Enterprise changes mean job cuts

HIE has offices across the Highland mainland and islands

Up to 50 jobs are expected to be lost at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) following the reorganisation of Scotland's enterprise network.

HIE chiefs revealed the figure while giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament's economy committee.

A spokesman for the enterprise agency said any reduction would be made through the offer of a limited voluntary severance scheme.

He added that there would be no compulsory redundancies.

The Scottish Government wants to scrap 21 local enterprise networks as part of major reforms.

Scottish Enterprise and HIE will instead oversee a series of six regional operations.

HIE told MSPs that reorganisation would mean a £40m reduction in the budget over the next three years and the loss of up to 50 jobs across the region.

The evidence to the economy committee came as MSPs questioned Holyrood ministers on the Scottish Government's budget plans.