Local Authority News

Highland Council agrees environmental scheme endorsement for major developers

Members of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have today agreed to the principle of the Council endorsing proposed environmental scheme sites in advance for new infrastructure projects.   Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "Developers delivering major infrastructure projects often find it challenging to quickly secure sufficient land for their environmental scheme obligations.  

Communities face growing expectation gap

Mounting pressures from inflation, increasing costs and demand are exceeding the Scottish Government's additional investment in Scotland's councils.   In 2025/26 councils received over £15 billion in government funding, with more money set to be raised from council tax and charges for some services.  

Final phase for Community Council Scheme Review public consultation

The Highland Council has launched phase 2 of a public consultation on how Community Councils across the Highlands are created and governed.   The Community Council Scheme Review was on the agenda of the Highland Council meeting held on the 15 May 2025, Members agreed to the phase 2 review of the Scheme and that the proposals informed by the phase 1 review be subject to further public consultation.  

Environmental schemes on the agenda of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee

Environmental schemes on the agenda of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee Members of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will have the opportunity to discuss compensatory planting schemes and biodiversity enhancement when they meet on Thursday 29 May.   Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Environmental schemes are important for our communities as they ensure that biodiversity is improved when new infrastructure projects are developed.  

Highland Council agrees outcomes for mainstreaming equality

Members of Highland Council's Communities and Place Committee have today welcomed progress against the Council’s Equality Mainstreaming and Outcomes Report.  They also agreed a revised set of equality outcomes for 2025- 2029.  

Partnership working to tackle climate adaptation strengthened through Highland Adapts initiative

Highland Council's Climate Change Committee has today reaffirmed its commitment to climate adaptation by supporting the continued work of Highland Adapts - a regional initiative focused on building climate resilience through partnership and community-led action.   Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Councillor Sarah Fanet, said: "The Highland region is already experiencing the effects of climate change from increased flooding to changes in biodiversity and these impacts are only expected to intensify.  

Highland Council's Progress Update on Net Zero Programme

At the meeting of the Highland Council's Climate Change Committee, Members were given an update on the Council's Net Zero Programme.   Members welcomed the development of projects that will deliver carbon reductions, operational efficiencies and financial savings.  

Impressive new waste and recycling figures for Highland

The Highland Council is pleased to announce new waste and recycling figures for the region, following the introduction of the new waste and recycling services over the last year.   The roll out of the new waste and recycling services to householders and businesses began in April 2024 and has been funded by the Scottish Government's Recycling Improvement Fund.  

Biotoxins affecting Bivalve Shellfish in coastal waters in the East of the Isle of Skye

Highland Council's Environmental Health team have identified raised levels of naturally occurring bivalve shellfish biotoxins following routine monitoring at Loch Portree.   Eating bivalve shellfish such as cockles, mussels, oysters or razor fish from the area of Loch Portree may pose a health risk arising from the consumption of these biotoxins.  

Highland Council awards new contract for road repairs

After a successful three-week trial of thermal technology in 2024, Highland Council has appointed Thermal Road Repairs for a two-year patching repair contract worth a seven-figure sum.  This will provide an additional resource for repairing surface defects such as potholes, cracking and deteriorating surfacing joints.