Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Highland Community, Sports, And Leisure Facility Strategy

5th December 2023

A strategy which proposes a two-stage approach towards the development of vibrant community hubs in partnership with High Life Highland and sportscotland was agreed at the Council's Education Committee.

The report set out the principles for investment over the long-term and the next steps to develop individual plans for each of the Council's 29 associated school group (ASG) areas.

Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of the Council's Education Committee said: "There is a need for investment in high quality and affordable community, sports and leisure facilities right across Highland. The Council's vision is to bring as many services as possible together which will look to improve the quality of life for people and communities. Our schools are in a good location to be accessible by many in their areas and so, by integrating key community and sport facilities with our schools, we can make sure that we can continue to deliver services and better plan for the future in a more strategic and well understood way. It is important for The Highland Council to work closely and in partnership with local communities who are ambitious for their residents and also sportscotland and High Life Highland to ensure we get the best for the vast rural authority we live in."

Douglas Wilby, Director of Corporate Performance for High Life Highland said: "There are many benefits to integrating school and community leisure and library facilities. The co-location of these services will create vibrant community hubs which will support the health of the communities themselves as well as the individuals who use them. There are also financial benefits to this approach as capital and revenue savings can be achieved by sharing our properties and resources."

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, noted to committee members some of the key messages from his discussions with local authorities across Scotland. Local authorities understand the importance of sport and physical activity but there was recognition of the fact that there needs to be rationalisation in the future and the co-location of services is an option being discussed, with Highland being the first to bring forward a proposal for Member consideration.

He said: "Local authorities are facing significant financial pressures and competing priorities and it is clear that changes do need to take place to ensure that clubs and communities have continued access to sport and physical activity. The school estate has a role to play as part of the wider strategic move to co-locating services, not only as a facility but as an environment to nurture sport and community, and to reduce inequalities. Through the Active Schools network, sportscotland remains committed to working in partnership with schools across Scotland recognising the critical role the network plays in giving young people confidence and competence to be physically active now and well into their future."

Link to report can be found at
https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4887/education_committee

Webcast of the discussion can be viewed on the Council's website -
https://highland.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/716532/start_time/8622000

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

8/10/2024
Sudden Withdrawal Of Bus Services In Caithness
Aarons of Wick Ltd informed The Highland Council at lunchtime on Friday 4 October that with immediate effect they were unable to continue to operate any school or public service journeys which require a full-size bus.   The Council has sourced replacement services from Dunnetts Transport for the Reay - Thurso and Bower – Castletown – Thurso services.  
7/10/2024
Supporting Island Communities
New funding for critical infrastructure projects that will help boost employment, empower communities and ensure a sustainable future for Scotland's island communities has been announced by First Minister John Swinney.   Ten projects have been awarded a share of the Scottish Government's £3 million 2024/25 Islands Programme Fund.  
3/10/2024
Councils Withdraw Support For National Care Service Proposals
Council Leaders have (27th September 2024) withdrawn support for the Scottish Government's revised National Care Service Bill.   The Bill is currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament.  
2/10/2024
New Contract For Highland's Mixed Plastic And Metal Containers Recycling ServicesThumbnail for article : New Contract For Highland's Mixed Plastic And Metal Containers Recycling Services
A new contract has been awarded to Perthshire's Wyllie Recycling Ltd for the provision of mixed plastic and metal container recycling services and haulage in Highland.  This includes plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, metals tins, drink cans, aerosols and food and drink cartons which are collected in the new green recycling bins.  
23/9/2024
Council Raises Awareness Of Market Operator's Licences For Any Businesses, Companies Or Organisations
The Highland Council is asking any businesses, companies or organisations who are planning to hold any type of market, including Christmas or festive type markets, to contact the Licensing Service to check if they require a market operator's licence.   If a licence is required, organisers will have to have applied for, and had this granted, prior to the market taking place.  
20/9/2024
Parking Penalty Charge Notice Scam WarningThumbnail for article : Parking Penalty Charge Notice Scam Warning
The Highland Council Trading Standards service is urging motorists to be aware of a recent trend in scam texts aimed at tricking people into thinking they have to act quickly to pay a parking penalty charge notice (PCN).   The text asks you to pay the PCN which has been issued by "a local Council".  
20/9/2024
Councillors Agree Revised Community Wealth Building StrategyThumbnail for article : Councillors Agree Revised Community Wealth Building Strategy
Members at meeting of The Highland Council 919 Septmber2024) agreed a refined strategy and action plan for the Council's approach to Community Wealth Building.   The Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024 - 2027 provides an alternative approach to economic development and a practical response that aims to keep wealth within a local area.  
14/9/2024
Change of Direction For Future Of Thor House In ThursoThumbnail for article : Change of Direction For Future Of Thor House In Thurso
Following a process of review, including extensive stakeholder engagement, The Highland Council has completed an options appraisal on the future of Thor House in Thurso.   The Council can now confirm that it intends to reinstate the property as a short break house for children with disability.  
13/9/2024
Highland Council Education Committee Supports Recommendation For Youth Work And Adult Learning Transfer And The Financial Position Of Highlife Highland
At the Education Committee today (Thursday 12 September 2024) Members agreed to the recommendation to transfer Youth Work and Adult Learning to the Council from High Life Highland.  The final contract review report will come to the Committee in November 2024 for consideration.  
12/9/2024
Community Learning And Development Plan 2024-2027
The Education Committee met today (Thursday 12 September 2024) and agreed the Community Learning and Development Plan 2024-2027.   Community Learning and Development (CLD) plays an important role in ensuring individuals, families and communities reach their potential, through lifelong learning, mutual self-help and community organisation, ensuring support and opportunities are community-led and built around people's individual and collective aspirations.