Johnston Carmichael was proud to support Prosper’s recent two-day visit to Moray and the Highlands - a focused programme designed to bring national political figures, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP and Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to the region to hear directly from the local business community. 

As a firm deeply rooted in Moray and with strong links across the Highlands, we were pleased to help facilitate and support the visit, ensuring that businesses across our region had the opportunity to share their perspectives. Scott Dunbar, Head of our Elgin office, and Martin Bannerman, Audit Partner in our Inverness office, attended and spoke at these sessions, where business leaders from Moray and Inverness shared their experiences of what’s working, what’s not, and where support is most needed. 

A consistent theme throughout the visit was that Moray, Inverness and other rural parts of the Highlands face very different challenges from those in the Central Belt. Infrastructure, connectivity, workforce availability, and succession planning all came up as key issues. While national policies often assume a one-size-fits-all approach, the reality on the ground here is much more complex. 

There was also real pride in what the region offers. Moray is home to some of Scotland’s best-known businesses - Walkers, Baxters, Gordon & MacPhail, Forsyths, and Johnstons of Elgin - brands with heritage, international recognition, and strong roots in the local community. Meanwhile, Inverness is widely recognised as the Highlands’ economic hub, with a growing reputation in life sciences, tourism, technology, and renewable energy. Together, these strengths demonstrate the breadth of opportunity across the region, but there’s also a sense we could be doing more to turn that into long-term economic success. How do we use global connections to open up new trade and investment? And how do we ensure smaller, growing businesses across Moray and Inverness are supported to follow the same path? 

Family businesses raised concerns about increasing uncertainty, particularly around the potential impact of inheritance tax reform. For many, this is already affecting decisions about investment and succession. In sectors like farming, food production, and hospitality - so important to both Moray and the Highlands - where long-term planning is essential, this is a serious challenge. 

Energy also formed a big part of the conversation. The Highlands - and Inverness in particular - are central to discussions around green growth and the wider transition to net zero. The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport status has the potential to be truly transformational for the Highlands economy, unlocking investment, jobs, and long-term resilience. Moray is also playing a role in Scotland’s energy transition, with businesses adapting across oil, gas, and renewables. But to keep that momentum going, there’s a need for clarity, support, and a seat at the table for those affected. 

The creation of a freeport has the potential to be truly transformational for the Highlands economy, unlocking investment, jobs, and long-term resilience. But to keep that momentum going, there’s a need for clarity, support, and a seat at the table for those affected. 

What made this visit valuable wasn’t just the chance to raise concerns - it was the chance to start real, practical conversations about solutions. We’re proud to have played a role in helping bring people together, and in helping to shine a light on the contribution Moray and the Highlands make to Scotland’s economy. 

Now, it’s important that the momentum built is not lost. The insights shared by local businesses must continue to inform national policy, and the dialogue between regions like Moray, Inverness and decision-makers must remain open, active, and ongoing. 

Johnston Carmichael remains committed to supporting our clients and our communities across Moray and the Highlands, and to making sure rural Scotland is part of shaping what comes next.

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