Highland Council has welcomed the sentencing of a rogue trader following an investigation by Highland Council’s Trading Standards team.
Daniel Kay pled guilty at Inverness Sheriff Court on 20 May 2025 to three charges of fraud after targeting householders across Inverness and Ross-shire. Sentencing took place on 14 May 2026 where he was made subject to a compensation order in respect of each charge.
The case followed complaints received by Trading Standards from residents relating to landscaping work carried out during 2021 and 2022. The trader operated under a number of aliases and also adopted multiple trading names and false addresses when entering into contracts with consumers.
The investigation found that in addition to providing false identities, Kay failed to provide legally required pre-contract information, demanded payment upfront, and either failed to complete work or delivered work of an unacceptable standard.
Mark McGinty, Trading Standards Team Leader, said: “This successful prosecution serves as a strong reminder that such criminal activities will not be tolerated in our community. Rogue traders will often hide their true identity so that householders are unable to carry out checks into their previous work and have no way of knowing who they are dealing with if things go wrong.
“They utilise social media to create bogus profiles and often post and respond to requests for traders on community pages. We urge communities to always be vigilant when entering into work with traders.”
Advice for Residents: Protecting Yourself from Rogue Traders
- Use trusted traders - Check whether a business is a member of the Highland Trusted Trader Scheme, which vets local businesses and provides customer reviews, or seek recommendations from friends and family.
- Do your research - Look for genuine reviews from multiple sources and be cautious of newly created or sparse social media profiles.
- Get written quotes - Always obtain a detailed written quotation before work begins.
- Do not pay large sums upfront - Avoid traders who insist on full payment in advance. Agree staged payments linked to progress.
- Ask for identification and contact details - Verify the trader’s name and address.
- Take your time - Do not feel pressured into making immediate decisions.
- Check paperwork - Ensure you receive required pre-contract information, including cancellation rights for work agreed at your home.
- Be wary of doorstep cold callers - Particularly those offering urgent or discounted work that appears too good to be true.
Members of the public can browse the Highland Trusted Trader directory by visiting: https://www.trustedtrader.scot/Highland/
If you have concerns about a trader or believe you may have been affected by rogue trading practices, you can contact Advice Direct Scotland for free, impartial advice:
0808 164 6000
www.consumeradvice.scot