The Highlands and Islands of Scotland are known around the world for their natural beauty, culture and heritage.
But they are also home to globally recognised businesses and industries — from Scotch whisky to wind power — that make a vital contribution to Scotland’s economy and that carry its reputation far beyond these shores.
First and foremost, they are places where people live and work — where distance, weather and the practical realities of island and rural life are part of people’s everyday reality.
That resilience has been clear in recent weeks, as communities and businesses have been living with the impacts of the Cairngorms wildfire in the height of the tourism season, with walking routes and attractions closed and local firms facing disruption.
Our customers across the Highlands and Islands don’t just manage the unique challenges of doing business here; they are helping to power Scotland’s growth.
In Orkney, for example, Leask Marine is supporting offshore wind developments that are critical to our future energy supply. And in Oban, MacGregor’s is expanding into the Whisky Vaults Hotel with our support, boosting tourism and hospitality while showcasing Scottish culture and enterprise.
These are the kinds of stories that bring to life what growth is all about: businesses investing, creating jobs and building opportunities in their own communities.
For our customers in this part of Scotland, the challenges of banking and doing business are not abstract. They are shaped by geography, infrastructure and the need for services that are tailored to the realities of living here.
That is why access to banking matters so much — and why it can’t look exactly the same as it does elsewhere.
Many of our 11,000 colleagues and relationship managers in Scotland live and work within the communities we serve. Through our unique network of physical and mobile branches, as well as our flying banker service, we have a presence in more communities than any other bank in Scotland.
Nowhere is our commitment more visible than in the Highlands and Islands — where infrastructure and relationships on the ground matter so much.
In Inverness, we have invested £2.5m in a new flagship branch, bringing together two city centre locations to better serve customers across the city and surrounding area, with further investment planned in Stornoway, Ullapool and Brodick.
