 HIE also invests in transformational projects across the region aiming to make the Highlands and Islands a more competitive and attractive place to live, work, study and grow.In April 1991 HIE replaced the Highlands and Islands Development Board, a public body in Scotland responsible for distributing government grants for economic and cultural development of the Highlands that was launched on 1 November 1965.Retired diplomat Sir Andrew Gilchrist was its chairman from 1970 until 1976.