Cromarty, Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Invergordon and Tain Common Good funds
At its meeting on 26 January 2026, the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee agreed the 2024/25 annual accounts, noted Q3 monitoring for 2025/26, and approved the 2026/27 budgets for the Cromarty, Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Invergordon and Tain Common Good funds.
Cllr Lyndsey Johnston, Chair of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee said: “These decisions demonstrate careful stewardship and a clear focus on investing in our communities. We’re supporting local priorities – from strengthening facilities and public spaces to enabling community-led initiatives while keeping a close eye on budgets and future opportunities. I want to thank all partners and community groups for their ongoing collaboration to deliver positive outcomes across the Black Isle and Easter Ross.”
Key decisions and highlights
Cromarty Common Good Fund
- 2024/25: Surplus of £2,337, adding to reserves
- 2025/26 (Q3): Estimated income of £2,100 at year end arising from interest and investment (noting there is no current rental income due to East Church Hall being unoccupied).
- 2026/27 budget approved, projects an estimated £8,130 deficit; noting the deficit may reduce subject to the outcome of consultation on a community lease of East Church Hall.
Fortrose and Rosemarkie Common Good Fund
- 2024/25: Surplus of £34,214, revenue reserves increased to £247,141
- 2025/26 (Q3): Projected surplus of £37,206, revenue reserves estimated increase to £284,346
- 2026/27 budget approved. Forecast £39,800 surplus, maintaining property/central budgets plus community and special grants; delegated officer authority (up to £10,000 per item within the agreed annual budget and following Ward Member consultation) confirmed and to be reviewed annually.
Invergordon Common Good Fund
- 2024/25: Surplus of £2,138; revaluation of Bouchardon Bust increased the heritage asset by £305,000 taking total reserves (including heritage assets) to £2,975,280.
- 2025/26 (Q3): Estimated year-end surplus of £2,000.
- 2026/27 budget approved with a planned £900 surplus.
A temporary export bar has been placed on the Bouchardon Bust allowing time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the bust. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural interest (RCEWA) made its recommendation based on the bust meeting all three Waverly Criteria. The decision on the export licence application will now be deferred for a period ending on 8 April 2026 inclusive.
Members also noted an expression of interest from Invergordon Development Trust for a Community Asset Transfer of Invergordon Town Hall.
Tain Common Good Fund
- 2024/25: Surplus of £25,129, reflecting strong investment income and higher than budgeted rents.
- 2025/26 (Q3): Estimated £840 surplus, following essential works including £4,367 for Alexandra Bridge repairs and planned tree clearance at Tain Links.
- 2026/27 budget approved: Break-even plan with rents increased to £24,900 following asset reclassification (including Blairliath units), priority property works (e.g. Duthac Centre car park resurfacing; phased storm damaged tree removal at Tain Links), retention of £2,000 for Mussel Fisheries, and a £10,000 grant proposal for Tain Initiative Group to support a Development Officer focused on the new leisure facility project.
The full details are available in the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee papers.