Air quality

How we measure air quality

We regularly monitor air quality across Highland. Overall, air quality is good and continues to improve.

View our annual air quality progress reports

There are five automatic air quality monitors in Highland. These measure:

  • nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
  • particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅)
  • ozone (O₃)

We also use passive diffusion tubes to monitor nitrogen dioxide in some urban areas.

You can view live data on the Air Quality in Scotland website.

Over the past five years, all monitored locations in Highland have met the Scottish Government’s air quality objectives. Nitrogen dioxide levels in urban areas have steadily declined.

Page last modified: 6 February 2026

Environmental Health

Get in touch with our Environmental Health team if you are concerned about noise, housing conditions, food safety, pests, pollution, or other issues affecting your health and wellbeing.

Telephone: 01349 886606