Still time to vote in Visit Inverness Loch Ness Business Improvement District ballot 

Ballot papers were issued on Thursday 18 January 2024 to all businesses who were eligible to vote in the geographical area of the Visit Inverness Loch Ness Tourism Business Improvement District (BID). 

The businesses eligible to vote that have not received their ballot papers, or any requiring a replacement ballot must contact The Highland Council’s Election Office on 01349 886657 or email: election@highland.gov.uk. 

The ballot is being conducted entirely by post.  All ballot papers must be returned in the pre-paid envelope provided to the CIVICA Election Services by no later than 5pm on Thursday 14 March 2024.  

For the BID to be successful there must be a minimum of 25% turnout by the number of businesses and by combined rateable value. Of those that vote, over 50% by number and 50% by combined rateable value must vote in favour of the BID. Ballot papers will be counted on Friday 15 March 2024 and the result announced thereafter. 

A Business Improvement District is a partnership between a local authority and the local business community to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment within the boundary of a clearly defined commercial area, where businesses have voted to invest collectively in local improvements which will benefit the local economy. 

BIDs have a maximum current duration of 5 years and are either dissolved at the end of their term or go back to a vote to be renewed by a further ballot of all eligible businesses. 

The BID arrangements and proposals are described in detail in the BID Business Plan, which is available for viewing online at www.visitinvernesslochness.com, and copies will also be available upon request from Visit Inverness Loch Ness Business Improvement District, Office 107a, Inverness Creative Academy, Stephens Street, Inverness IV2 3JP; email: don@visitiln.com or phone: 07956 408874. 

For further information on the ballot visit www.highland.gov.uk/tourismbid