26/09/2026
The Lord-Lieutenant has recently become a director of the North Highland Initiative (NHI) and visited their offices in Wick this week to meet the staff there and to better understand the Initiative.
The NHI was set up in 2005 as a direct result of King Charles III’s commitment to the people and businesses of the North Highlands. NHI focuses on supporting and funding community building, food and farming, education, conservation and tourism. In the period 2020-2024 it distributed £568,000 to groups and organisations in the north highlands, 61 of which were in Sutherland.
“It’s something of a privilege to be invited to become a director and a responsibility now to “add” to the initiative. I think the aims of the NHI have perhaps never been more relevant at a time of real difficulty for communities in Sutherland and, of course, more widely too. With fuel poverty double the Scottish rate (and worsening), and more than 7 in 10 Highland children in a family where at least one adult is working, we are in real trouble. And whilst the NHI has a very broad remit, its commitment to “encourage economic stability and build diverse resilient communities” is pivotal for me. I much look forward to doing whatever I can.”
It was a great visit and meeting “the team on the front line” was perfect: Lorraine Macdonald, Lynsey Wilson, Shannon Adamson and Alexa Paterson - thank you for your time, thoughts and ideas.
(Photo: From L to R: Lorraine Macdonald, Lynsey Wilson, and Shannon Adamson)
Northern Times Assynt Activity Helmsdale, Land of The Helmies Kyle of Sutherland Hub What's on in Brora Dornoch Area Community Council Golspie Village Golspie Community Council Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Lairg & District Learning Centre Tongue, Melness and Skerray Community Council Bettyhill, Altnaharra & Strathnaver Community Council
