We’re delighted to share the launch of our West Highland Chamber of Commerce Manifesto 2025–26 with our fellow chambers across the network. This document sets out a bold, strategic vision that we believe will not only help our businesses and communities thrive but will also unlock significant economic potential for the whole of Scotland.
We wanted to offer you, our partners in the national network, a direct summary of what we’re doing, the effort we’re going to to support our members, and why this matters to all of us.
The West Highlands: Giving More, Asking for Fairer Investment
The launch of our Manifesto in Edinburgh was an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and innovation of our businesses. Our CEO, Frazer Coupland, spoke passionately about the region’s contribution:
“The West Highlands is a place of huge potential. Our businesses, communities, and culture contribute greatly to Scotland’s economy and identity. But we could deliver so much more if the investment in infrastructure matched the scale of our contribution.”
The truth is, “The West Highlands give far more than we get back.” With fairer investment in roads, homes, skills, and services, we can deliver even more for Scotland.
National Importance and the Growth Pipeline
We were honoured to have the support of Dr. Liz Cameron CBE, CEO of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, who highlighted the national importance of our region: “We know that the West Highlands are central to Scotland’s future prosperity. With 18,000 long-term jobs projected in the highlands by 2040, the region is poised to become a powerhouse for economic growth. This manifesto rightly calls for the infrastructure, housing, and skills investments needed to realise that ambition.”
Our vision is grounded in fact: a recent report by Highlands and Islands Enterprise identified over 250 development projects in the pipeline, representing a potential £100.35 billion investment. Our goal is to ensure the infrastructure, housing, and skills are in place to realise those 18,000 long-term jobs.
Our Five Priorities: Fighting for Our Area
Our Manifesto focuses on five critical areas where action is needed now to support our members and stand up for the West Highlands:
Why It Matters
We believe in action, not just words! That’s why directly after the launch Frazer and a group of our Premium Member businesses met with leading parliamentarians to press for recognition of the west highlands’ needs and potential.
This direct engagement demonstrates our commitment to transforming our members’ priorities into real government partnership and action.
As Frazer Coupland said, this is about partnership: “Our businesses are ready to grow, and our people are ready to lead. What we need now is partnership – between government, policymakers, and communities.”
Investment in roads, housing, skills, and services is the foundation for growth. With the right support, the West Highlands can deliver jobs, opportunity, and prosperity—for the region and for all of Scotland.
We are dedicated to this effort and look forward to working with all of you to strengthen the Scottish business landscape.
You can read the full Manifesto on our website: www.westhighlandchamber.co.uk
| Priority | What We’re Fighting For | Why It Matters |
| Transport | Upgrades to the A82, A83, Skye roads, and ferries. | To eliminate bottlenecks and truly unlock growth for all industries. |
| Housing | Affordable homes and essential planning reform. | Crucial for retaining staff, attracting families, and ensuring business stability. |
| Skills & Training | Preparing young people and career-changers for key local sectors. | Ensuring our workforce meets the demands of energy, hospitality, digital, and engineering. |
| Community & Infrastructure | Better healthcare, education, and more local decision-making powers. | To sustain vibrant communities that retain staff and attract investment. |
| Tourism, Gaelic & Culture | Sustainable visitor management and support for Gaelic. | To protect and grow a core cultural and economic asset responsibly. |
