The funding is helping a wide range of projects to progress that will support economic growth and business diversification, community resilience and job creation.

They include the development of small business units at Wick Business Park following a £2.7m investment approval to fund the enabling infrastructure.

Thurso based JGC Engineering and Technical Services Limited is now looking to supply a new market with shipping containers for the transport and storage of hazardous waste after securing up to £248k support for the project.

GMG Energy in Sutherland will be able to start feeding electricity into the National Grid from renewable energy sources in a £600k project, for which HIE approved a £200k contribution.

Eleven rural jobs are being created in a fragile area by Ardgay Game Factory of Bonar Bridge after it secured up to £74,350 HIE support towards a £247k business expansion project that is also expected to boost turnover and international trade.

Dunnet Bay Distillers is developing a bottling plant and warehouse as part of an expansion that’s expected to boost the local economy and benefit the community by providing rural employment. HIE approved than £180,000 to support the project.

Loch Duart Limited in Scourie, North West Sutherland, was able to take part in a trade mission to Singapore to promote the company’s premium range of farmed salmon to an international audience, with the help of £5,000 HIE grant.

North Lands Creative Glass in Lybster is extending its range of products and services, while reducing its carbon emissions after acquiring a new electric furnace with a £37,500 HIE contribution.

An award of £101,773 is enabling the Wick Development Trust to employ a full-time project manager to deliver a series of projects over the next three years, including developing the campsite to five-star rating.

The Helmsdale and District Development Trust was able to employ a development officer with the help of a £18,204 contribution from HIE, and local charity Go Goslpie received £25,800 for capital costs relating to the YMCA building renovation project.

Eann Sinclair, HIE’s area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, said: “Over the past couple of years we’ve worked hard to build new relationships and extend our reach across Caithness and Sutherland. We’ve also been able to enhance our support for smaller enterprises, in partnership with Business Gateway and others, through more online delivery.

“We want to maintain that broader engagement and are reaching out to other businesses, social enterprises and community organisations looking to expand their activities, reach new markets and employ more people.”