Roll out of Highland Food Hygiene Information Scheme

1st July 2013

More consumers in Highland will now have a way to find out how well local food caterers and retailers are performing thanks to the complete roll-out of the Food Hygiene Information Scheme across the area.

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 31,000 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 27 local authorities across Scotland with the other Councils working towards launch.

In Highland the scheme has been rolled out since May 2012. The website now covers 3,300 Highland food businesses and also provides apps that consumers can download for their telephones to allow searches while away from their homes.

Councillor Graham Phillips, Chairman of the TECS Committee said: I am pleased that The Highland Council has completed the rollout of this scheme. It 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. If any food business operators have concerns or queries on food safety they should contact the Councils local Environmental Health offices for free advice.

Alan Yates, the Councils Environmental Health Manager, added: We estimate about 84 per cent of food businesses passed their last inspection. An improvement required rating may 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

14/6/2026 : Local Authority

How Caithness Can Strengthen Its Case for Major Capital Investment in an Era of Shrinking Budgets

Caithness has reached a moment where the old assumptions about public investment no longer hold.  For decades, the region could rely on a three‑pillar system: HIE to drive economic development, Scottish Enterprise and national programmes to support growth, and Highland Council to deliver the infrastructure that underpins daily life.  

14/6/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

When the Money Moves South: How HIE’s Shrinking Budget Has Hit Caithness and Why “Record Funding” Doesn’t Mean What It Used To

For decades, Highlands and Islands Enterprise was the economic backbone of the far north.  It wasn’t perfect, but it was one of the few institutions that understood the basic truth of life in Caithness: distance costs money, and if the state doesn’t step in, the market won’t.  

11/6/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's £20 Million Transformation Gamble – What Happens if the Savings Never Arrive?

For most people, council committee papers and audit reports are not the sort of documents that attract much attention.  They are full of technical language, financial terminology and governance structures that can make even the most determined reader give up after a few pages.  

8/6/2026 : Local Authority

Hop on Board: £2 Bus Fares Make Exploring the Highlands Easier Than Ever

£2 Bus Fare Scheme Drives Accessible and Sustainable Travel Across the Highlands With the school holidays approaching, The Highland Council is encouraging residents and visitors to make the most of the £2 single fare cap on its in-house bus services.   The initiative is helping to make public transport more accessible and affordable, particularly for families looking for low-cost ways to travel during the summer months.  

7/6/2026 : Local Authority

Apprenticeship pathways to build a future Highland workforce

Highland Council's education committee members have praised the apprenticeship programmes offering more young people the chance to learn skills and equip them for the world of work.   Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) and Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) in Highland are growing strongly, with participation now well above national averages.  

6/6/2026 : Local Authority

The slow unravelling of a promise: why the £100 million Thurso schools project may already be drifting into delay

The announcement of a six‑week consultation on the future of Thurso High School should have been a moment of clarity — a sign that after years of discussion, Highland Council was finally ready to move from aspiration to action.  Instead, it has exposed a deeper truth about the state of capital investment in the Highlands - The numbers no longer add up.  

5/6/2026 : Local Authority

New ‘Better Off Calculator’ to support Highland residents and improve financial outcomes

The cost of living continues to place significant pressure on household finances, which affects the affordability of essential goods and services, particularly home energy, food and fuel.   As these pressures persist, access to high‑quality advice, and clear information about the financial help and support available to residents across Highland is more important than ever.  

4/6/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council agrees to consult on major investment in Thurso schools

Highland Council’s Education Committee has (3 June 2026) agreed to launch a statutory consultation on proposals to transform education provision in Thurso.   The decision marks an important step in shaping future investment in Thurso’s schools, giving pupils, parents, staff and the wider community the opportunity to help influence how modern, high quality education provision is developed for the town.  

3/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
New Access Rangers begin patrols across Highland for the 2026 season

Last week marked the start of patrols for The Highland Council’s 2026 Seasonal Access Rangers team, a dedicated group working to promote responsible enjoyment of the Highlands natural environment.   Funded by The Highland Council, the team will play a key role in supporting visitors and local communities.  

3/6/2026 : Local Authority

Areas of Linguistic Significance - an opportunity to put Highland communities at the heart of Gaelic development

On Wednesday this week (3 June) The Highland Council is aiming to take a major step forward in strengthening its support for Gaelic, recognising the linguistic, educational, historical and cultural connections which exist right across our region.   Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee is to consider a recommendation to adopt a Highland‑wide designation as an Area of Linguistic Significance (ALS) for Gaelic under the Scottish Languages Act 2025.