Highland Council Opens Third Round of Reuse and Repair Fund

The Highland Council is encouraging community organisations across the region to apply for the latest round of its successful Reuse and Repair Fund, which supports projects that help keep valuable materials and products in use for longer. 

Grants of between £2,000 and £50,000 are available to support a range of community‑led initiatives that will help people repair, reuse and upcycle materials - reducing waste and supporting a stronger circular economy. 

The third round of funding is now open to applications from community groups, charities, development trusts, public sector organisations and community ownership initiatives looking to deliver reuse and repair activities across the Highlands. Applications will close at 12 noon on Friday 16 October.

Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, Councillor Graham MacKenzie, said: "I am delighted to see the third round of the Reuse and Repair Fund now open for applications. Communities across the Highlands have already demonstrated the significant difference that local reuse and repair projects can make, helping to reduce waste, save money, develop practical skills and strengthen local resilience.

"By supporting initiatives that keep products and materials in use for longer, we can reduce the amount of waste going to landfill while helping to build a more sustainable circular economy. I would encourage all eligible organisations with ideas that promote reuse and repair to explore this funding opportunity and apply."

Since its launch, the Reuse and Repair Fund has helped 29 community-led projects throughout the Highlands develop innovative approaches to waste reduction while creating social, environmental and economic benefits for local communities.

17 projects were awarded grants totalling almost £273,000 in round 2.

Lucy Campbell, CEO and Founder of Flip of the Coin, a project that received a grant in the latest funding round said: “‘Thank you to the Repair and Reuse Fund for supporting our Second Life Studio. This funding is helping us create a space where people can learn practical skills, build confidence and connect with others while giving unwanted materials a new purpose. For us, repair and reuse is about much more than reducing waste. It creates opportunities for creativity, wellbeing and community, ensuring that everyone can take part regardless of their financial circumstances. We are incredibly grateful for this investment and can't wait to see the difference it will make across our local community.”

Projects can apply for funding to support a wide range of activities, including repair workshops, tool libraries, furniture and electrical refurbishment schemes, textile reuse projects, equipment sharing initiatives and other community-led approaches that prevent waste and promote resource efficiency.

The Reuse and Repair Fund forms part of Highland Council's wider commitment to supporting climate action, reducing waste and helping communities transition towards a circular economy.

Organisations interested in applying can find full guidance, eligibility criteria and application information on the Highland Council website 

Enquiries should be directed to rrf@highland.gov.uk