First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has launched a three-year plan for the future of enterprise in the north.
Ms Sturgeon travelled to Inverness this week to meet with Highlands and Islands Enterprise chief executive Alex Paterson to discuss ideas for the region’s economic growth.
The three-year plan outlines ideas for the investment of its £97.7millon budget.
Some of the key annual targets in HIE’s new plan include increasing turnover of supported businesses by between £80million and £100million, and supporting the creation or retention of 700 to 900 full time equivalent jobs.
HIE is also currently leading a £146million project to deliver high-speed fibre broadband across the Highlands and Islands.
The enterprise firm recently marked 50 years since the establishment of its predecessor, the Highlands and Islands Development Board.
Afterwards, Ms Sturgeon said: “Highlands and Islands Enterprise today is every bit as ambitious for this part of Scotland as the founders of the Development Board were 50 years ago.
“The Highlands and Islands of 2015 presents Scotland with significant economic opportunities.
“I am delighted that HIE continues to demonstrate the vision and appetite needed to build a strong future for the people of the Highlands and Islands.”