Agenda
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A meeting of the Highland Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 26 March 2026 at 9.35am.
Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.
You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.
Yours faithfully
Stewart Fraser
Chief Officer - Legal and Corporate Governance
Business
1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan
2. Declarations of Interest/Transparency Statement
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt/Aithris Fhollaiseachd
Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting. Any Member making a declaration of interest should provide some information on the nature of the interest and leave the meeting at the appropriate time. Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.
3. Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement 2026/27
Aithris Ro-innleachd agus Aithris Tasgaidh Ro-innleachd Stiùireadh Ionmhasail 2026/27
There is circulated Report No. HC/02/26 by the Chief Officer – Corporate Finance.
The Council is asked to approve the:
i. Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Statement for 2026/27 and the Prudential Indicators as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report; and
ii. new caps, controls and limits introduced within this report and relating to HRA ratio of repayment of borrowing costs, borrowing for loans to Housing Associations and limit for non-treasury investments.
4. Contract Standing Orders
Gnàth-riaghailtean Cùmhnaint
There is circulated Report No. HC/03/26 by the Chief Officer – Corporate Finance.
The Council is asked to approve the changes to the Highland Council Contract Standing Orders (CSO’s) 2026-27 as set out at Appendix 2 to the report and agree that these shall become effective from 1 April 2026.
5. Climate Change, Energy and Community Resilience
Atharrachadh Gnàth-shìde, Lùth agus Neart Coimhearsnachd
There is circulated Report No. HC/04/26 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.
The Council is asked to agree:
i. the strategic context and direction set out in the report, recognising the increasing climate risks facing Highland communities and infrastructure and the Highlands’ central role in Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon energy system;
ii. Embedding the voice of young people within the Council’s approach to climate change, energy and community resilience, recognising the long-term impact of these decisions on future generations, and to develop mechanisms to ensure that youth perspectives are reflected in policy development, investment planning and programme delivery;
iii. strengthened coordination across Council services, supported by the Council’s Climate Change and Energy Team, to enable a place-based approach to climate change, energy and resilience within infrastructure planning, housing programmes and long-term asset management;
iv. the continued development of coordinated investment pipelines across climate adaptation, renewable energy, housing retrofit and infrastructure resilience, including the incorporation of climate resilience schemes within the developing Invest Highland infrastructure prospectus;
v. continued strategic engagement with government, regulators, network operators, renewable energy developers and investment partners to ensure the interests of Highland communities are reflected in national energy system reform and infrastructure planning;
vi. that further work be undertaken to develop proposals for a sustainable long-term delivery model to support the Council’s climate change, energy and resilience programme outlined in the report, recognising that effective delivery will require sustained organisational capacity and programme coordination aligned with long-term programme delivery rather than short-term project funding cycles, with any proposals brought back to Council for future consideration; and
vii. that, in May 2026, the Council writes to the Scottish Government seeking clarity on the future funding model for flood protection schemes and engineered flood defence infrastructure, recognising the increasing climate risks facing Highland communities, including the 29 communities currently identified as being at risk from coastal erosion.
6. Pride in Place Programme
Prògram Pròis ann an Àite
There is circulated Report No. HC/05/26 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.
The Council is asked to:-
i. note the update on the Pride in Place Programme (PIPP) and its proposed operation;
ii. note that the Highland Council will act as the Accountable Body for the funding in relation to the Pride in Place Programme for the “North, West and East Sutherland Neighbourhood”;
iii. note the initial funding provided to the Council, as Accountable Body, to progress the establishment of the Neighbourhood Board and development of a Project Plan to support delivery of the PIPP;
iv. note that, in the role of accountable body, the Council will lead, along with the local MP, on the recruitment of an independent Board Chair and following that, the recruitment of Board Members;
v. agree that authority is delegated to the Assistance Chief Executive - Place, in consultation with the Convener, Leader and Leader of the Opposition of the Council, to undertake the actions required to implement and progress delivery of the Pride in Place Programme. This would include (but are not limited to):-
a. recruitment and appointment of a Neighbourhood Board Chair;
b. recruitment and appointment of members to, and establishment of, a Neighbourhood Board (including setting the terms of reference for the Board);
c. approval of expenditure relating to the development and implementation of the PIPP programme from the initial grant provided to the Accountable Body (£0.15m) for 2026/27; and
vi. agree that an update on the implementation of the Pride in Place Programme, will be provided to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in August 2026, with interim updates provided to the Sutherland Area Business Meeting.
7. Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) Retained Non-Domestic Rates Fund
Maoin Reataichean Neo-dhachaigheil Glèidhte Saor-phort Uaine Inbhir Nis agus Chaolas Chromba
There is circulated Report No. HC/06/26 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.
The Council is asked to:-
i. note the background to the development of the draft Investment Plan;
ii. note the feedback from Members as set out in section 6 and Appendix 3 to the report;
iii. agree that the feedback from Members, as set out in section 6 of the report, will be passed to the ICFGF Board for consideration within the final Investment Plan;
iv. in addition to the feedback from Members, agree to endorse the proposed Investment Plan;
v. agree that officers and the ICFGF Board explore opportunities to invest some of the available retained Non-Domestic Rates (rNDR) to create a recyclable funding pot which extends beyond the lifetime of the ICFGF;
vi. agree that the Council, along with the ICFGF Board, will consider opportunities to ‘forward invest’ rNDR delivery plan investments, to accelerate enabling infrastructure and investment, based on future income profiles and payback, subject to affordability and financial due diligence; and
vii. note that there will be engagement with Members on an annual basis to develop the Delivery Plan, which will include specific priorities for the forthcoming year, based on updated forecasts of available income.
8. Workforce North Co-Investment Fund
Maoin co-thargaish luchd-obrach a' Chinn a Tuath
There is circulated Report No. HC/07/26 by the Assistant Chief Executive - Place.
The Council is asked to:-
I. note the update on the Workforce North Co-Investment Fund and its proposed operation;
ii. note that the Highland Council will act as Lead Partner and Accountable Body for the funding;
iii. agree that authority is delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive - Place, in consultation with the Chair of Economy and Infrastructure, to undertake the actions required to establish and implement the Workforce Co-Investment Fund as per the grant terms entered with Skills Development Scotland; and
iv. agree that progress will be reported to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, through the update reports related to the My Highland Future Delivery Plan Portfolio.
9. Models of Integration Review – Options Appraisal Phase 1 Outcome Report and Phase 2 Initiation
Ath-sgrùdadh air Modailean Amalachadh
There is circulated Report No. HC/08/26 by the Assistant Chief Executive – People.
i. With regard to the options appraisal, it is recommended that Members:
a. note the outcome of the Phase 1 options appraisal summarised at section 5 of the report and set out in detail at Appendix 1 to the report;
b. agree the two options to be taken forward to Phase 2 of the Review: Option A – Lead Agency and Option B – Body Corporate (IJB).
ii. With regard to next steps, it is recommended that Members:
a. agree the draft Phase 2 Programme Plan at Appendix 2 to the report including timelines for a final decision and recommendation to Highland Council and the Board of NHS Highland by September 2026;
b. agree the Communications and Engagement Plan at Appendix 3 to the report; and
c. note progress with establishing a programme for Phase 2 including initiating appointment of a programme manager.
iii. With regard to the NDAS proposal agree the:
a. high level proposal set out in Appendix 4 to the report; and
b. work to be further developed by and remitted to the Person Centred Solutions Portfolio Board.
10. Members Learning & Development Annual Report 2025
Aithisg Bhliadhnail Ionnsachadh & Leasachadh Bhall 2025
There is circulated Report No. HC/09/26 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Corporate.
The Council is asked to:-
I. approve the refreshed Members’ Learning and Development (L&D) Framework and outline L&D Programme for 2026;
ii. agree the targeted improvement actions incorporated into the Programme for 2026;
iii. agree that Committee Chairs, in consultation with Members, finalise and publish Committee specific learning pathways by June 2026;
iv. note further planned engagement with Members to shape the ongoing Programme for 2026 and the revised Induction and L&D Programme for 2027; and
v. agree that an annual update report is presented to Council in December 2026.
11. Ukraine Memorandum of Understanding between the Highland Council and the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State (Military) Administration, Ukraine
Meòrachan Tuigse na h-Ugràin eadar Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd agus Rianachd Stàit Roinneil (Armailteach) Ivano-Frankivsk, An Ugràin
There is circulated Report No. HC/10/26 by the Assistant Chief Executive Corporate.
The Council is asked to approve the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
12. Amendment to Standing Orders Relating to the Conduct of Meetings
Atharrachadh do Ghnàth-riaghailtean a’ Buntainn ri Stiùireadh Choinneamhan
The Council is asked to agree that the following sentence be added to Standing Order 2.3:-
In the event that this occurs during a recess period, the meeting will be reconvened as soon as possible thereafter.
13. Membership of the Council
Ballrachd na Comhairle
The Council is advised that Mr T MacLennan has now joined the Highland Independent Group.
The political make-up of the Council is now as follows:-
SNP – 19 / Highland Independent – 19 / Scottish Liberal Democrats – 16 / Highland Alliance – 9 / Scottish Conservative and Unionist – 6 / Scottish Green Party – 3 / Labour – 2.
The formula in respect of the number of places on Strategic Committees remains unchanged - 5/5/4/2/2.
14. Membership of Committees, etc
Ballrachd air Comataidhean, msaa
The Council is asked to agree the appointments to Committees as tabled.
15. Appointment to Companies - Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited
Cur an Dreuchd gu Companaidhean - Cothrom dhan Ghàidhealtachd (Tasgaidhean) Earranta
Following the resignation of Mr P Oldham, the Council is asked to agree the appointment of a new Director for Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited.
16. Armed Forces and Veterans Champion
Curaidh nam Feachdan Armaichte is nan Seann-ghaisgeach
The purpose of the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion is to create links to proactively make contact with armed forces and veterans organisations and maintain contact with the Cross Party Group on Armed Forces Veterans within the Scottish Parliament, to advance interests at a local authority level through assessing the impact that Council initiatives have on the armed forces and veterans and to be a public advocate in the local authority area.
The Council is invited to nominate one Member as Armed Forces and Veterans Champion.
17. Timetable of Meetings
Clàr-ama Choinneamhan
The Council is asked to:
i. agree that Joint meetings of the North and South Planning Applications Committee be held on 29 and 30 June 2026;
ii. agree the South Planning Applications Committee due to be held on 21 August 2026 be moved to 6 August 2026;
iii. note that the Pensions Committee/Board meeting due to be held on 11 February 2026 has been held on 16 March 2026 and agree that further meetings be held on 18 June 2026, 1 October 2026 (rather than 3 September 2026) and 16 December 2026; and
iv. agree the calendar of meetings from 1 January to 30 April 2027 as circulated.
18. Deeds Executed
Sgrìobhainnean Lagha a Bhuilicheadh
There is circulated for noting a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 11 December 2025.
19. Confirmation of Minutes
Daingneachadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais
There are submitted for confirmation as a correct record the Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 11 December 2025 and the Special Council held on 5 March 2026 as contained in the Volume which has been circulated separately.
20. Minutes of Meetings of Committees
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan Chomataidhean
There are submitted for confirmation as correct records, for information as regards delegated business and for approval as appropriate, the Minutes of Meetings of Committees contained in Volume circulated separately as undernoted:-
Gaelic Committee 12 December 2025
Comataidh na Gaidhlig 12 An Dubhlachd 2026
City of Inverness Area Committee (Special) 7 January 2026
Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee 19 January 2026
Caithness Committee 19 January 2026
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh Committee 19 January 2026
Black Isle and Easter Ross Committee 26 January 2026
Lochaber Area Committee 26 January 2026
Housing and Property Committee 28 January 2026
*Climate Change Committee 28 January 2026
Starred Item as follows:-
Item 4 Highland Youth Parliament Presentation – AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council that officers work with Members and representatives of the Highland Youth Parliament to progress the four asks of the Climate Change Committee as set out in the presentation.
Item 5i Net Zero Programme Update – AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council the approval of the project brief templates in Appendix 2 of the report for inclusion in the Council’s Net Zero Programme.
Climate Change Committee
Communities and Place Committee 29 January 2026
City of Inverness Area Committee 2 February 2026
Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee 4 February 2026
Audit Committee 4 February 2026
Nairnshire Committee 9 February 2026
Dingwall and Seaforth Committee 9 February 2026
*Economy and Infrastructure Committee 12 February 2026
Starred Item as follows:-
Item 4iii. Short Term Let Control Area – AGREED TO RECOMMEND to Council that the final decision to designate a Short Term Let Control Area was for Economy and Infrastructure Committee, following a post-consultation report to the relevant Area Committees, amending the Scheme of Delegation, accordingly, allowing them to comment, and if necessary, amend the Short Term Let Control Area within their area committee boundary.
Economy and infrastructure Committee
Sutherland County Committee 16 February 2026
Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee 16 February 2026
*Education Committee 25 February 2026
Starred Item as follows:-
Item 16 – Appointment to Highland Football Academy Trust – AGREED TO RECOMMEND the appointment of Mrs Kate MacLean to the Highland Football Academy.
Education Committee
Gaelic Committee 25 February 2026
Comataidh na Gaidhlig 25 An Gearran 2026
Pensions Committee 16 March 2026
Corporate Resources Committee 19 March 2026
Minutes of Meetings not included in the Volume are as follows:-
i. Highland and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board – for noting – held on 7 October 2025 (approved by the Board on 16 December 2025);
ii. Community Planning Board – for noting – held on 5 December 2025 (approved by the Board on 10 March 2026);
iii. Chief Officer Recruitment Panel - for approval – held on 15 December 2025;
iv. Governance Review Steering Group - for approval – held on 12 February 2026 and 4 March 2026; and
v. Redesign Board – for approval – held on 19 March 2026 (to follow).
21. Question Time
Àm Ceiste
There is circulated separately in Booklet A Member Questions received by the Chief Officer - Legal and Corporate Governance.
For Member Questions, one supplementary question will be allowed in each case which will be answered by the recipient of the original question.
22. Notices of Motion
Brathan Gluasaid
There is circulated separately in Booklet A Notices of Motion received by the Chief Officer - Legal and Corporate Governance.