Councillors to consider Highland Investment Plan update

24th March 2025

Highland Councillors will be asked to consider a new approach on the future of the Highland Investment Plan (HIP).

Approval is being sought for the allocation of funding for the first phase of proposed projects for 2024/25 to 2029/30 which will help improve local public facilities and sustain local communities and population.

The Highland Investment Plan commits to the establishment of a new generation of integrated community facilities (PODs) which will be complimented by a refreshed operating model for services across Highland Council and with key partners, such as NHS Highland.

A report to the meeting of The Highland Council on 27 March will provide Councillors with an update on the progress of the Council's ambitious Highland Investment Plan. The report outlines that the establishment of Community PODs is linked to plans to modernise service delivery and are a key driver for the future operating model of the Highland Community Planning Partnership.

The HIP commits £2.1 billion of capital funding over a twenty-year period based on the ring fencing of 2% council tax per annum, or an equivalent revenue stream.

The Plan will be used to tackle the major challenges that Highland Council faces with transport and roads; schools and community facilities; depots and public offices across Highland communities.  

Highland Council Leader Cllr Raymond Bremner said: "Included in the recommendations to Council, will be that Hub North Scotland Ltd be taken forward as the chosen Highland Investment Plan delivery partner; and that a Commissioning Approval Board be set up and chaired by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place. He added: "The wider context of the HIP is to establish a prospectus of investible developments that can attract private sector partners and gain more leverage for public sector investment in local communities."

The Committee will also be asked to agree the allocation of capital funding to the first group of Phase 1 projects at Beauly, Charleston, Dingwall, Dunvegan, Fortrose, Inverness High and Thurso and the proposed project delivery timescales. Councillors will also be asked to agree an option to move to a Community POD development for St Clement's and Dingwall Primary schools, on the basis that this provides the greatest educational benefits for both schools, and the maximum economic benefit for the wider community.

The report to Councillors invites them to note that ‘the relocation of St Clement’s School will require a statutory consultation to locate a replacement building for St Clement’s School on the new Dingwall Community POD site. If approved, the new Community POD development is prioritised for the earliest possible delivery, with construction commencing early in 2027 and the new building being operational by the end of 2028/29.

Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban added: “All work to date by the Council on the Highland Investment Plan has taken into account the views of local people and local issues and priorities. Members will have the opportunity to discuss the report on Thursday and if the recommendations regarding St Clement’s and Dingwall Primary schools are agreed, the Council will immediately commence an informal consultation period of engagement with relevant stakeholders from both schools. In addition, if agreed by Council, work will also start on a Strategic Outline Case for Lochaber Adult Care Provision."

Members will also be updated on the Thurso Place-Based review which will determine a preferred model for a Thurso Community POD. If agreed, this project’s recommendation is that it should be prioritised for the earliest possible delivery with an estimated operational timescale in 2029/30.

In addition to the ongoing development of the Tain Campus, Nairn Academy, Broadford and Tornagrain projects, five previously prioritised Phase 1 projects are being progress with the following earliest operational dates at: Beauly Primary (2027/28); Charleston Academy (2029/30); Dunvegan Primary (2027/28); Fortrose Academy (2029/30); Inverness High (2029/30).

Funding of the Highland Investment Plan formed part of the Council Tax and budget decisions on 6 March 2025 when Council agreed its revenue budget for 2025/26, within which 2% of council tax income was agreed to support the HIP.

More information on the Highland Investment Plan can be found on the Council’s website: 

https://www.highland.gov.uk/highlandinvestmentplan 

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Faces a £39.2 Million Budget Gap: Will Council Taxpayers and Services Pay the Price?

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances.   The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Visitor Levy Consultation In-person Events Announced

Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are encouraged to continue to take part in a series of public engagement events to learn more about the proposed Highland Visitor Levy and how they can contribute to the statutory public consultation.   In addition to the online webinars held earlier in the process, a programme of in-person events will continue throughout November.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agrees budget engagement programme

Members of the public, community groups, the business sector and young people will be invited to share their views on how The Highland Council balances its budget and plans spend over the next three years.   The Council needs to find £39.2 million of additional savings over the next three years to deliver a balanced financial plan, driven largely by the impact of rising costs and the ongoing impact of wider economic events.  

29/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Hidden Cost of a 1% Capital Budget Cut: Could Scotland's Schools, Roads and Highland Investment Plans Be Affected?

The Chancellor's decision to reduce departmental capital budgets by 1% could have consequences well beyond Westminster.  Scotland faces a reduction in capital funding, while Highland Council is embarking on a £2.1 billion investment programme that includes a proposed £100 million education campus in Thurso.  

28/10/2026 : Local Authority

When Fuel Prices Rise, Who Pays the Bill for Public Services?

Councils, the NHS and other public bodies face a difficult choice when rising diesel and energy costs threaten the contractors they depend on.  School transport in rural Scotland illustrates the problem.  

27/10/2026 : Local Authority

Gaelic Spending Under Scrutiny: Can Highland Council Afford Another Post While Jobs Are Under Pressure?

The council has legal responsibilities to support Gaelic, but with budgets stretched and services facing difficult choices.  Residents are entitled to ask how priorities are decided across the Highlands.  

24/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Libraries, Leisure Centres and Local Culture Face Growing Pressure as Council Charges Rise

Audit Scotland warns that cuts to community services could deepen inequalities, while councils lack the evidence to measure the full consequences.   Scotland’s councils are spending less on culture and leisure services while asking the public to pay more to use them, raising questions about the future of libraries, swimming pools, sports facilities, museums and other important parts of community life.  

23/10/2026 : Local Authority

Trading Standards warns of Council Tax refund scam emails

The Highland Council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund.   The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.  

14/10/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's Offices: Go Digital, Bring in Mobile Offices and Save Money?

The banks have closed branches across the Highlands and customers have adapted.  With Highland Council facing serious financial pressures, is it time to rethink permanent offices and take council services directly to the people who need them? There was a time when going to the bank meant visiting a branch.