What happened at the Caithness Committee held on Monday 3 August 2026
The Caithness Committee met earlier today, Monday 3 August 2026, and considered reports on Community Regeneration funding, housing performance, Environmental Health activity, the Winter Service Plan 2026/27 and Ward Discretionary Budget awards.
Members approved four applications to the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF), awarding a total of £231,407 to projects that will enhance community facilities, improve accessibility, strengthen local infrastructure and increase opportunities for residents and visitors across Caithness.
The approved projects are:
- Castletown Drill Hall Committee - £41,000 towards essential internal and external accessibility improvements for all hall users.
- Wick Development Trust - £93,257 to deliver the installation of riverside footway lighting along the Wick River, supporting increased year-round use of the riverside, improved wellbeing, and enhanced access to a popular amenity area.
- Wick Paths Group - £71,030 for the Paths Around Wick Access Improvement Project, to undertake essential maintenance, safety and accessibility works on well-used paths within the town.
- Wick Golf Club - £26,120 towards its 167 Acres of Joy project, completing their funding package to purchase and secure the land at Reiss Links which Wick Golf Course has occupied since 1873.
Chair of the Committee, Councillor Andrew Jarvie said: "The Community Regeneration Fund continues to play an important role in supporting projects that make a real difference in our communities. With more than £550,000 still available for future projects, the fund remains a significant opportunity for communities across Caithness to bring forward ambitious ideas that benefit local people and places."
Members also reviewed housing performance for the period 1 April to 30 June 2026 and noted continued progress in delivering housing repairs and re-letting properties. The Committee approved the continuation of the Void-Plus policy in Caithness, recognising its success in helping bring low-demand homes back into use more quickly while supporting new tenants to establish and sustain their tenancies.
An update on Environmental Health activity highlighted the breadth of work being delivered across Caithness during 2025/26. Members noted the report, which outlined local operational priorities, service demands and wider issues affecting Environmental Health services across Highland.
Councillors also approved the Winter Service Plan for 2026/27, ensuring arrangements are in place to help maintain safe travel conditions on priority routes during the winter months.
Finally, the Committee noted a number of Ward Discretionary Budget awards made since April 2026, supporting community groups, sporting organisations, environmental improvements and business initiatives across Caithness. These awards continue to provide flexible local funding for projects that enhance community wellbeing and participation.
The agenda and reports for the committee are available on the Council’s website
For any further quotes, please contact the Committee Chair or any of the Caithness Committee Members.