An SNP MP has moved to defuse the bitter row over the future of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) by proposing a compromise deal.
Ross, Skye and Lochaber representative Ian Blackford has unveiled what he believes is a “win-win” strategy for the development agency.
Scottish ministers provoked fury at the end of last year by confirming plans to axe HIE’s dedicated board and replace it with a new panel overseeing several organisations.
Critics claimed it would undermine 50 years of progress in the region, and the Press and Journal’s Keep HIE Local campaign has been backed by all opposition parties, Highland Council, trade unions, SCDI and former chairmen and chief executives of the agency.
The Press and Journal previously reported that Mr Blackford and other SNP politicians in the Highlands were working behind-the-scenes to resolve the issue.
Now the MP has written to his colleague Economy Secretary Keith Brown proposing that the controversial new national board goes ahead, but that HIE retains its own management or advisory board as well.
Mr Blackford said: “I fully endorse the establishment of an over-arching board which in my view will create an essential focus of collaboration and best practice that will allow agencies such as HIE to continue to be an engine for economic and community advancement in the Highlands and islands.
“It further offers the opportunities of the scale and reach of this agency as a tool to further enhance the success and achievements of HIE.
“While there are legitimate questions and indeed concerns as to how accountability will be delivered both to the Scottish Government and the communities that HIE serves, it is wholly consistent that HIE has its own responsibilities for corporate governance and accountability within the new framework.
“As the new over-arching board is strategic in nature it would in my opinion be complemented by a management board or an advisory board to liaise with it to reflect the priorities of HIE and the Highlands and islands.”
He added: “I believe there is the opportunity for a win-win scenario of the benefits of the new strategic supervisory board whilst enshrining the responsibility of HIE to deliver throughout the Highlands and islands.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Highlands and Islands Enterprise will continue to be locally-based, managed and directed providing dedicated support to the local economy.
“Our reforms will protect the unique service that HIE delivers for our Highland and island economies and – as Ian Blackford observes – will enhance the support that is available to businesses, employers and employees across the region.”
