A Japanese researcher is visiting the Highlands this week to find out more about the influence of social enterprises in the region and apply his new found knowledge back home.
Takahisa Hinata, who is from Hokkaido in northern Japan, made a brief visit to Inverness late last year and was put in touch with the staff at Highlands and Islands Social Enterprise Zone (Hisez).
In April, three Hisez staff members and board chairman Calum Macaulay travelled to Japan to investigate the similarities between the Highlands and Hokkaido.
During the trip they handed a paper to government officials and academics focusing on how social enterprises can help address the issues associated with rural aging communities.
Mr Hinata will this week visit ventures including Cantraybridge College in Croy, the Gale Centre in Gairloch, Lochbroom Woodfuels, Knockando Woolmill in Aberlour and Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust.
The concept of social enterprise is not well utilised in Japan and Mr Hinata is eager to find out more about what the business model entails.
Using the knowledge from this trip and his discussions with Hisez he will look at how the Hokkaido government can support the development of social enterprises in Hokkaido in the future.
Hisez chief executive Brian Weaver said: “The Highlands and islands provide the perfect place for Takahisa to learn all about the pros and cons of social enterprise.
“Only last month it was confirmed in the latest Social Enterprise in Scotland Census 2015 that the Highlands and islands are home to the highest number of established social enterprises per head of population.
“This is quite possibly as a result of the remoteness and rurality of this area and this is what we will be sharing with our Japanese guest. That and some beautiful scenery along the way.”
Mr Hinata said: “I am so happy to be back in Inverness and looking forward to a busy week visiting some very diverse businesses. Getting to see some more of the country is an added bonus.
“We have a lot in common and although we are miles apart we have so much to learn from each other.”