Progress update welcomed on Dingwall and Seaforth Area Place Plan

The Highland Council’s Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee has welcomed early progress being made on the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Place Plan, one year after it was approved.

The Plan was created together with local groups, public services, and community partners.  It sets out priorities under four themes:  People, Place, Prosperity and Cross-cutting issues.  These priorities focus on things the community cares about, such as safety, wellbeing, learning opportunities, facilities, and keeping Dingwall and nearby towns and villages attractive and vibrant.

Councillors reviewed the annual progress report and noted the strong joint working that has helped deliver early results.  They also agreed that, when possible, Council services and external funding should be directed, to projects that support the Plan’s priorities.

Delivery Group Making a Difference

A Delivery Group, made up of Highland Council services, Police Scotland, NHS Highland, Community Councils, and other local organisations has already completed several early actions, including:

• Making sure Council services understand the community’s priorities.
• Supporting Police Scotland to review CCTV in Dingwall.
• Looking at traffic-calming options in Tore after a speed survey.
• Community litter pick at the Maryburgh roundabout entrance to the town.
• Supporting the planning of Dingwall 800 celebrations for this year.
• Helping partners with youth engagement, mapping local community spaces, and improving the Youth Forum’s meeting space.

These early achievements show that partners are working well together and taking practical action.  The group will continue to meet, review progress, and update priorities as needed.

Dingwall and Seaforth Committee Vice Chair, Margaret Paterson said: “This progress update shows how much can be achieved when partners and communities work together.  The Area Place Plan isn’t just a document, it’s a shared promise to improve the wellbeing and vibrancy of Dingwall and Seaforth.  I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed so far, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve next.”