The boomerang effect bringing young people back to the Highlands

Brought up in Invergarry, Becca attended Lochaber High School before heading to the University of Stirling to study Business Marketing. Like so many young people growing up in the Highlands, she believed that if she wanted real opportunity, she would have to leave. 

But like the proverbial boomerang, she’s found herself back in the place she calls home and is thriving in the early stages of her career. 

“I was of the mindset that I would end up living and working in the central belt of Scotland because that’s where all the opportunities were,” she said. “I’m not sure I necessarily wanted that, but I thought it was just what was expected.” 

A changing perspective on career opportunities  

After graduating, Becca and her partner, whom she met at university, began planning their future together. At first, the central belt seemed like the obvious choice. But when Charlie secured a job at the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit, they began to reconsider what life back home might look like. 

She said: “I remember having mixed emotions. In my head there were more opportunities in the central belt. But being home meant being close to family. 

“Spending time back here after university, I suddenly thought – this is beautiful. The quality of life here is fantastic. If you love the hills and the outdoors, it’s all right here on your doorstep.” 

What she didn’t realise at the time was that career opportunities were here too. 

Becca is now a campaign and social media executive with Planit Scotland, based in Inverness. Her role supports a wide range of clients with marketing, social media and digital content – including Port of Cromarty Firth and Highland Deephaven, which are key partners in Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. 

Like many graduates, Becca had a degree but no real-world experience. Her employer took what Becca describes as “a huge chance” on her, offering her the opportunity to grow into the role. 

She explained: “It’s been a whirlwind since joining Planit, but I’ve loved every minute. I didn’t think my university degree would lead me to working in the renewables sector. But I’m supporting so many clients who are at the heart of it. The opportunities are vast here.” 

Shining a light on invisible opportunities 

One of the biggest challenges, Becca believes, is not the lack of opportunity but the lack of visibility about the different routes to career success. 

The Highlands is becoming home to some of the fastest-growing industries in the country, while also supporting the SMEs that form the backbone of local communities. For Becca, employers have an important role to play. 

From apprenticeships in marketing and business to roles in engineering, logistics, manufacturing and beyond, the renewable energy sector is driving growth across a wide range of professions. 

Becca explained: “I’m just one of many young people who didn’t know about the opportunities right here. These jobs can feel invisible. 

“Did you know there are endless apprenticeship opportunities – and not just in construction? Probably not. And if young people don’t know this, what reason are we giving them to stay?” 

Now living in Inverness with Charlie, who moved north from Angus, Becca says the decision to build her career in the Highlands has transformed her outlook. 

“There’s a real sense of community. You feel seen. You feel supported. You feel part of something bigger,” she said. 

“As a teenager, I felt almost compelled to believe that leaving was the only way to succeed. Now I know that staying can be just as powerful. 

“There’s a big gap in young people knowing what’s going on here. Connections are so valuable,” she said. 

If she could speak to her younger self, Becca says the message would be simple: “Don’t automatically assume opportunity lives somewhere else – sometimes it’s right on your doorstep. 

“The growth of offshore renewables and the wider Green Freeport is not just about infrastructure or investment. It’s about people and creating the conditions that allow young people to build careers without sacrificing the place they call home.”