West Highland Vision Conference

The workshops address sustainable growth in the West Highlands by advancing coastal resilience, aquaculture and renewable energy; defining essential grid, transport and port infrastructure for industrialisation.

Info: Coastal Resilience, Aquaculture, and Renewable Energy: Powering the West Highlands' Future
This crucial workshop will convene industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to debate and define the path forward for sustainable growth in the West Highlands. We will explore the dual challenges and immense opportunities presented by coastal resilience in a changing climate, juxtaposed with the innovative potential of a thriving, modern aquaculture sector and large-scale renewable energy projects.

Info: Ports, Power, and Paving the Way: Infrastructure for Industrialisation
Building upon the identification of sectoral opportunities, this second workshop will shift focus to the critical infrastructure required to transform potential into prosperity. We will engage in a focused debate on the urgent needs for grid network upgrades, particularly to facilitate the rapid expansion of renewable energy and support industrial loads across remote areas. Simultaneously, the workshop will scrutinise transport infrastructure, including road and rail links, essential for logistics and connectivity. A significant session will be dedicated to the strategic role of our coastal assets and ports, exploring how modernising these gateways can unlock the full potential of aquaculture, marine renewable energy, and broader trade.

Info: As the West Highlands looks toward 2026, it stands on the brink of a technological transformation. The third pillar of the West Highland Vision conference explores how Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are no longer futuristic ideas but essential tools for regional growth and resilience. To remain globally competitive, coastal industries must shift from manual methods to high-tech precision. This session highlights the impact of autonomous underwater robotics and AI-driven data analytics, from intelligent seabed monitoring to predictive aquaculture management that anticipates environmental change. Beyond innovation, this is about economic resilience: integrating smart systems into marine and port infrastructure reduces risk, cuts costs, and creates high-value local jobs. By moving away from “dirty, dangerous, and dull” work toward skilled, tech-enabled maritime careers, and by connecting world-class research with real-world industry, the West Highlands can secure.

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Host or Publisher Lochaber Chamber of Commerce