About NorthWest2045
What is NorthWest2045?
NorthWest2045 was established in 2020 in response to the challenges facing communities and land across North West Sutherland and Coigach.
It is a network of organisations and individuals who share a commitment to creating a sustainable future for the region, one where communities are resilient, population growth is sustainable, and the local economy is strong and diverse.
The work of the network supports the long-term ambitions set out in the NW2045 Community-Led Vision (2021), which was developed through wide consultation across the area. That vision provides a shared framework for shaping the region’s future.
What the Network Does
NW2045 brings together organisations and communities to work collectively on issues affecting the wider region.
The network provides a collective voice on shared priorities, undertakes policy and research on cross-cutting issues, and supports projects that are important to the area’s long-term future but may not be taken forward by individual organisations acting alone.
By acting as a network, it also enables organisations and communities to share knowledge, collaborate more effectively and identify opportunities for joint action.
A Diverse Collective
NW2045 is a diverse collective comprising organisations from across the North West Highlands.
These include community groups, development trusts, statutory bodies, community and private landowners, and environmental organisations. Together they represent communities from Coigach in the south, north to Durness, and east to Bettyhill.
These organisations recognise that many of the challenges facing the region are too large to be addressed by individual groups working in isolation. Collaboration across sectors and across the wider area is essential to building a sustainable and thriving future.
The NW2045 Area
The NW2045 area covers a large and distinctive part of the Scottish Highlands.
It is an area known for its strong, resilient communities, world-class landscapes, and natural assets that support local livelihoods and businesses. Tourism, food, and a growing range of small and medium-sized enterprises all contribute to the local economy and to Scotland’s wider reputation.
The region also benefits from significant marine and land-based natural resources. By working together across this area, NW2045 aims to strengthen the region’s voice, make the most of its assets, and support sustainable long-term development.
Building a Shared Future
A central aim of NW2045 is to help create a future where communities across the region can thrive economically, socially and environmentally.
The network supports the ambition for sustainable population growth, broader employment opportunities and improved local incomes. Achieving this will require a resilient and diverse economic base that makes the most of the region’s natural assets while strengthening local skills and opportunities.
The NW2045 Community-Led Vision, developed through consultation in 2021, has already helped shape several initiatives across the region, including the Regional Land Use Partnership and the Repopulation Zone.
NW2045 Impartiality
NW2045 also supports respectful and informed discussions among stakeholders regarding proposed developments in the area.
While the network itself does not take positions for or against individual developments, it supports communities in seeking the best possible outcomes for their area, particularly through the principles of Community Wealth Building.
Governance and Transparency
In small rural communities, many people contribute to several organisations or initiatives at the same time. This reflects the strong commitment people have to improving their communities, but it can sometimes lead to overlapping responsibilities.
NW2045 recognises this reality and is committed to operating with integrity and transparency. When potential conflicts of interest arise, these are identified and managed appropriately. This may involve individuals stepping back from discussions or decisions, seeking independent input, or clearly documenting relevant interests.
By maintaining transparent and responsible processes, NW2045 aims to retain the confidence and trust of the communities it serves.
If you have any questions about NW2045’s work, please contact the team.
