benefit delivered.”

The wider conference explored three themes – opportunity, local capability and future pathways – looking not only at major developments ahead but at the skills, innovation and expertise already present across the North Highlands.

Delegates also took part in sessions examining the infrastructure needed to unlock growth, attitudes towards economic development and the importance of connecting young people with emerging careers.

The conference premiered a new Focus North film showcasing the strength and capability of the North Highland supply chain, while sessions including Powering Futures, From Classroom to Career and Minecraft Education: Reinventing Our Communities focused attention on how the next generation can participate in the opportunities ahead.

Focus North Programme Manager Peter Faccenda said the conference demonstrated that the region is already experiencing significant change.

“There is an enormous amount happening across the North Highlands, but perceptions of our region do not always keep pace with that reality.

“This conference was about recognising what is happening now, connecting the people who can help drive that change and making sure local businesses and communities are positioned to benefit.

“The scale of opportunity is significant, but just as important is the expertise, innovation and ambition we already have here. Our challenge now is to build on that and ensure the growth taking place translates into lasting benefit for the region.”