Highland Local Transport Strategy Delivery Plan Approved

12th February 2026

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has today (Thursday 12 February 2026) approved a Local Transport Delivery Plan that will support the Highland Local Transport Strategy 2025-2035 in future policy for all modes of transport across the region.

The Delivery Plan sets out how the vision will be achieved and includes priority actions that will guide how the Council maintains, manages, and improves the transport system across Highland over the next decade. These actions reflect community priorities, national policy drivers and the Council's commitment to delivering a low‑carbon, inclusive and resilient transport network for communities, businesses and visitors.

Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "Highland faces significant transport challenges because of our huge geographical area and scattered population. Approving this Delivery Plan marks an important step in shaping a modern, connected and sustainable transport system for Highland. Our communities have been clear about the need for safe, reliable and low‑carbon transport options, and this plan gives us the structure to deliver exactly that. By working collaboratively across services and with our partners, we will make real progress in improving how people move around the region and how goods are transported. This is essential both for our local economy and for achieving our climate commitments."

He added: "The Delivery Plan approved by committee underpins how we will drive forward and achieve our goals, to ensure our communities, businesses and visitors in Highland are served by a low carbon transport system that is sustainable, inclusive, safe, resilient and accessible."

The Progress Update Template, also approved, will be used to provide annual reports to Committee, summarising achievements, highlighting gaps, and ensuring transparency in monitoring and evaluation.

The Delivery Plan actions have been informed by extensive review of community-led plans and existing transport workstreams, alongside collaboration with the Council's Sustainable Transport Team, HITRANS, and consultants.

Committee members heard that the Plan will help break down siloed working, highlight resource efficiencies, and prioritise actions that will have the greatest impact for local communities.

With the Delivery Plan now approved the Local Transport Strategy Group will continue to meet quarterly to provide strategic oversight. A cross-service Working Group will drive forward implementation and ensure alignment with the Council's Future Operating Model and Officers will provide annual progress updates using the newly approved reporting template.

Link to report and Delivery Plan
https://www.highland.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/86441/item_10_local_transport_strategy_delivery_plan
64 Pages

The full meeting agenda and links to all the other topics discussed can be found at https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5306/economy_and_infrastructure_committee

 

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