Highland Investment Plan - Community PODs
In May 2024, we approved a new approach to support sustainable local services and communities. This approach is called the Highland Investment Plan (HIP).
What the plan includes
The HIP sets out a long-term strategy to invest in communities across the Highlands. Over the first 10 years, we will invest over £1 billion in local services, including:
- schools
- roads
- community facilities
This investment aims to improve public services and support the development of modern, sustainable communities.
Community Points of Delivery (PODs)
A key part of the HIP is improving the school estate. However, we cannot rebuild all schools on a like-for-like basis.
Instead, new or repurposed Community Points of Delivery (PODs) will be created. These PODs will:
- support the delivery of services for the “Council of the Future”
- bring together public bodies, partners, and community facilities in shared spaces
Phase 1 projects
In March 2025, we agreed on capital funding for the first group of HIP Phase 1 projects. These are located in:
- Beauly
- Charleston
- Dingwall
- Dunvegan
- Fortrose
- Inverness High School
- Thurso
Each project has a proposed delivery timescale.
Other capital projects
Additional projects previously included in the Council’s capital programme are also being progressed. These include: