Funding is available to help community organisations turn their ideas into action and make a real difference locally.
Each year, the Scottish Government distributes Community Led Local Development (CLLD) funding to Local Action Groups (LAG) to support local priorities. For 2026 to 2027, the LAG are investing in projects that strengthen communities in the Highlands and reduce inequality.
The two priorities are:
Priority 1: Community Asset Improvements. This supports projects that make community-run assets stronger, warmer and more sustainable.
Priority 2: Tackling Inequality for Children, Young People and Families. This supports short-term, community-led projects that reduce barriers caused by poverty and isolation.
Within this, it was decided to open a ‘small grants pot’ for applications of up to £10,000. This was set up with the aim of allowing organisations to bid into a streamlined, single-stage application process that is assessed on a rolling basis.
So far, funding has been awarded to 23 different projects across Highland, with further applications pending approval.
Chair of the Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “Local communities are best placed to understand the challenges they face and the opportunities they want to realise. This fund is designed to support that leadership at a grassroots level, enabling organisations to take forward ideas that strengthen communities and tackle inequality.
“It’s very encouraging to see the impact this funding is already having across communities, from enhancing local facilities to addressing the challenges faced by children, young people and families. The small grants approach is deliberately designed to be accessible, and I would strongly encourage eligible groups to apply.”
If you have questions around eligibility, and what kind of projects can be funded, please get in touch with clldsmallgrants@highland.gov.uk.
Table 1. Funded organisations
|
Organisation |
Project Title |
Grant Approved |
Priority |
|
Wick Development Trust |
Air conditioning for Wick Campsite reception/shop |
£4,474.08 |
Priority 1 |
|
Ormlie Community Association Ltd |
The Social Circle |
£3,120.00 |
Priority 2 |
|
Golspie youth Action Project |
GYAP Summer of Fun & Sun (Golspie Summer Activities Programme) |
£10,000.00 |
Priority 2 |
|
Lairg & District Learning Centre |
Making Space – Family Activities for Families and Young People |
£8,334.70 |
Priority 2 |
|
Nairn Bowling Club |
Sustainable Community Facility: reducing Waste and Improving Access |
£4,722.18 |
Priority 1 |
|
Gairloch and District Times |
Production office infrastructure upgrade |
£8,098.54 |
Priority 1 |
|
Cuillin FM |
YouthSPACE Transitioning to High School |
£9,880.00 |
Priority 2 |
|
Tain YMCA |
Holiday Support Programme |
£9,778.00 |
Priority 2 |
|
Gairloch Community Council |
Gairloch Community First Responders |
£3,000.00 |
Priority 2 |
|
Youth Highland |
Games Games Games! |
£10,000.00 |
Priority 2 |
|
Nairn Community & Arts Centre |
Digital Infrastructure Upgrade for Community Access |
£10,000.00 |
Priority 1 |
|
Nairn Community & Arts Centre |
Strengthening Community Engagement & Financial Sustainability through Marketing Capacity |
£8,328.00 |
Priority 1 |
|
Thurso Youth Club SCIO |
Refresh Entrance Hall |
£3,183.90 |
Priority 1 |
|
Eden Court |
FEAST |
£6,560.00 |
Priority 2 |
|
Beauly Shinty Club |
Toilet Electrical Replacement Programme |
£2,000.44 |
Priority 1 |
|
North Kessock Village Hall |
Village Hall improvements: kitchen equipment |
£2,268.38 |
Priority 1 |
|
Thurso Youth club |
Summer Activities |
£7,931.75 |
Priority 2 |
|
Care Lochaber |
Community Car Scheme |
£10,000.00 |
Priority 1 |
|
Acharacle Community Company |
Warm Welcome |
£9,377.00 |
Priority 1 |
|
An Talla Solais |
Sustainability and Energy Improvements |
£3,130.00 |
Priority 1 |
|
Mhor Collective |
Mhor Connections |
£7,751.80 |
Priority 2 |
|
Gairloch Community Hall |
A Warm Welcome for the community |
£6,492.00 |
Priority 1 |
|
Wick Community Hub |
Rosebank Playing Fields Pavillion Access, Heating, and Maintenance Improvements |
£9,997.12 |
Priority 1 |