The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed plans to launch a 12-week public consultation on a proposed Highland Bus Service Improvement Partnership (BSIP), giving communities, passengers and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the future of bus services across the region. The consultation will seek views on draft proposals developed by The Highland Council in partnership with HITRANS and bus operators to improve the operational performance, accessibility, attractiveness and consistency of bus services across Highland.
Councillors have approved the launch of a public consultation on draft guidance aimed at reducing light pollution across the Highlands, supporting environmental protection, public wellbeing and the area's internationally recognised dark skies. Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee yesterday (Thursday 20 August) agreed to publish the draft Reducing Light Pollution: Good Practice Guidance for consultation, once minor clarifications are included, giving residents, communities, businesses and developers the opportunity to help shape future policy.
Demand for social housing across the Highlands remains high, with almost 8,826 households on the Highland Housing Register (HHR). Housing and Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “The demand for social housing across Highland remains significant and continues to outstrip the number of homes available in many areas.
A special meeting of The Highland Council will take place Tuesday 25 August 2026 to consider a draft Visitor Levy proposal. No decision is being sought at this stage on whether a Visitor Levy should be introduced in the Highlands.
Community groups, charities, public sector bodies and other eligible organisations across Highland are being encouraged to apply for funding through the 2026/27 Highland Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) Community Grants Programme, which opens for applications on Friday 14 August 2026. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, with grants available from £2,000 to £25,000 for capital projects that help restore nature, safeguard wildlife and address biodiversity loss.
The Scottish Government has confirmed a £3 million fund to support businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire. The funding package was announced today by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Tourism, Stephen Flynn, during a visit to Glenmore.
A Highland Council by-election is being held for Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness following the resignation of Willie Mackay. The Notice of Election and timetable for this election will be published on the Council’s website on Friday 14 August 2026.
Yesterday 4 August 2026 we celebrate the success and achievements of all our young people as they receive their Qualifications Scotland (QS) results, previously known as SQA. These results are an initial snapshot of attainment and achievement for the 2025/26 session.
Community groups and organisations across the Highlands are being invited to apply for funding through The Highland Council's Community Transport Grant Scheme. The scheme supports community-led transport services that help people access healthcare, employment, education, shopping and social activities.
The Leader of The Highland Council has welcomed confirmation from Transport Scotland of almost £1.8 million funding to support Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services from Wick for the year ahead. Following an open tender exercise, the Council has awarded the contract to Air Charter Scotland, which will continue to operate services between Wick and Aberdeen and introduce scheduled flights between Wick and Glasgow from 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027.
As the emergency response to the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park continues, attention is now turning to economic recovery and supporting the businesses and people whose livelihoods have been impacted. The Highland Council through Business Gateway Highland is working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Government, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Cairngorms Business Partnership as part of a multi-agency business recovery group.
The UK Government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for many hospitality businesses in England, offering welcome relief to pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and live music venues that have struggled with rising costs in recent years. For thousands of businesses south of the Border, it could mean lower bills and a little more breathing space.
The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding. Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.
Share your ideas and help shape the places, spaces and communities of tomorrow. The Highland Council is inviting people to share their ideas relating to the development or long-term land use in Highland.
Motorists are being advised of a series of temporary road closures, speed limits and traffic restrictions that will be in place to support the safe running of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2026. The Highland Council has introduced a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to manage traffic and reduce disruption in the area around Kiltarlity and Belladrum during the event period.
teachers in Scotland are generally still paid more than teachers in England, although the gap varies depending on experience and location. The UK Government has announced a two-year pay deal for teachers in England: 3.5% from September 2026 3.0% from September 2027 This is a cumulative increase of around 6.6% over two years.
The Highland Council has agreed plans to establish a Highland Wealth Fund to create a lasting legacy from renewable energy development and support long-term benefits for communities across the region. Inspired by the principles of the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, the new partnership-led fund will support strategic, regional, area and local priority projects, helping to ensure that the opportunities created by the energy transition deliver lasting value for current and future generations.
The Highland Council has agreed to continue working with the tourism industry to co-design a draft Visitor Levy scheme for the Highlands. It follows the Council securing greater flexibility from The Scottish Government on how a Visitor Levy could be applied and administered, after feedback from accommodation providers and industry groups across the Highlands about a percentage-based charge.
If you are 16 to 19 years old, at school or college, and come from a low-income household you may be able to get financial help from an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). EMA is a weekly allowance of £30 per week, paid during term time.
When Moray Council officially shelved plans for a new Buckie High School, it sent a shockwave through communities across the north of Scotland. The message was clear: in the current economic climate, even the most desperate promises of new school builds can vanish overnight when balanced against a massive budget deficit.