Life is good if you are working in the creative industries. The work tends to be fun, interesting and; with approximately 90% of the creative workforce earning above the national median wage; it is also financially rewarding. The creative industries is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors in the British economy, and the Highlands & Islands has the most dynamic creative industries base in all of Scotland.
The Herald reported on the 21st December 2003 that the Highlands & Islands is now the fastest growing region in Scotland for employment in the creative industries. A study by Glasgow University found that the number of people employed in the creative industries in the HIE network area grew at more than six times the national rate (37% vs 6%), with the region's creative employment density hovering at around 120% of the national average.
Industry insiders say that the explosive growth in northern Scotland could largely be explained by the increasing pressures and costs of living in many parts of the country, making creative types move in search for higher quality of life alternatives. The Highlands & Islands of Scotland, a stronghold of Celtic culture and one of the last great wildernesses of Europe, beckons to those who can appreciate its inventiveness, spirit, humour, hospitality and work ethic. Many are also drawn northwards to the spectacular landscapes and the comforting company of a surprising large pool of like-minded creative types already existing up here in the Highlands & Islands.
In a separate article, Scotland's premier media and corporate communications publication called the Highlands & Islands scene a 'creative industry's revolution', crediting the 'movers and shakers' of aimhi for providing the support network in bringing companies together for collaborative work. In the feature on May 2004, The Drum magazine said that 'For those working in the creative industries in the Highlands, the stereotype that workers can have it all is an attractive one- and it can be done.' Another 2004 report by the British Council also picked out the Highlands, along with the likes of London and Manchester, as a region with particularly strong growth in the creative sector.
And finally, there has been a whole slew of pundits tabbing the Highlands & Islands as Europe's answer to fastgrowing value-added American 'rural hubs' such as Idaho and Maine. Idaho has transformed itself in a matter of two decades from a land of potatoes, fishing, timber mills and outdoor enthusiasts into America's current hotspot for tech and creative industries. The Atlantic state of Maine is even more interesting. It shares striking commonalities with the Highlands in terms of population density, cultural and industrial background, and has also explicitly announced its focus on creative industries as a future growth platform. Portland (population 70,000), the largest city in Maine, is now the fastest growing city in what is the wealthiest region in the United States. Coincidentally, the Highlands capital, Inverness (population 70,000) is the fastest growing city in the most dynamic major economy in the European Union. On the face of it, there appears to be substantive evidence of a economic shift favouring rural regions. Well, at least favouring rural regions boasting great scenery, top drawer wilderness, first class skiing, whitewater rapids, salmon fishing and mountaineering.
So yes, the Great North is buzzing, but there is still some way to go before the legendary Scottish Highlands & Islands fulfils its natural potential. If you have enough of 2 hour daily commutes to London or Glasgow, it's time to consider joining in the Highland revolution!
Charge on, ye mighty Highlanders & Islanders!
