As the energy crisis continues to reshape policy across the UK, a key question keeps coming up. Will national governments override local councils that refuse planning permission for renewable energy projects like wind farms and battery storage sites? The short answer is this is already happening and it’s likely to increase.
Garage rents in Caithness are set to increase by 10% for garage rent 2026/27 and 15% for garage sites, as agreed at the recent Caithness Area Committee (Monday 27 April). There are currently 492 garages and garage sites across Caithness, 126 of which are currently void.
Early indications suggest that the introduction of a Short Term Let Control Area (STLCA) for Badenoch and Strathspey has slowed the growth of secondary short-term lets across the area. The STLCA for Ward 20, which covers Aviemore, Carrbridge, Boat of Garten, Dalwhinnie Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, and Newtonmore, has been in place for two years and was one of the first to be designated in Scotland.
The Highland Council has confirmed the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State (Military) Administration in Ukraine. The MoU acknowledges bonds of friendship and common aims to promote knowledge transfer, educational and trade exchanges, and encourage investment opportunities between the two regions.
The Highland Council’s Workforce North initiative arrives at a critical moment for the Highlands. On one side, the region is seeing unprecedented levels of investment in renewable energy, infrastructure, and construction.
The latest Highland Council Caithness Committee Housing Management Performance Report (2025–26) offers a detailed snapshot of how social housing services are performing across the region. On the surface, it is a routine governance update—tracking repairs, allocations, rent collection, and tenant satisfaction.
As the Scottish Parliament Election approaches on Thursday 7 May 2026, we are ensuring that voting is accessible to voters. Polling stations across the Highlands will be open from 7am to 10pm.
Consultation in Thurso has found strong support for investment in a Community Point of Delivery (PoD) that serves the whole town and delivers wider benefits beyond the replacement of ageing school buildings. Local people described the proposed development of an education campus on the current Thurso High School site and surrounding area as an opportunity to create a civic asset for the whole community, bringing together education, sport, leisure, health, art and social facilities.
Councillors approved grant funding from ward discretionary funds in the year to 31 March 2026. 13 groups in each of the two wards received funding.
Support for Highland businesses may be available. Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Relief.
Scotland's councils are now facing a financial crisis that is deeper and more structural than anything seen since devolution. The pressures have been building for more than a decade, but they have now reached a point where several councils are openly warning that they may not be able to balance their budgets in the coming years.
With the Scottish Parliament election taking place on Thursday 7 May 2026, electors in the three Highland constituencies are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote before the deadline for receipt of applications which is midnight next Monday (20 April). You will receive a poll letter to tell you where to go to cast your vote on Thursday 7 May.
The Highland Council is issuing important updates regarding Non‑Domestic Rates for the 2026/27 financial year. All ratepayers are urged to review the changes, as they may affect liability and the amount payable.
With the clocks now forward and planning for home improvements getting underway, residents are being reminded that this is the time of year when rogue traders and doorstep are becoming more active. To help people stay safe, Highland Council Trading Standards is highlighting simple steps households can take - and promoting the Highland Trusted Trader (HTT) scheme as the easiest way to find reputable local trades.
Following the completion of repairs and successful sea trials, the MV Corran returned to service yesterday (Thursday 2 April) at 18:25 hrs. The MV Corran will operate her usual seven day‑a‑week timetable.
Statements of Persons and Parties Nominated and Notice of Poll Twenty candidates are seeking election on Thursday 7 May 2026 in the three Scottish Parliamentary local constituencies for Highland. Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency has attracted 7 candidates; Inverness and Nairn constituency has attracted 7 candidates; Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency has attracted 6 candidates.
The Highland Licensing Board has granted a general extension of licensed hours for all on sales licensed premises that have: a full premises licence and. televised sport included in their operating plan for the Scotland group stage matches and any further Scotland fixtures should they progress within the tournament, until 30 minutes after the final whistle/end of play.
An estimated £547 million in business rates, generated through the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF), will be reinvested in jobs, skills development and infrastructure improvements. On Thursday 26 March 2026 Highland councillors endorsed an Investment Plan, which sets out a framework for the management and spend of retained Non-Domestic Rates (rNDR) from the Green Freeport.
Rising energy and fuel costs are not only a challenge for households and private businesses; they are placing increasing strain on the public sector, where the ability to respond is far more constrained. Local authorities and health boards, responsible for delivering essential services, are particularly exposed.
The Highland Council is pleased to announce the second phase of local businesses to achieve accreditation through the newly established Highland Employer Charter. It recognising employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to fair work and high standards of excellence across the region.