Council Reaffirms Commitment To Sustainable Transport Across the Highlands
The Highland Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering inclusive, low-carbon transport solutions with the publication of its latest Sustainable Transport Team update. The report, presented to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee earlier today, outlines major achievements in active travel, road safety, and public transport improvements across the region.
Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “This report demonstrates the Council’s ongoing commitment to building a transport system that is sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our communities. Through strategic investment and collaboration, we are making real progress in delivering safer, greener, and more accessible travel options across the Highlands.”
In 2024/25, the Council invested over £5.7 million in sustainable travel initiatives, supported by external funding from Transport Scotland, Sustrans, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Key projects include:
- Active Travel Infrastructure: Completion of the Riverside Way route, Raigmore Bus Gate, and Torvean Mobility Hub. Major new investments include £2.165 million for Wick High Street improvements and £1.422 million for the Culbokie Active Travel Village.
- Road Safety Enhancements: Targeted schemes across Caithness, Sutherland, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey, Inverness, and Lochaber, aligned with Scotland’s Road Safety Framework and the Safe Systems approach.
- Behaviour Change and Education: Expansion of Bikeability training, with 41% of primary schools participating in Level 2 on-road training. New Behaviour Change Officers will support walking, cycling, and public transport uptake across Highland communities.
- Public Transport Improvements: A suite of bus priority projects valued at £1.9 million has been submitted to Transport Scotland under the new Bus Infrastructure Fund. These aim to improve journey times and reliability across the region.
- Strategic Planning: Work is underway to deliver the Local Transport Strategy (2025–2035) and develop an Integrated Transport Plan for Fort William, in partnership with HITRANS and Transport Scotland.
After noting the progress made by the Sustainable Transport Team in delivering active and sustainable transport and road safety initiatives across the Highland area, the Committee agreed the successful securing of external funding to support low-carbon transport infrastructure and associated programme delivery. Members also endorsed the continued delivery of active and sustainable transport and road safety initiatives aligned with the Council’s strategies and national priorities
The Council will continue to work with national partners, local communities, and stakeholders to deliver on its transport vision and climate goals.