A pumped storage hydro project proposed near Loch Ness has committed to allocating 5 per cent of its annual gross margin to a Community Wealth Fund estimated to deliver over £20 million a year. Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) has become the second company to sign the Highland Social Value Charter, marking a significant milestone in delivering long-term socio-economic benefits for communities across the Highlands.
A public consultation opens today on proposals to introduce Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCA) in Highland with the aim of striking a better balance between tourism growth and local housing need. The Highland Council is seeking views from residents, communities, businesses and the tourism sector on proposals to introduce two STLCAs: Inverness City STLCA, which would cover the wards of Inverness West; Inverness Central; Inverness Ness-side; Inverness Millburn; and parts of Inverness South, including Westhill, Milton of Leys and Slackbuie, and; Highland Rural STLCA, which would cover the wards of Lochaber; Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh; Sutherland; Skye and Raasay; Aird and Loch Ness; and parts of Inverness South, including Tomatin and Daviot.
The financial pressures facing both the Scottish Government and councils could create major risks for ambitious long-term capital programmes such as The Highland Council’s Highland Investment Plan (HIP), including the proposed £100 million redevelopment of Thurso High School into a major community campus. However, the picture is complicated because projects like Thurso are also politically and economically important for the region.
Highland Council is heading into a tougher financial climate than at any point since the financial crash and the pressure is coming from a direction that residents rarely see: the cost of government borrowing. Following the UK’s latest rise in borrowing costs, the price councils pay for long‑term loans has increased again.
As the energy crisis continues to reshape policy across the UK, a key question keeps coming up. Will national governments override local councils that refuse planning permission for renewable energy projects like wind farms and battery storage sites? The short answer is this is already happening and it’s likely to increase.
Garage rents in Caithness are set to increase by 10% for garage rent 2026/27 and 15% for garage sites, as agreed at the recent Caithness Area Committee (Monday 27 April). There are currently 492 garages and garage sites across Caithness, 126 of which are currently void.
Early indications suggest that the introduction of a Short Term Let Control Area (STLCA) for Badenoch and Strathspey has slowed the growth of secondary short-term lets across the area. The STLCA for Ward 20, which covers Aviemore, Carrbridge, Boat of Garten, Dalwhinnie Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, and Newtonmore, has been in place for two years and was one of the first to be designated in Scotland.
The Highland Council has confirmed the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State (Military) Administration in Ukraine. The MoU acknowledges bonds of friendship and common aims to promote knowledge transfer, educational and trade exchanges, and encourage investment opportunities between the two regions.
The Highland Council’s Workforce North initiative arrives at a critical moment for the Highlands. On one side, the region is seeing unprecedented levels of investment in renewable energy, infrastructure, and construction.
The latest Highland Council Caithness Committee Housing Management Performance Report (2025–26) offers a detailed snapshot of how social housing services are performing across the region. On the surface, it is a routine governance update—tracking repairs, allocations, rent collection, and tenant satisfaction.
As the Scottish Parliament Election approaches on Thursday 7 May 2026, we are ensuring that voting is accessible to voters. Polling stations across the Highlands will be open from 7am to 10pm.
Consultation in Thurso has found strong support for investment in a Community Point of Delivery (PoD) that serves the whole town and delivers wider benefits beyond the replacement of ageing school buildings. Local people described the proposed development of an education campus on the current Thurso High School site and surrounding area as an opportunity to create a civic asset for the whole community, bringing together education, sport, leisure, health, art and social facilities.
Councillors approved grant funding from ward discretionary funds in the year to 31 March 2026. 13 groups in each of the two wards received funding.
Support for Highland businesses may be available. Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Relief.
Scotland's councils are now facing a financial crisis that is deeper and more structural than anything seen since devolution. The pressures have been building for more than a decade, but they have now reached a point where several councils are openly warning that they may not be able to balance their budgets in the coming years.
With the Scottish Parliament election taking place on Thursday 7 May 2026, electors in the three Highland constituencies are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote before the deadline for receipt of applications which is midnight next Monday (20 April). You will receive a poll letter to tell you where to go to cast your vote on Thursday 7 May.
The Highland Council is issuing important updates regarding Non‑Domestic Rates for the 2026/27 financial year. All ratepayers are urged to review the changes, as they may affect liability and the amount payable.
With the clocks now forward and planning for home improvements getting underway, residents are being reminded that this is the time of year when rogue traders and doorstep are becoming more active. To help people stay safe, Highland Council Trading Standards is highlighting simple steps households can take - and promoting the Highland Trusted Trader (HTT) scheme as the easiest way to find reputable local trades.
Following the completion of repairs and successful sea trials, the MV Corran returned to service yesterday (Thursday 2 April) at 18:25 hrs. The MV Corran will operate her usual seven day‑a‑week timetable.
Statements of Persons and Parties Nominated and Notice of Poll Twenty candidates are seeking election on Thursday 7 May 2026 in the three Scottish Parliamentary local constituencies for Highland. Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency has attracted 7 candidates; Inverness and Nairn constituency has attracted 7 candidates; Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency has attracted 6 candidates.