STEWART NICOL: Spending with Inverness city centre retailers could be transformational

It is with mixed feelings that, after almost 15 years, I sign off with this, my final Business Comment.

It has been a privilege to reflect, make comment and hopefully inspire all who have taken time to read my thoughts over the last decade-and-a-half.

Our city and region has changed remarkably in such a short period of time, though not always for the better perhaps?

We live in a fabulous part of the world, never mind Scotland or the UK. Many of our businesses and organisations are vibrant, dynamic and innovative. Despite many ongoing challenges we have a thriving economy created by businesses led by marvellous and capable individuals.

While I have often called for all of us to collaborate and work in partnership better, we have done just that in a remarkable way by winning our Green Freeport bid. We need to keep that momentum as we deliver the ambitious and transformational outcomes I truly believe Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport will bring about.

Our children and grandchildren will be the main beneficiaries of what we now have the responsibility to deliver. In addition to ensuring our Green Freeport delivers for our region, I strongly believe all of us who lead our businesses and organisations have a responsibility to do so to the very best of our ability.

This matters to those we lead and it matters to everyone who is positively affected by our endeavours.

I also have the clear view that we all have a key part to play in the ongoing success of Inverness and the Highlands, regardless of our role or the stage in life we are at.

None of us should be hesitant about talking up the many attributes of our city and region. All of us who live and work here have complete freedom as to where we spend our money. But our choices have consequences.

Our combined wealth is not insignificant and spending it locally with city centre retailers or with our many local activity providers could be transformational.

While I may be stepping down, I believe I will always retain my passion for our city and region. I look forward to seeing both continue to grow and flourish for the benefit of all of us privileged enough to call this place home.

Stewart Nicol is Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive.