News

£4.3M Budget investment to strengthen Education Even When Facing Budgetary Issues

A £4.3m investment for education was agreed in Highland Council's 2025/26 budget.   This investment is a key indicator of change for Highland schools, its 31,000 pupils and their 2,000+ teachers and support staff that will further consolidate the Council's on-going path to improvement.  

Alistair Dodds Chair of HIE to retire in July

The chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced plans to retire from the role in July.   Alistair Dodds CBE has served on the HIE board for 11 years.  

Cairngorm Mountain Railway returns to service

The funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain resort returned to service on Thursday 27 February 2025.   Scotland's only funicular railway has been out of action since August 2023, while an extensive programme of remediation works has been carried out, led by contractor Balfour Beatty on behalf of estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).  

Highland Council Proposes 7 percent Rise in Council Tax But Some Cuts Will Be Made

Highland Council at its special meeting on 3 March 2025 will propose to raise council tax by 7%, with 5% for core service provision and 2% for investment in schools and roads through the Highland Investment Plan.   The SNP led administration has a majority so the proposals are likely to be passed at the council meeting.  

Trading Standards take action on illegal cigarettes

After receiving numerous complaints from businesses and the public, Highland Council Trading Standards has seized a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products from a retailer in the Highlands.  This operation underlines the Council's commitment to protecting consumers and supporting legitimate businesses.  

Council to consult on Private hire car driver knowledge testing

Members of The Highland Council's Licensing Committee have agreed that the Council will undertake a public consultation before deciding whether to introduce knowledge testing for private hire car (PHC) drivers in The Highland Council area.   Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, Highland Council has long imposed knowledge testing requirements on applicants for a taxi driver’s licence.  

Construction underway at new Nairn Academy

Construction work is taking place on the new Nairn Academy which is programmed to be operational in August 2026.   The school has a planning capacity of 800 pupils and is part of the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP).  

Food and drink businesses offered new help with net zero planning

Highland based food and drink producers have until 28 March to enquire about a new support programme aimed at helping businesses in the sector to cut carbon emissions.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is looking for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to take part in the food and drink TechHUB Net Zero Mobilisation programme.  

Community Council Interim Elections results - Bower Misses Out Again For Representation

Following the deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm that the following community councils have received sufficient nominations and will form uncontested:.  Carrbridge Community Council Kilmuir and Logie Easter Portree and Braes Resolis Sinclairs Bay Tannach and District.   Unfortunately, the following four Community Councils failed to form: Bower Conon Bridge Lochalsh Smithton There will another opportunity to try and form these in August 2025 when the next Notice of Election will be published. .  

Highland Council Rents To Rise By 8% - The Biggest Rise for 10 years

An 8% rent increase has been agreed for council homes in 2025/26, in order to meet increasing costs and the need to provide future housing options while keeping rent affordable for tenants.   An attempt by a group of councillors to keep he rise to 6 % was voted down by the SNP led administration.