The North West Highlands of Scotland are a place of outstanding natural beauty, but the communities that live here face significant challenges, including population decline, limited job opportunities and a shortage of affordable housing.
NorthWest2045 is a cross-sector network bringing together organisations, communities and partners to address these challenges and support a more sustainable future for the region.
In 2021, a community-led Vision was developed, setting out a shared ambition for a repopulated rural economy and resilient, thriving communities.
In June 2025, this work led to a Call to Action, highlighting the urgent need for meaningful change to ensure a sustainable future for the North West Highlands. A five year Delivery Plan is being developed, which will be launched in late April 2026.
NW2045 Vision
A community-led vision for the North West Highlands, setting out a shared ambition for a sustainable, repopulated rural economy and resilient, thriving communities.
Call to Action 2025
Highlighting the need for coordinated action to support communities and reverse long-term population decline.
Five Year Delivery Plan 2026
Building on the evidence in the Call to Action 2025, the NW2045 are developing Delivery Plan: a framework for organising information on tangible actions that need to take place over the next five years to address chronic depopulation and related challenges in Coigach and North West Sutherland.
Resource Bank
The Resource Bank brings together information about organisations, funding opportunities and useful resources to support communities, businesses and local projects across the North West Highlands.
It helps people find the information and connections they need while strengthening collaboration across the region.
Regional Land Use Partnership
The Regional Land Use Partnership (RLUP) is a community-led initiative that brings together communities, crofters, landowners and organisations to explore how land is used across the North West Highlands.
Supporting open dialogue and collaboration helps identify opportunities, address challenges and guide decisions that benefit both people and the environment.
Latest News
Review and Update on NW2045 Vision: Call To Action 2025 published
A new report from NW2045 contains a stark warning about the future of some of Scotland’s most remote mainland communities. Funding
RLUP Land+ Handbook shared
We are delighted to make our Land+ Handbook: A community-led approach to collaboration available for the benefit of people and place. The Handbook,
Peat, Diesel and Seaweed
A Poetic Inquiry into the Green Transition in Northwest Highland Coastal Communities If you lack all hope Take good things
NW2045 Natural Capital Baseline Assessment
What does the land do for us? 1ST NW2045 Natural Capital Baseline Assessment published. We are proud to be
What does the land do for us?
1ST NW2045 Natural Capital Baseline Assessment published. We are proud to be sharing the first Natural Capital Baseline Assessment of
Peat, Diesel and Seaweed
A new research partnership between the Northwest 2045 network of community organisations and the University of the Highlands and Islands
