About the Fund
The Pride in Place Programme is a new UK government funding programme, aiming to put power into the hands of local people, so that they can decide how to regenerate their local area. It gives communities control of £20m over the next 10 years, to be spent on projects that will make a real difference to the neighbourhoods they live in.
Highland has been selected as one of the areas in the UK that will receive up to £20 million Pride in Place funding over 10 years. North, West and East Sutherland has been selected as the Pride in Place neighbourhood within Highland.
The programme is:
- long-term: providing certainty and security of funding over 10 years
- flexible: allowing communities to spend their funding on the projects that matter most to them, in a way that works for them
- community-led: putting local people at the heart of decision-making, with residents having their say on the future of their neighbourhood
- supportive: empowering people to build the skills and confidence they need to deliver change in their communities
Highland Council and the local MP will support the process, and the guiding principle is that this long-term funding will support communities in shaping their place, and prioritising funding, based on extensive community engagement around three core goals:
- building stronger communities
- creating thriving places
- empowering people to take back control
Neighbourhood Boards
To deliver the Pride in Place Programme, a Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board is being set up. Each Board will be led by an independent Chair – someone who can bring communities together to share their ideas in an open and collaborative way. Chairs will play a vital role in championing their neighbourhood during the 10-year scheme, ensuring residents’ voices guide priorities and supporting the development of ambitious local plans that will drive regeneration and investment.
Applying for the role
We have launched an open recruitment process for independent Chairs to lead the new Pride in Place. Those interested in this role are being asked to complete an expression of interest form and submit it no later than 5pm 30 April 2026.