Council to bring Community transport providers together

4th August 2025

Representatives from across the Highlands are being invited to a meeting that will focus on the current provision and future of Community Transport.

The event, organised and hosted by The Highland Council, will take place at Council HQ in Inverness on Wednesday 13 August.

It will be an opportunity for community transport providers to come together and discuss future opportunities. NHS Highland will be in attendance to explore options for growth in community transport across the highlands and explore collaborative working.

Community transport initiatives across the Highlands currently receive funding from The Highland Council to support them with the important role they play in delivering lifeline services to their local communities.

Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "In the Highlands Community Transport providers play a vital role to address local unique circumstances and opportunities.

“We want to empower communities to set up services in a way which suits them. The services already running all bring important social benefits to communities where any option of public transport either does not exist or is very limited. It’s about proactively finding solutions which most closely address and meet local transport needs, with the added benefit of empowering individuals and the broader community."

“We hope providers take up this opportunity to come along as this is a valuable networking opportunity. It is a chance to learn from one another, share best practice, and explore future opportunities together.”

The meeting starts at 10am. Following a welcome, opening remarks and introductions, the agenda will look at an overview of current Community Transport projects operating in the Highland Council area, before the focus switches to opportunities and the future.

The meeting will be held in person, with the option to join remotely via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend on the day. Invitations have been issued to Community Transport groups. Already confirmed as attending are representatives from Beauly and District Care Project, CEC Boleskin, Kingussie Camanachd Club, Partnerships for Wellbeing, Tigh Na Drochaid/ Aird Ferry, Wheels in Nairnshire and P4W.

Anyone interested in attending but may not have yet received an invitation to come along should contact kirstin.rattray@highland.gov.uk.

 

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.