Scotland’s enterprise agencies are: 

• Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the economic and community development agency for the north and west of Scotland  
• Scottish Enterprise, the national economic development agency for Scotland
• South of Scotland Enterprise, the economic and community development agency for the South of Scotland 

The three enterprise agencies play a key role in delivering the Scottish Government’s economic development aims and National Strategy for Economic Transformation. They handle projects that require large financial investments to help businesses innovate and grow.  

VisitScotland is the Scottish Government’s non-departmental public body responsible for supporting and promoting Scotland’s tourism industry. The industry employs around 230,000 people and supports a wide range of related sectors, such as hospitality and retail. 

Responsibility for scrutinising the three enterprise agencies and VisitScotland sits with the Economy and Fair Work Committee. The Committee regularly takes evidence from these bodies as part of its ongoing scrutiny and inquiry work, particularly during pre-budget scrutiny.