A new improved section of the Great Glen Way is now open, offering walkers, wheelers and visitors a safer and more scenic way to experience this popular trail. The Highland Council has completed work on over 3km of the route, moving it away from the public road and onto a new off‑road path.
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.
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.
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.
£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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkers finishing the West Highland Way now have a new, scenic option as they arrive into Fort William Town Centre. The West Highland Way is internationally recognised as one of the world’s top long-distance walks.
At The Highland Council’s Economy & Infrastructure committee held on 28 May 2026, members agreed the distribution of Highland Coastal Communities Funding (HCCF) allocation across the local area committees. HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government.
All eligible young people are being encouraged to apply for a weekly, term time allowance of £30 per week from August 2026. The Highland Council administers Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in respect of eligible young people from across its 29 secondary schools.
Nature Restoration Fund update to Economy & Infrastructure Committee Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community-led projects and Council initiatives that protect and enhance the natural environment. The Nature Restoration Fund report provided Members with an update on the Scottish Government-funded programme.
NHS Highland and The Highland Council have today launched Highland Power of Attorney Month. Highland Power of Attorney Month is a joint public awareness campaign running throughout June 2026 to encourage every adult across the Highland region to consider putting a Power of Attorney (PoA) in place.
Highland councillors have agreed to take forward a new planning policy aimed at reducing light pollution across the region. At a meeting of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee held (Thursday 28 May 2026), members supported the proposed Dark Skies Draft Planning Policy, which will guide lighting requirements in new developments.
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.
Air Charter Scotland – operator of the lifeline public service obligation (PSO) air service connecting Wick and Aberdeen – has announced revised fares designed to make travelling even simpler and more accessible for passengers. In response to customer feedback, passengers will benefit from lower fares across all ticket types, the introduction of new return rates and discounted travel for children.
A new planning policy aimed at influencing some lighting requirements in new developments that are subject to planning control will be considered by members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee when they meet on Thursday (28 May 2026). The proposed Dark Skies Draft Planning Policy sets out how the Council could reduce light pollution across Highland, supporting environmental protection, community financial and tourism benefits and sustainable development.