Highland Council highlights important role Community Transport providers play

16th October 2025

Photograph of Highland Council highlights important role Community Transport providers play

During CTWeek25 - a national celebration to showcase how community transport services are integral to local lives - The Highland Council is paying tribute to the organisations and teams of volunteers who provide a crucial role far beyond simply moving people from one place to another.

In a typical year, Highland Community Transport Groups that the Council supports provide 25,000 volunteer hours.

The Highland Council's Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "CTWeek25 is the perfect time to show our appreciation to all the dedicated staff and volunteers that provide essential services that are a lifeline for people across our local communities.

"From supporting the elderly, disabled, to ensuring access to healthcare, education, and employment, Community Transport providers across the Highlands are working hard to make sure no one is left behind."

The Highland Council provides grant support to the following Community Transport providers:

Applecross Community Company: Applecross Community Transport
Badenoch and Strathspey Community ConnXions
Beauly and District Care Project
Boleskine Community Care
Caithness Voluntary Group Caithness Rural Transport
Care Lochaber
Communities in Motion CT
Community Support and Information, Ross-Shire (CSI)
Connect Assynt
Creich Croick & Kincardine District Day Care Association
Dornoch Area Community Interest Company
Gairloch Community Car Scheme
Garve & District Development Company
Glenelg & Arnisdale Bus User Group (BUG)
Go Golspie Development Trust
Helmsdale Community Transport
Highlife Highland (Sunart Centre)
Lochaber Action on Disability
Nairn Community Transport
North West Community Bus Association
Partnerships for Wellbeing
Shopmobility Highland
Sleat Community Trust
South Lochaber Community Company
South West Ross Community Car Scheme
Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust
Strathnairn Community Access and Transport Association
Transport for Tongue Limited
Wheels in Nairnshire

Highland-area groups have received national accolades for their services, including the South West Ross Community Car Scheme winning the 2023 Kings Award for Volunteering.

Earlier this year the Applecross Community Company featured on BBC's Landward programme.

Highland-area groups have implemented projects which have inspired other CT's throughout Scotland and the UK more broadly. An example is the " Pay What You Can" scheme introduced by Wheels in Nairnshire

Several providers, Gairloch Community Car Scheme, Applecross Community Company, Wheels in Nairnshire, Communities in Motion CT, are also delivering contracts on behalf of the Council.

Councillor Gowans added: "Our grant award programme has been explored by other Local Authorities in Scotland and England as a model to take forward. It is about empowering communities to set up services in a way which suits them and takes into account unique circumstances and opportunities.

"We really appreciate the work of staff and volunteers and will be building on the work already underway to stay connected and explore future opportunities."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

23/5/2026 : Local Authority

Highland councillors to consider new 'Dark Skies' planning policy

A new planning policy aimed at influencing some lighting requirements in new developments that are subject to planning control will be considered by members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee when they meet on Thursday (28 May 2026).   The proposed Dark Skies Draft Planning Policy sets out how the Council could reduce light pollution across Highland, supporting environmental protection, community financial and tourism benefits and sustainable development.  

22/5/2026 : Local Authority

Proposed Public Transport Strategy aims to improve connectivity and sustainability across Highland

A new draft Public Transport Strategy for 2026–2036 will be considered by Members of the Economy & Infrastructure Committee on Thursday 28 May 2026, setting out an ambitious vision to strengthen and modernise public and community transport across Highland.   The proposed strategy builds on the Local Transport Strategy Delivery Plan agreed in February 2026 and responds to key challenges, including a shrinking local bus network, rising contract costs, and evolving travel patterns.  

22/5/2026 : Local Authority

Wick town centre streetscape progresses, with phased opening planned

A £1.25 million project to transform Wick town centre into a more welcoming, attractive and pedestrian friendly space is continuing to make steady progress, with completion now expected this summer.   This represents an extension to the original timeline, however, a phased approach to opening, starting this month, will minimise disruption for visitors, local residents, and businesses.  

22/5/2026 : Local Authority

Can Bollards Save Highland Town Centres or Sink Them? Fort William Bollards Switch On And Wick Bollards On Soon

The Highland Council has installed automatic bollards on Fort William High Street as part of the Fort William Pedestrian Improvement Scheme.  The High Street pedestrian zone will commence from Monday 25 May 2026.  

21/5/2026 : Local Authority

 
Longman Park modular homes help deliver ‘Fairer Highland’ commitments

The Highland Council has successfully completed phases one and two of new modular “park-style” homes at the Gypsy/Traveller site at Longman Park, Inverness.   Funded primarily through the Scottish Government’s Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund, more than £7 million has been invested to upgrade and future-proof accommodation and site facilities.  

21/5/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council commended for continued improvements to services for homeless households

The Highland Council’s performance for homeless households has improved significantly over the past four years, while the national average has continued to rise over the same period.  This sustained focus on improvement was acknowledged by the Scottish Housing Regulator at an engagement meeting in early 2026.  

21/5/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council strengthens Net Zero progress with improved reporting and funding commitments

Highland Council strengthens Net Zero progress with improved reporting and funding commitments Members of Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee today welcomed progress in delivering the Council’s Net Zero Programme, with new measures to improve carbon reporting, strengthen investment decisions, and secure funding for projects across the Highlands.   Taken together, these measures reflect a wider shift towards a more coordinated, programme-led approach to climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience, following the direction agreed by Council in March 2026.  

18/5/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council showcases Invest Highland at UKREiiF 2026

The Highland Council is showcasing the region’s ambitious Invest Highland programme at a national event this week at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2026 in Leeds.   The Leader of the Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner, alongside Council Officers and Calum MacPherson of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport will attend this year’s UKREiiF which exists to connect people, places, and businesses to accelerate investment, foster development, and drive sustainable regeneration across the UK.  

15/5/2026 : Local Authority

 
Inverness - Highland Bid Director for UK City of Culture appointed

Highly respected cultural leader and strategist Bryan Beattie has been appointed by The Highland Council as Bid Director of the Inverness - Highland bid for UK City of Culture 2029.   He was recently creative director for the Inverness Castle Experience and interim Chief Executive at Eden Court, and a former Chair of Fèis Rois and Scottish Youth Theatre.  

14/5/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council enhances delivery on the Highland Housing Challenge

The Highland Council will meet on Thursday, 14 May and on the agenda for discussion is a report on the Highland Housing Challenge.   The Highland Housing Challenge was declared in June 2024, with a target of 24,000 new homes by 2034.