HIE’s outturns for 2023/24 were achieved through a combination of financial and non-financial interventions by the agency.

They included investments of more than £1.1 million in 26 projects with a combined total cost of £4.05m. The organisation also helped to attract almost £2.5m in external investment.

As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000.

HIE’s support for social enterprises, meanwhile, is forecast to bring about a £480,000 uplift in the social economy.

There was also support for businesses across the patch to innovate, diversify, grow and create new jobs.

They included a £94,700 approval for Reid’s Bakery in Thurso towards the cost of specialised equipment. An expansion project by GMG Energy Limited in Sutherland was awarded £65,200 and a £250,000 investment was approved to help Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd establish a whisky distillery within the Castletown Mill.

Community led initiatives receiving investment support included £250,000 towards the £4.9m renovation of the John O’ Groats Mill by the John O’ Groats Mill Trust.

The Assynt Development Trust, Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust and the Scourie Community Development Company all received support to deliver local benefits.

Eann Sinclair, HIE area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, said: “It was great to be able to support so many business and community projects across Caithness and Sutherland last year.

“It was equally pleasing to see the recent completion of the £2.7m project to create small business units at Wick Business Park, and the encouraging progress with the ground infrastructure at Sutherland Spaceport near Tongue.

“We remain ambitious in the current year and continue to challenge ourselves to identify and pursue more economic opportunities as they arise. That’s what our five-year strategy, launched last year, is all about and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners, businesses and communities to secure further economic benefits for the area.”