News

Convener thanks those who took part in Highland Visitor Levy Consultation and confirms next steps

Following the conclusion of the public consultation on the possible introduction of a visitor levy for the Highlands, the Council Convener has thanked everyone who submitted responses and confirmed the next steps to be taken.   The Council held a series of webinars, community drop-in events, face to face public sessions and business events as part of the consultation process.  

Highland Council Charitable Trusts award over £100,000 to schools and community groups

At the recently held meeting of the Educational Trusts Sub Committee, the trustees made awards of over £105,000 to a wide variety of individuals and organisations from The Highland Council Charitable Trusts.   The awards ranged from a few hundred pounds to £10,000.  

Highland council Increasing charges from 1 April

Highland Council is implementing several changes to service charges in 2025: Council Rent Charges: An 8% increase has been agreed for council homes to address rising costs and fund housing improvements.  The average weekly rent for council homes will rise to £82.84, which is still below the national average.  

Moray agriculture firm in £400k growth project

A family run agriculture company in Moray has embarked on a major growth project that will increase production and efficiency, improve product quality and create jobs.   James Taylor & Son, operating at Kintessack near Forres, has secured up to £161,446 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total project costs of £403,616.  

Limited space for businesses on Digital Tourism Support programme

Businesses in the tourism sector and its supply chain in the Highland Council area are being encouraged to secure a place on the Digital Tourism Support Programme.   The programme is offering support to eligible businesses and social enterprises of up to three days of free, personalised, one-to-one digital advice from industry experts.  

Key appointments form core leadership team at Inverness Castle Experience

The Inverness Castle Experience is delighted to announce the appointment of three senior roles, adding to its leadership team ahead of its highly anticipated opening later this summer.   The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.  

Next phase of small business units for Wick Business Park

A further phase of development is getting under way at Wick Business Park in a move that will support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness.   Park owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded a £1.8m contract to Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd to build a further four new business units.  

Continued funding welcomed for ‘Lifeline' Wick-Aberdeen air service

The Highland Council has today received confirmation from Scottish Government that it will continue to provide funding to the Wick-Aberdeen Public Service Obligation (PSO) into financial year 2025/26.   The funding provided by Scottish Government in 2025/26 will be up to £1 million, as in previous years, and The Highland Council will continue with its own already agreed commitment of £300,000.  

Highland Council approves £2 million investment in environmental and community services

As agreed at The Highland Council's budget meeting on Thursday 6 March, more than £2 million has been approved for investment in environmental and community services throughout the Highlands including a community development fund, a community-focused operating model, Access Rangers and grass cutting maintenance.   Councillor Bill Lobban, Convener of Highland Council, said: "These investments reinforce our commitment to working with communities to create a resilient, sustainable and nature-positive Highland.  

£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.