Evidence gathering
We developed our ways of working and an outreach programme to cover as much ground as possible within the available time. To manage this, we identified six priority themes to guide our inquiry:
- Access and connections: transport, digital, and integrated public services
- Housing
- Ways of working (culture) across public services
- Fair work
- Early years and education
- Financial security
We will pay particular attention to cross-cutting themes such as climate risks and issues of equity and diversity.
Evidence sessions
We have held monthly Sounding Board sessions focused on each theme. These sessions are hosted by two Commission members and provide important opportunities to hear from stakeholders across the Highlands. They are organised as hybrid events to maximise participation. A few weeks after each session, the full Commission reviews the findings from these Sounding Boards.
This approach helps us to deepen our understanding of the issues as experienced both across the region and in specific communities.
Evidence sessions have taken place in:
- Fort William
- Kyleakin
- Golspie
- Evanton
- Wick
- Inverness
- Dingwall
Main issues
Children and young people in poverty
Approximately 22% of children and young people - around 8,000 in the Highlands - live in poverty. A related measure shows a threefold variation between wards with the highest and lowest rates of children in low-income families.
In-work poverty
Across Scotland, nearly 70% of children in poverty live in working households. Currently, in-work poverty is mainly driven by the inability to find enough hours, secure and predictable work throughout the year, and less frequently, by very low wages. Next year, we plan to examine this issue specifically in Highland.
We are encouraged by new and planned opportunities for inclusive growth, such as renewable energy projects, the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, and other infrastructure investments. These initiatives could help reduce poverty and inequality through increased apprenticeships, fair work policies in procurement, and community wealth-building collaborations with public and business sectors.
Housing
We recognise that affordable, high-quality social housing provides a stable foundation for planning the future. However, limited supply means many remain in substandard accommodation.
Cost of living
The rising costs of essentials like food, fuel, and heating, alongside higher inflation, make life increasingly difficult. Incomes that are sufficient in the central belt often fall short in rural and remote areas. Achieving affordable warmth for all remains a key priority, focusing beyond fuel poverty alone.
Poverty and inequality are complex and widespread issues influenced by factors beyond Highland. Addressing them will require coordinated efforts across sectors and regions. Nevertheless, we are committed to maximising local opportunities, using data, funding, skills, and innovative ideas and building on existing promising initiatives.