Local Authority News

New business venture benefits from HOIL support - Remotely Operated Vehicles - The Future Of Underwater Operations?

Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited, HOIL has recently provided Sgùrr Access and Marine Services Limited with loan assistance towards their start-up costs for a new business venture based in Kyle of Lochalsh.   HOIL, The Highland Council's business loan company offers loan support to Highland based businesses and community organisations, who can benefit from straightforward loan conditions and a tailored offer to support their project.  

Highland Youth Parliament Future Youth Voice Conference

The annual Highland Youth Parliament (HYP) conference will take place at Inverness Leisure and Canal Park, Inverness on Friday (13th June 2025).   Highland young people are focusing on future youth voices and what they would like a future Highland to look like.  

Support secured for LGBT Veterans

Legislation has been amended to ensure veterans who receive a payment from the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme do not lose out on council tax support.   More than 1,200 people in Scotland who served under and suffered from the ban on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) personnel serving in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000 have applied to the UK Government for compensation so far.  

Integrated Children Services Planning Board - Annual Update

At the Education Committee of Highland Council on Wednesday 4 June, Members were presented with the Integrated Children Services Plan Annual Report 2024/25.   The Integrated Children's Service’s work continues as it enters the 3rd year of the delivery of the Integrated Children’s Service Plan.  

Expanding opportunities to learn Gaelic at school

Tha comhairlichean Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd air fàilte a chur air an obair ionmholta a thathar a' dèanamh gus cothroman a leudachadh do luchd-ionnsachaidh òga na Gàidhlig.   Aig coinneamh Chomataidh na Gàidhlig an-diugh (Diciadain 4 Ògmhios) chaidh an obair leasachaidh a thathar a’ dèanamh aig Bun-Sgoil Bhaile an Fhraoich ann an Inbhir Nis a chomharrachadh mar dheagh eisimpleir de bhith a’ cruthachadh "spiorad mhath is ion-ghabhaltach airson na Gàidhlig thar na sgoile".  

Food in Schools project surveys underway - Help Stop Waste and reduce costs

The Highland Council's ‘Food in Schools' project is a key component of the Council’s Delivery Plan and the Redesign Board Chaired by the Convener of the Council - Councillor Bill Lobban has launched a range of surveys to better understand the various components of food provision in school settings.   The surveys will be issued by Head Teachers, on behalf of the Food in Schools project team, to current pupils (P1-S6), parents and carers, teachers and non-teaching staff (e.g.  

2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund Delivery Plan Approved - Highland Events To Benefit From New Grant Fund

Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have agreed a delivery plan that will see £3 million of funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).   This is invested to support Highland communities, businesses, employment and tourism.  

Cruise ship levy will mitigate tourism pressures and support infrastructure

The Highland Council has issued its support to a Scottish Government proposal to give local authorities the power to create a cruise ship levy in the area.   A meeting of the council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday (29 May) heard that such a levy could provide additional funds to mitigate the impacts of tourism and ensure the area remains a world leading and sustainable tourism destination.  

Committee Discusses Social Value Charter Aimed To Ensure Communities Get Fair Share

At a meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, (Thursday 29 May 2025), members gave their support to the progress being made in taking a Social Value Charter forward that aims to maximises economic benefits from the natural environment and resources and ensure communities receive tangible benefits from renewable energy developments.   Members agreed that representations continue to be made to both the Scottish and UK Governments on the need of mandatory benefit and that the Council continues to engage with renewable developers to sign up to the Charter.  

North of Scotland Councils announce multi-million-pound EV charging infrastructure partnership

Highland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils are today announcing that EasyGo has been awarded a 20-year contract to provide EV charging infrastructure for the north of Scotland.  The contract is estimated to be worth £300 million, with Highland Council acting as the lead authority.