The potential to fulfil

The people of the Outer Hebrides constitute one of our greatest assets - a population of around 29,000, with a language and culture all our own and a character as rich and diverse as the landscape we inhabit.

The islands can boast an excellent standard of education and an impressive track record in training investment.

Traditional skills in crofting, fishing and textiles still form the backbone of the economy, but alongside them new skills are developing opportunities in tourism, media, biochemistry and oil related activity.

But perhaps the most remarkable change has resulted from the growth in telecommunication technology, bringing a range of high-quality employment opportunities and opening up a whole new way of working which effectively removes many of the distance-based disadvantages of remoter communities.

This quiet revolution is teleworking. No longer tied to the drudgery of urban existence but still very much participating in its commercial life, more and more people are free to live in these islands yet still showcase their talents on an international stage. A local high-tech skills register now lists a diverse range of expertise - from technical authoring and software development to telemarketing and graphic design.