Highland tourism infrastructure improvements made possible with �7 million funding secured to date

29th May 2026

The Economy and Infrastructure Committee met today (Thursday 28 May, 2026) and reaffirmed The Highland Council’s strong progress in delivering its Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan (STIDP), with more than £7 million secured to date through the Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).

The investment is supporting a wide range of projects across the Highlands. Enhancing visitor infrastructure, improving the overall visitor experience, while carefully and considerately helping to manage growing visitor numbers to reduce pressures on local communities and the environment.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Councillor Ken Gowans, welcomed the progress: “The Highland Council has made significant strides in improving tourism infrastructure across the Highlands, securing substantial investment and delivering high-impact projects in partnership with communities and stakeholders.

These improvements are helping to protect our environment, enhance the visitor experience, and support local economies. This is against a very challenging financial backdrop and the need to consider how we raise income for future investment towards a sustainable tourism strategy.

“As visitor numbers continue to grow, we are acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities ahead and that is why it is vital that we remain proactive and strategic in how we plan and invest. The proposed updates to the STIDP, alongside the development of a wider Delivery Programme, will ensure we are well positioned to respond to future challenges and opportunities while supporting sustainable tourism across the region as far a possible under our current budgetary constraints.

“Since the STIDP was approved in 2022, 35 projects have been supported, leveraging additional partner funding to deliver a combined investment of over £12 million. Improvements include upgraded path networks, new and enhanced parking facilities, public conveniences, and dedicated motorhome infrastructure, ensuring the Highlands remains a world-class and sustainable destination, so we are doing well with our limited resources”

Targeted updates to the STIDP are now being proposed to ensure that key projects remain aligned with evolving funding criteria and respond to increased visitor demand. This includes strengthening the Council’s approach at key locations such as Whaligoe Steps in Caithness and the Devil’s Staircase in Glencoe, both of which are experiencing significant visitor numbers pressure.

Looking ahead, a new Sustainable Tourism Strategy Delivery Programme will be developed to build on this work. The programme will take a broader, more strategic approach to tourism investment across the Highlands, aligning with wider Council priorities and supporting sustainable economic growth, strong communities, and environmental stewardship.

The Council will continue working with partners, communities and VisitScotland to bring forward projects that balance economic opportunity with the protection of the Highlands’ unique landscapes and way of life

 

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