Members of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee have today considered proposals for the Council’s new three-year Comfort Scheme Agreements from 2026 – 2029.
Highland Council currently operates 72 public conveniences and 54 Comfort Scheme agreements throughout the Highlands. The three-year Comfort Scheme Agreements with businesses and community groups are aimed at meeting demand in areas that are not served by Council run facilities and offer a cost-effective way to increase public convenience provision.
The current 54 Comfort Scheme Agreements are due to expire on 31 March 2026, with 57 agreements proposed for the next three years at an annual cost of £128,900 which will be met from the existing service budget.
Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, Councillor Graham MacKenzie, said: “The Council’s Comfort Scheme makes a significant contribution to Highland’s tourism economy and provides an essential and valuable amenity not just for visitors but also for residents and local businesses throughout the Highlands. The success of the scheme has been evidenced in a recent survey with 86% of providers finding the scheme beneficial, 54% believing that being involved in the scheme attracts more customers to their business or local community and 91% wishing to continue offering provision moving forward.”
Three new providers have been proposed at Boat of Garten village hall, Glen Nevis lower car park, Ozone Café Cape Wrath at an annual cost of £12,600 which will also be met from existing service budget.
Cllr MacKenzie continued: “I am pleased to see our agreements expanding with proposals for three new providers in Boat of Garten, Glen Nevis and Cape Wrath which will have further positive impacts for those visiting and living in our communities.”
A full list of proposed Comfort Scheme providers and locations can be found in the report (external link).