Public consultation launches for feedback on Highland play areas 

Highland Council has launched a public consultation for feedback on a draft Highland Play Sufficiency Assessment. 

A Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) assesses the provision and quality of outdoor play spaces, as well as the accessibility of play opportunities, and is developed in accordance with Scottish Government guidance. 

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “The PSA has assessed our formal and informal play spaces throughout Highland to better understand the facilities, functions and potential limitations of these spaces. It has also evaluated their accessibility and inclusivity which is crucial for ensuring young people of all ages and abilities can benefit from outdoor play. 

“This draft report will form part of an evidence base which will ultimately benefit Highland communities, especially the children and young people who make use of play spaces, by informing decisions around provision, improvement, and long-term management of play spaces.  We are keen to hear feedback from anyone who uses, or has an interest in, Highland play spaces.” 

Alongside the report, the Council has published the Highland Play Sufficiency Assessment Map which offers an interactive and detailed spatial representation of the Play Sufficiency Assessment findings for Highland.  

The consultation will run from 16 January to 27 February 2026 and can be accessed here: https://www.highland.gov.uk/playsufficiency 

The Play Sufficiency Assessment follows on from Highland Council’s Playpark Strategy and Action Plan for 2023-2033 which was agreed in November 2023 and underpinned by consultations and surveys with children and young people alongside the development of a literature review evidencing the health and social benefits of outdoor play. The PSA is a core part of the evidence base for the preparation of the new Highland Local Development Plan. As part of this, the development of a policy and/or guidance will be considered to support ongoing provision of play spaces.