Highland 2007 has instilled a new confidence in the region's creative industries providing crucial investment in its communities and facilities, according to HIE chair William Roe.

He explained: "The Year of Highland Culture has enabled an enormous and diverse array of new performances to be staged, annual events to be enhanced and spurred the completion of projects which materially contribute to the future economy of this region.

"But just as importantly, it has allowed those involved in this industry to reach beyond what was possible in preceding years. We now have the experience and ambition to stage big events, to draw together effective partners and to fully understand the technical and geographical limitations and opportunities that will allow us to build on this achievement in the years ahead."

Over 2,000 people in the Highlands and Islands are employed in arts and the creative industries and it contributes over £35m to the economy. Mr Roe said Highland 2007 had acted as a powerful catalyst for the region, in an already fast growing industry. The creative industries has been identified by the Scottish Government as being one of the six key sectors for the Scottish economy going forward.

The £3m contributed by HIE to Highland 2007 enabled a programme of events to be held outwith the Highland mainland. Initiatives such as Project Maelstrom - a multi-media exhibition in Shetland, the highly successful Connect Festival in Inveraray and the Go Orkney Go event were among many specific beneficiaries from HIE's involvement in the 30-way, Highland 2007 partnership.

Mr Roe concluded: "The completion of the Culloden Visitor Centre and the spectacularly redeveloped Eden Court Theatre in Inverness pay testament to the real impacts of Highland 2007. Alongside this, communities have worked individually and collectively to organise and enjoy over 600 great events.

"Taken together, the achievements of Highland 2007 will leave us a lasting legacy in the years to come and well prepared to fully exploit the potential of Scotland's Year of Homecoming in 2009. On behalf of HIE, I would like to thank the organisers of Highland 2007 for their terrific work, together with our co-funders, performers and all those who supported events during the year."


For further information on HIE, log onto www.hie.co.uk