City of Inverness Area Committee – key decisions.

Chair of the City of Inverness Area Committee Cllr Ian Brown said: “The decisions taken today reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting communities across Inverness Area – from tackling environmental issues like gull activity, to providing direct financial support for residents and investing in local services, facilities and community groups and activities.”

Gull Management Plan approved

Members approved the Inverness City Gull Management Plan, marking a major step in addressing increasing concerns around urban gull activity. The plan adopts an evidence-based approach focused on prevention, public awareness and non-lethal deterrents. It will be reviewed annually, with ongoing monitoring of hotspot areas and behaviours such as food scavenging.

The Committee also highlighted the importance of continued engagement with communities and stakeholders to reduce impacts such as noise, fouling and aggressive behaviour associated with gulls.

£250,000 Winter Payments Scheme agreed

Members agreed to continue the Inverness Winter Payments Discretionary Scheme for 2026/27, backed by a budget of £250,000. The scheme will open for applications from 1 December 2026 to 31 March 2027.

A Consumer Price Index, CPI-linked uplift will increase the standard payment to £119 per eligible household, supporting residents facing financial pressures during the winter months.

This discretionary but vital scheme will be made available to eligible residents in the City of Inverness and the Landward areas of the seven City Wards.

Community funding and investment decisions

The Committee reviewed and welcomed the significant investment delivered across Inverness and Area, with over £5 million allocated to community projects over the past four financial years. In total, 643 grants were awarded across 13 funding streams representing an investment of £5,189,170 in communities supporting a wide range of projects in the educational, voluntary, environmental, sport, play and cultural sectors to name a few.

Members considered Inverness Common Good Fund grant applications and  approved 4 funding awards to support community projects and organisations, while continuing scrutiny of funding priorities and impact. In total, £90,550 Common Good Funding was awarded to Highland and Islands Blood Bikes, Inverness Sea Cadets, Ness Bank Church, Inverness Fringe Festival (subject to conditions) and Inverness Symphony Orchestra.

New street names for Milton of Leys

The Committee approved the naming of 12 new streets in Milton of Leys - as proposed by the local community council - and supporting the continued development of the area. The 12 new streets will be called: Maurice Muir Way, Roberts Muir View, High Ridge Crescent, Broad Ridge Lane, Fairy Hill Circle, Mossy Hill Gardens, Mossy Muir Circle, High Muir Way, Brae Muir View, High Forest View and Long Muir Way.

In line with the Council’s Gaelic Language Plan, Members noted that the street signs will include Gaelic translations to promote the use of the Gaelic language.

Key service updates noted

A number of major service reports were also note by Members including:

• Housing Performance – Continued improvements in rent arrears and ongoing support for tenants were scrutinised, alongside the sustained demand for homelessness services. Members welcomed and thanked the Housing Team staff for their ongoing work.
• Bereavement Services – Progress on the Inverness Crematorium upgrade was welcomed, with new cremator equipment expected to be fully operational later in 2026, and continued work to expand burial ground capacity in the Inverness area.
• Environmental Health Activity – Rising service demand and key priorities including licensing, environmental crime, littering, abandoned vehicles and public health protection were noted.

The Committee also appointed two Members to the Inverness Town Twinning Committee, namely Councillor Ken Gowans and Councillor Andrew MacKintosh.