Roll out of the Food Hygiene Information Scheme

7th October 2012

More consumers in Highland will have a new way to find out how well local food caterers and retailers are performing thanks to more food businesses being covered by the Food Hygiene Information scheme.

The Highland Council is one of the 32 Scottish local authorities taking part in the Scheme. The scheme covers a wide range of food businesses including takeaways, food retailers, cafes, restaurants and pubs. They are given certificates relating to their last hygiene inspection to be voluntarily displayed in their premises. The results will also join the food hygiene ratings for over 29,500 Scottish food businesses that can be found at www.food.gov.uk/ratings.

Initially developed by the Food Standards Agency Scotland, the scheme was piloted in Scotland for two years and has the backing of Scottish consumer organisations and industry. It is now running in 23 local authorities across Scotland and there are a number of other Councils working towards launch.

In Highland the scheme is being rolled out over the next eighteen months with the latest launch adding another 650 food businesses to the 1000 launched in May 2012. These new areas covered are:

• North West Sutherland (covering Lochinver round to Durness);
• Wester Ross (Covering Lochcarron up to Little Loch Broom);
• Further areas of Inverness. The whole City is now covered by the scheme;
• The Caol and Corpach areas in Lochaber.

Councillor Graham Phillips, Chairman of the TECS Committee said: "The scheme will help members of the public make an informed choice about where they choose to eat and I encourage all businesses meeting the pass standard to display their Pass Certificates. In these difficult economic times all food businesses will be under pressure but hygiene is one area where they cannot make cuts. If any food business operators have concerns or queries on food safety they should contact the Council's local Environmental Health offices for free advice."

Alan Yates, the Council's Environmental Health Manager, said: "We estimate about 87 per cent food businesses passed their last inspection. An 'improvement required' rating may be down be down to minor issues but in some cases it may be a result of significant health hazards. In these circumstances we will usually use our formal powers to protect the public. The publication of inspection ratings should encourage food business operators to fully comply first time with food safety legislation and also to contact council officers once any issues have been rectified."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Faces a £39.2 Million Budget Gap: Will Council Taxpayers and Services Pay the Price?

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances.   The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Visitor Levy Consultation In-person Events Announced

Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are encouraged to continue to take part in a series of public engagement events to learn more about the proposed Highland Visitor Levy and how they can contribute to the statutory public consultation.   In addition to the online webinars held earlier in the process, a programme of in-person events will continue throughout November.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agrees budget engagement programme

Members of the public, community groups, the business sector and young people will be invited to share their views on how The Highland Council balances its budget and plans spend over the next three years.   The Council needs to find £39.2 million of additional savings over the next three years to deliver a balanced financial plan, driven largely by the impact of rising costs and the ongoing impact of wider economic events.  

29/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Hidden Cost of a 1% Capital Budget Cut: Could Scotland's Schools, Roads and Highland Investment Plans Be Affected?

The Chancellor's decision to reduce departmental capital budgets by 1% could have consequences well beyond Westminster.  Scotland faces a reduction in capital funding, while Highland Council is embarking on a £2.1 billion investment programme that includes a proposed £100 million education campus in Thurso.  

28/10/2026 : Local Authority

When Fuel Prices Rise, Who Pays the Bill for Public Services?

Councils, the NHS and other public bodies face a difficult choice when rising diesel and energy costs threaten the contractors they depend on.  School transport in rural Scotland illustrates the problem.  

27/10/2026 : Local Authority

Gaelic Spending Under Scrutiny: Can Highland Council Afford Another Post While Jobs Are Under Pressure?

The council has legal responsibilities to support Gaelic, but with budgets stretched and services facing difficult choices.  Residents are entitled to ask how priorities are decided across the Highlands.  

24/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Libraries, Leisure Centres and Local Culture Face Growing Pressure as Council Charges Rise

Audit Scotland warns that cuts to community services could deepen inequalities, while councils lack the evidence to measure the full consequences.   Scotland’s councils are spending less on culture and leisure services while asking the public to pay more to use them, raising questions about the future of libraries, swimming pools, sports facilities, museums and other important parts of community life.  

23/10/2026 : Local Authority

Trading Standards warns of Council Tax refund scam emails

The Highland Council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund.   The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.  

14/10/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's Offices: Go Digital, Bring in Mobile Offices and Save Money?

The banks have closed branches across the Highlands and customers have adapted.  With Highland Council facing serious financial pressures, is it time to rethink permanent offices and take council services directly to the people who need them? There was a time when going to the bank meant visiting a branch.