Highland Council Allocates More Cash For Schools in Budget Proposals

27th February 2026

The Highland Council's budget proposals for 2026/27, announced in February 2026, include several key funding allocations for schools aimed at infrastructure and specialized service support.

Capital Investment & Infrastructure
Highland Investment Plan: The council proposes to set aside 2% of its annual Council Tax revenue specifically for this plan. This fund is part of a broader £2.1 billion, 20-year capital programme focused on improving local infrastructure, including the replacement or refurbishment of approximately 90 schools.

New School Construction: Preferred contractors have already been appointed for eight new schools located in Beauly, Dingwall, Fortrose, Inverness, Thurso, and Tornagrain.

Revenue & Service Investment
Targeted Education Support: The latest proposals include part of a £12.2 million package of new investment intended to strengthen key services, including education and workforce development.

Ongoing Education Commitments: These 2026 proposals build on the previous year's £4.3 million investment, which prioritised:

Additional Support Needs (ASN): Strengthening specialist teacher provision and creating professional pathways for support staff.

Teacher Capacity: Increasing staffing to allow more time for curricular planning and senior leadership building.

Pupil Equity Fund: Top-up funding to help close the attainment gap for pupils impacted by poverty.

Budget Context & Funding Sources
Council Tax Increase: To fund these investments, a 7% increase in Council Tax has been proposed. Of this, 5% is allocated to balancing the general budget, while 2% is ring-fenced for the Highland Investment Plan's schools and roads projects.
Scottish Government Funding: The council is set to receive £660.2 million from the Scottish Government for 2026/27, which is £17 million more than the previous year's settlement.

Councillors are scheduled to meet on Thursday, 5 March 2026, to officially consider and decide on these final budget proposals.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

23/7/2026 : Local Authority

England Cuts Business Rates for Hospitality – Will Scottish Businesses Be Left Behind?

The UK Government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for many hospitality businesses in England, offering welcome relief to pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and live music venues that have struggled with rising costs in recent years.   For thousands of businesses south of the Border, it could mean lower bills and a little more breathing space.  

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.