1. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SPARSELY POPULATED AREAS OF EUROPE Anne MacDonald Head of Policy, Strengthening Communities

2. Highlands and Islands in context H.I.E. Area Distance from Inverness to Lerwick

3. Remoteness and peripherality Inhospitable terrain and climate Water crossings Sparsity of population Fragile rural economies Low incomes Cost of Living Challenges facing the region

4. Helmsdale in Sutherland Black figures represent people Brown represents sheep Over a fifty year period

5. Population Year Population (000s) Source: National Records for Scotland (NRS)

6. Source: National Records of Scotland Net Migration by Age Group

7. Distinct local economies – each with their own challenges and opportunities Accustomed to adverse conditions, resourceful and resilient Large public sector SMEs dominate Regional Characteristics

8. Our Purpose To generate sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the Highlands and Islands Our Vision For the Highlands and Islands to be a highly successful and competitive region in which increasing numbers of people choose to live, work, study and invest. Our Priorities Supporting businesses and social enterprises to shape and realise their growth aspirations Strengthening communities and fragile areas Creating the conditions for a competitive and low-carbon region Developing growth sectors, particularly distinctive regional opportunities Highlands and Islands Enterprise

9. Morvern Community Development Company

10. Encouraging Social Entrepreneurship

11. Supporting our Culture

12. Lochboisdale

13. Unemployment, 2004-2015 Source: Claimant Count (NOMIS)

14. Social Enterprise activity in the Highlands and Islands 2015

15. Soirbheas video Thank you