Highland Council Pilots “BeConnected” – A New Way to Shape Community Investment

Published: 17 December 2025

lady using the new site
Frances Gunn from Up North Community Development Trust pictured using BeConnected

The Highland Council is piloting a new online resource, BeConnected.

The Highland Council is piloting a new online resource, BeConnected, designed to support community groups across the region in developing and delivering local projects that align with local priorities through Area Place Plans.

BeConnected is an interactive online map that allows community groups to highlight priority projects in their area.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Ken Gowans, said: “BeConnected is a significant step forward in how we support community-led regeneration. The interactive map gives a live, transparent view of what’s happening across Highland. Not only will it help us target support where it’s most needed, but it will also ensure that funders have a clear picture of grassroots activity across Highland and can track the progress of emerging proposals.”

Historically funding, such as the Community Regeneration Fund, has been accessed through open calls for projects. While this approach has enabled many successful projects and initiatives, it has also led to oversubscription and disappointment for groups unable to secure support. In response, the Council is evolving its approach to ensure that funding decisions are better aligned with local priorities and more accessible to groups at all stages of project development.

The site can be accessed at - BeConnected Highland (external link) 

Community groups are encouraged to explore the map, familiarise themselves with their Area Place Plan and add their projects to ensure they are visible to funders and potential partners.

For more information or support in using BeConnected, please contact BeConnected@highland.gov.uk.