BT consultation on the removal of 110 payphones in Highland including several in Caithness

29th April 2025

Photograph of BT consultation on the removal of 110 payphones in Highland including several in Caithness

BT has launched a consultation on the removal of 110 public payphones in Highland which they state are no longer needed. Details of the payphones being considered for closure are set out in the list at this link.
https://dmscdn.vuelio.co.uk/publicitem/d85e035c-5f1f-4681-a9c6-5695273252e4

Several boxes are to be removed in Caithness including in Thurso and Wick.

The box at Berriedale saved from previous removals due to bad cell phone signal is also included this time due to improvements in coverage.

The Highland Council is encouraging members of the public to look at BT's proposals and to comment, giving as much information as possible.

BT has indicated that they have assessed the 110 payphones using the criteria in Ofcom's Review of the telephony universal service obligation.

Telephone boxes on the list have had hardly any usage.

BT's consultation is open until 15 July 2025.

They will take account of representations that are made about their plans when they are making their final decision. They will write to you setting out the reasons for their decision which will also be published their decision on their website www.bt.com/payphones/service.

If you have any questions or want to make representations, please contact BT at btp.authorisation.team@bt.com

PHOTO
Telephone box at West Banks Avenue, Wick.

Earlier
29 October 2020
Council confirms response to BT on proposed removal of phone boxes across the Highlands

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

16/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Small Grants Programme Reopens with Expanded Support for Community Organisations

The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding.   Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.  

14/7/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do you want a say in the future development of Highland?

Share your ideas and help shape the places, spaces and communities of tomorrow.   The Highland Council is inviting people to share their ideas relating to the development or long-term land use in Highland.  

8/7/2026 : Local Authority

Traffic restrictions for Belladrum Festival 2026

Motorists are being advised of a series of temporary road closures, speed limits and traffic restrictions that will be in place to support the safe running of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2026.   The Highland Council has introduced a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to manage traffic and reduce disruption in the area around Kiltarlity and Belladrum during the event period.  

2/7/2026 : Local Authority

A New Pay Deal For England's Teachers But Scottish Teach Are Still Better Paid But Councils Are Landed With The Problem

teachers in Scotland are generally still paid more than teachers in England, although the gap varies depending on experience and location.   The UK Government has announced a two-year pay deal for teachers in England: 3.5% from September 2026 3.0% from September 2027 This is a cumulative increase of around 6.6% over two years.  

26/6/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agree next steps for Visitor Levy scheme

The Highland Council has agreed to continue working with the tourism industry to co-design a draft Visitor Levy scheme for the Highlands.   It follows the Council securing greater flexibility from The Scottish Government on how a Visitor Levy could be applied and administered, after feedback from accommodation providers and industry groups across the Highlands about a percentage-based charge.  

26/6/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Wealth Fund to create lasting legacy from renewable energy development

The Highland Council has agreed plans to establish a Highland Wealth Fund to create a lasting legacy from renewable energy development and support long-term benefits for communities across the region.   Inspired by the principles of the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, the new partnership-led fund will support strategic, regional, area and local priority projects, helping to ensure that the opportunities created by the energy transition deliver lasting value for current and future generations.  

25/6/2026 : Local Authority

Apply For Education Maintenance Allowance If you are 16 to 19 years old

If you are 16 to 19 years old, at school or college, and come from a low-income household you may be able to get financial help from an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).   EMA is a weekly allowance of £30 per week, paid during term time.  

22/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council launches new platform to improve online engagement

The Highland Council has today (Monday 22 June) launched a new online engagement platform which will transform how residents, communities and visitors engage with consultations.   The easy-to-use platform allows anyone to quickly see what projects and proposals are open for consultation and engagement.  

22/6/2026 : Local Authority

A Tale of Two Schools - Is Thurso Next? As Moray Council Shelves £100million school plan for Buckie

When Moray Council officially shelved plans for a new Buckie High School, it sent a shockwave through communities across the north of Scotland.  The message was clear: in the current economic climate, even the most desperate promises of new school builds can vanish overnight when balanced against a massive budget deficit.  

19/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland creatives help shape UK City of Culture 2029 bid

Cultural artists and creators from across the Highlands have gathered at Strathpeffer Pavilion to share their ideas and ambitions for the Inverness-Highland bid for UK City of Culture 2029.   The bid, which is being taken forward under the name Beò 2029 the Gaelic word for living brought together around 80 creative practitioners from across the region for a cultural conversation exploring what culture means in the Highlands, what stories the region wants to tell, and the legacy for the future.