Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Highland Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 14 December 2023 at 10.35am.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully

Stewart Fraser 
Head of Legal and Governance

BUSINESS

1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest/Transparency Statement
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt/Aithris Fhollaiseachd

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting.  Any Member making a declaration of interest should provide some information on the nature of the interest and leave the meeting at the appropriate time.  Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. Confirmation of Minutes  
Daingneachadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais
                                                               
There are submitted for confirmation as a correct record the Minutes of Meeting of the Council held on 26 October 2023 (pp.643-668) as contained in the Volume which has been circulated separately.

4. Minutes of Meetings of Committees
Geàrr-chunntasan Choinneamhan Chomataidhean

There are submitted for confirmation as correct records, for information as regards delegated business and for approval as appropriate, the Minutes of Meetings of Committees contained in Volume circulated separately as undernoted:-

Easter Ross Area Committee, 30 October 2023
Nairnshire Committee, 30 October 2023
Lochaber Area Committee, 31 October 2023
Sutherland County Committee, 31 October 2023

Starred Item as follows:– 

Item 6 – Review of Winter Gritting Route Priorities in Lochinver Area - agreed to request that the Council’s Winter Service Policy be reviewed

Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, 6 November 2023
Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee, 6 November 2023
Black Isle Committee, 7 November 2023
Housing and Property Committee, 9 November 2023
Badenoch and Strathspey Committee, 13 November 2023
Caithness Committee, 13 November 2023
Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, 15 November 2023
Economy and Infrastructure Committee, 16 November 2023
City of Inverness Area Committee, 20 November 2023    

Starred Items as follows:– 

Item 4 – Visit Inverness Loch Ness Business Improvement District – agreed to recommend to full Council at its meeting on 14 December 2023 that the Council supports the Visit Inverness Loch Ness BID Proposal in the BID ballot.

Item 6 - Inshes Junction Improvements - Proposed Compulsory Purchase Order (CPOs) and Stopping Up Orders – agreed to recommend to the Highland Council that plans for Inshes Junction Improvements as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, were taken forward for use in progressing Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) for the scheme.

Item 7 - Inverness Common Good Fund - Reclassification of Inverness Town House car park – agreed to recommend to the Council that, although ownership of the car park would be reclassified as early as possible, the income from the car park continue to benefit the Inverness Common Good Fund until 31 December 2023.

Education Committee, 23 November 2023

Starred Item as follows:– 

Item 8 - Community, Sports and Leisure Facility Strategy – agreed to recommend to the Council:- 

i.  the community/sport and leisure facility strategy set out in the report; and 
ii. subject to (i) above, that a report(s) be considered at a future Education Committee meeting which details plans for each Associated School Group area.
    
Notice of Amendment – Highland Scottish Credit & Qualification Framework (SCQF) Attainment and Scrutiny (Session 2021-22)
Brath Atharrachaidh – Buileachadh is Sgrùdadh Frèam Chreideasan is Theisteanasan na h-Alba airson na Gàidhealtachd (Seisean 2021-22)
       
With reference to the Minutes of the Meeting of the Education Committee held on 23 November 2023, the following Notice of Amendment has been received in accordance with Standing Order 13 – 

“Following a meeting of the Education Committee on the 23rd of November 2023. 

The undersigned wish to amend the decision made in respect of item 5 of the agenda to include the following additional recommendation; “(i) Assess the impact, adverse or otherwise, that our poor school estate is having on attainment across Highland and report back to this Committee accordingly.”

Signed:    Mrs H Crawford Mr R Stewart Mrs I MacKenzie Mr A Christie Mrs A MacLean Mr A Graham Mrs T Robertson Mr A MacDonald Mr C Aitken Mr M Baird Ms M Nolan Ms J McEwan Mr R Gunn Mrs B Jarvie Mrs L Saggers

In this connection, there is re-circulated Report No. ED/22/23 by the Executive Chief Officer Education and Learning.

Communities and Place Committee, 29 November 2023
Audit Committee, 30 November 2023
Climate Change Committee, 5 November 2023

Starred Item as follows:– 

Item 6 – Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) Delivery Plan - agreed to recommend to Full Council approval of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan.

Corporate Resources Committee, 7 November 2023
Gaelic Committee, 8 November 2023
Comataidh na Gàidhlig, 8 November 2023

Minutes of Meetings not included in the Volume are as follows:-        

i.   Highland and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board – for noting – held on 22 June 2023 and 22 September 2023 (approved by the Board on 22 September 2023 and 17 November 2023); 
ii.  Community Planning Board – for noting – held on 15 September 2023 (approved by the Board on 5 December 2023); and
iii. Redesign Board – for approval – held on 5 December 2023. 

5. Question Time
Àm Ceiste 

The following Questions have been received by the Head of Legal and Governance.

One supplementary question will be allowed in each case which will be answered by the recipient of the original question.

Member Questions

(1) Mr A Christie

To the Leader of Council.

Please can you detail all positions within the Council from the level one below Head of Service, Head of Service, Executive Chief Officer and Depute Chief Executive where the postholder is interim, acting or temporarily carrying out the role including the date the arrangement started?

(2) Mr A Christie

To the Leader of Council

At Council on 26th October in reply to the request for a Special Meeting of Council to be held in January to discuss the Budget and the progress being made you undertook to review  this suggestion with your colleagues in the Senior Leadership Group.  To date I have not heard any outcome from your deliberations – What was the decision?

(3) Mr M Reiss

To the Chair of Housing and Property

With reference to the recently completed review of Highland Council buildings, what is the approximate estimated financial cost of carrying out repairs to the School estate that have been identified as necessary within the next 17 months (to the end of the financial year 2024/25)?

(4) Mr R Gale

To the Chair of Housing and Property

Given that the loan charges associated with the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is sitting at over half a million pounds per week what is the total outstanding level of debt being serviced by the HRA?

(5) Mr M Baird

To the Leader of the Council

What checks are being carried out to ensure Highland Council owned Charging Points are fit for purpose?

(6) Mr A Baldrey

To the Chair of Communities and Place 

As part of Highland Council’s declared policy called ‘Growing Our Future’ it was stated that existing project officer time would be expanded to include food growing with a trial demonstration site using biochar to illustrate the combined benefits of improved produce yield and long term carbon sequestration, via the simplest and most widely accessible process known to mankind (i.e. that of controlled partial combustion of wood). Could you please update Members on the progress to date?

(7) Mr C Ballance

To the Leader of the Council 

In 2014 the Highland Council agreed a Community Benefit policy which promised that communities across the Highlands would benefit from renewable energy developments by 1) developers being required to pay a minimum £5000 per MW, RPI- linked to a baseline of 2011 and 2) the establishment of an arms length organisation, Highland Trust Fund, to ensure that the development of onshore renewable energy would benefit all Highland communities. Could the Leader outline how successive administrations have progressed these commitments over the past 9 years?

(8) Mr R MacKintosh

To the Chair of Communities and Place 

To ask how much Glyphosate has been purchased and used by The Highland Council in the last 12 months.

(9) Ms K Willis

To the Chair of Communities and Place 

I welcome in Council’s food growing strategy “Growing Our Future”, the commitment to improving food systems through signing the Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration, and the actions identified to address the challenges and opportunities across Highlands.

Please can the chair provide an update on progress that has been made by Highland Council towards meeting the commitments of the Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration?

(10) Mrs I MacKenzie

To the Leader of the Council

Landlines in the UK are going digital by 2025.  Here in Highlands, we need to support residents who may not be aware or prepared for some consequences of this change; eg, their Alarm Call systems stopping working.

Please may I ask how Highland Council will work with all telecoms providers, charity partners and our health care sector to ensure that senior citizens and vulnerable groups know about the change, how they will be impacted and what they need to do as a result - with appropriate signposting services?

(11) Mr A Graham

To the Leader of the Council

Charleston Academy: please provide full details of survey work being undertaken in connection with RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) including nature and extent of survey, number of companies involved, and expected date of receipt of final report.

(12) Mr A Jarvie

To the Education Committee

What good news do you have to share about the council’s next steps for a replacement of St Clemente school?

6. Membership of Committees
Ballrachd Chomataidhean

The Council is also asked to agree that:-

i.  Mr A MacDonald replace Mrs T Robertson on the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee; and
ii. Mrs T Robertson replace Mr A MacDonald on the Corporate Resources Committee .

7. Budget Update    
Cunntas às Ùr mu Bhuidseat

There is circulated Report No. HC/46/23 by the Head of Corporate Finance.

The Council is invited to:-

i.    note the information set out in section 4 of the report relating to the Council’s forecast budget gap, underlying assumptions and risks;
ii.   note the update provided regarding actions to address the budget gap over a three-year budget planning period, and the level of targeted measures from fiscal flexibilities and budget savings;
iii.  note the update regarding services pressures for 2024/25 – 2026/27, work ongoing to capture, quantify and assess these, and for information the list of 2023/24 agreed service pressures enclosed for information as appendix 1 to the report;
iv.   note the update on fiscal flexibilities and further work ongoing, elements of which will form options for Member consideration and decision on 29 February 2024;
v.    agree, subject to enabling legislation, to implement the discretionary 200% charge on Council Tax on Second Homes with effect from 1 April 2024, or as early as permitted in terms of legislation;
vi.   note the section on income generation, as a key strand of the Council’s budget planning approach, and cross-reference to other business on this Council agenda relation to income from fees and charges, income from tourism, and income from green energy and renewables;
vii.  note the interim feedback from the Council’s budget consultation and budget simulator activity, including feedback as set out in appendix 2 to the report, with further analysis and briefing/reports to Members in the new year; 
viii. agree to adopt the Reserves Strategy as set out in Appendix 3 to the report;
ix.   note the update provided regarding the Housing Revenue Account; and
x.    note the updated budget timetable as set out at Appendix 4 of the report.

8. Resetting the Highland Outcome Improvement Plan
Ag Ath-shuidheachadh Plana Leasachadh Thoraidhean na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No. HC/47/23 by the Chief Executive.

The Council is invited to:

i.  consider and agree the work outlined to date to reset the Highland Outcome Improvement Plan; and
ii. note the next steps planned and that this will support the review and its consequential impact on planned developments in Highland Council’s future activity.

9. Assessing Future Population Related Challenges in the Highland Council Area    
A’ Measadh nan Dùbhlan a’ Buntainn ri Sluagh san Àm ri Teachd ann an Sgìre Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Joint Report No. HC/48/23 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy, Executive Chief Officer Housing and Property and Executive Chief Officer Health and Social Care.

The Council is invited to:

i.   consider and note the population trends affecting the Highland area;
ii.  note the specific challenges facing Highland Council and NHS Highland relating to social care provision; and
iii. agree that further planning be done on a comprehensive response to the Scottish Government Repopulation Action Plan, using the framework set out in Paragraph 7.4 of the report.

10.    A Review of Property Assets Maintained by Highland Council and a Future Approach to Strategic Capital Planning    
Ath-sgrùdadh de Sho-mhaoinean Seilbhe air an Cumail Suas le Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd agus Dòigh-obrach Theachdail do Phlanadh Calpa Ro-innleachdail

There is circulated Report No. HC/49/23 by the Executive Chief Officer Housing and Property.

The Council is invited to:-

i.   note the background data provided regarding the condition of the Council’s buildings and asset base and the cost estimate of mitigating these challenges; 
ii.  note the proposed further asset rationalisation workstreams, the proposed process for the review of built environment assets maintained by Highland Council, and proposals for service involvement;
iii. note the proposed concept of a Single Property Service (SPS) model to manage all built environment assets going forward, with the detailed proposals as to implementation to come forward in a separate paper to next Council for approval;
iv.  approve the proposed future approach to strategic capital planning; and
v.   approve the repurposing of the old Headquarters Building on Ardross Street back into office accommodation to unlock further rationalisation opportunities across our office estate, as set out at 7.5 of the report, given the non-viability of it being converted into housing.

11. Highland Council Energy Transformation: Unlocking Renewable Energy Prospects     
Cruth-atharrachadh Lùtha Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd: A’ Fuasgladh Dhùilean Lùth So-ùrachaidh

There is circulated Report No. HC/50/23 by the Interim Depute Chief Executive.

The Council is invited to:

i.   agree that a focussed piece of work is undertaken to set out what the Council’s ask should be for a Highland Infrastructure Fund;  
ii.  agree the measures set out in detail at paragraph 5.5 of the report relating to the development of complimentary approaches relating to community benefit and community wealth building; and
iii. note the intention is to bring forward a detailed portfolio plan for renewables investment as part of the Council’s budget in February 2024.

12. Maximising Income Generation in Highland Council    
A’ Meudachadh Togail Teachd-a-steach ann an Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No. HC/51/23 by the Executive Chief Officer Communities and Place.

The Council is invited to:-

i.    note the work done to consider mechanisms to generate income as part of wider budget considerations;
ii.   agree that these propositions will be considered by Council in relation to the upcoming three year budget setting process;
iii.  agree to reflect any other areas of income generation they would like officers to consider within our available powers;
iv.   agree that the Income Generation Board described in the paper be established; and
v.    note that these proposals are supported and recommended to Council by the Redesign Board.

13. Developing a Strategy to Enable a Future Workforce – A Strong and Fair Economy for all
A’ Leasachadh Ro-innleachd airson Feachd-obrach a Chomasachadh dhan Àm ri Teachd – Eaconamaidh Làidir is Chothromach dhan a h-Uile Duine

There is circulated Joint Report No. HC/52/23 by the Executive Chief Officer Education and Learning and Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Council is invited to:

i.   note the work done to establish the strategy;
ii.  note the purpose of the approach to developing a strategy;
iii. agree that a report outlining the final version of this strategy will be brought to full council in May 2024; and
iv.  agree that the Workforce for the Future Board, as described in the paper, be established.

14. Establishing a Short-Term Let Control Area for Ward 20: Badenoch and Strathspey – Update
A’ Stèidheachadh Sgìre Smachd Màil Gheàrr-ùine airson Uàrd 20: Bàideanach agus Srath Spè – Cunntas às Ùr

There is circulated Report No. HC/53/23 by the Executive Chief Officer Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy.

The Council is invited to:

i.   note the updates provided; 
ii.  agree to delegate to officers to:

a.  undertake the final legislative arrangements to establish the Short-Term Let Control Area for Ward 20 (Badenoch and Strathspey), including the necessary press advertisement, notification of interested parties and other publication work;
b.  hold information session(s) to inform existing (& prospective) operators of the requirements the Control Area has across Ward 20 (Badenoch and Strathspey); and 
c.  the establishment date of the Short-Term Let Control Area for Ward 20 (Badenoch and Strathspey) will be Monday 4 March 2024; and

iii. agree to adopt the draft Non-statutory Planning policy (as amended) (Appendix 2) as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications for Short-term lets within the Control Area. 

15. Establishing a Highland Council Land Audit: Terra-Tracker
A’ Stèidheachadh Sgrùdadh Fearainn Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd: Tracair-Tìre 

There is circulated Report No. HC/54/23 by the Interim Executive Chief Officer Performance and Governance.

The Council is invited to agree the establishment of a dedicated team, at an estimated cost of £410k over two years, to deliver the Terra Tracker project.

16. Review of the Council Programme and Corporate Plan
Ath-sgrùdadh air Prògram agus Plana Corporra na Comhairle

There is circulated Report No. HC/55/23 by the Interim Depute Chief Executive.

The Council is invited to:

i.   note the Programme achievements set out in sections 5 – 9 of the report;
ii.  scrutinise and note the most recent performance received which is provided at section 10.2 and note that a report will be provided to March Council detailing performance in respect of the 2022/23 Statutory Performance Indicators.  This information will also include benchmarking data to enable comparison of the Council’s performance against other local authorities; and
iii. approve that a recalibrated Programme, incorporating a strengthened delivery plan element and a clarified performance framework will be brought to full Council early in 2024 for approval.

17. Staff Survey Action Plan
Plana-gnìomha Suirbhidh Luchd-obrach

There is circulated Report No. HC/56/23 by the Interim Depute Chief Executive.

The Council is invited to:

i.  agree the priority actions as contained in the Draft Action Plan in Appendix 1 of the report; and 
ii. note the ongoing work to address the bullying and harassment concerns and further survey on wellbeing and stress to be issued. 

18. Statutory Review of Polling Districts and Places
Ath-sgrùdadh Reachdail de Roinnean Taghaidh agus Àiteachan Taghaidh

There is circulated Report No. HC/57/23 by the Returning Officer.

The Council is invited to:

i.   agree to the amendments to current polling arrangements as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report;
ii.  note that there are minor adjustments to current polling district boundaries; and
iii. note that the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will make any necessary amendments to the Register of Electors.

19. Highland Response to Education Reform Bill Consultation
Freagairt na Gàidhealtachd do Cho-chomhairleachadh Bile Ath-leasachaidh an Fhoghlaim

There is circulated Report No. HC/58/23 by the Executive Chief Officer Education and Learning.

The Council is invited to note the: 

i.  proposed Highland Council Education and Learning response to the recent Education Bill consultation which will feed into the National response and future recommendations; and
ii. questions that form the consultation broadly focus on the new qualifications body and maximising the impact of inspection assurance and supporting improvement.

20. Amalgamation of Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committees
Aonachadh Chomataidhean Sgìreil an Eilein Duibh agus Rois an Ear 

The Council is invited to agree the amalgamation of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committees.

21. Appointments to Companies - Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited
Cur an Dreuchd gu Companaidhean - Cothrom dhan Ghàidhealtachd (Tasgaidhean) Earranta

Following the resignation from the Company of Mrs M Cockburn, the Council is asked to agree the appointment of a new Director for Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited.

22. Timetable of Meetings for 2023/24    
Clàr-ama Choinneamhan airson 2023/24

The Council is invited to:-

i.   agree the Revised timetable for 2024 as circulated;
ii.  agree that a Special Meeting of the Badenoch and Strathspey Committee be held on 15 December 2023; and
iii. to note that the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee on 27 November 2023 was cancelled.

23. Deeds Executed
Sgrìobhainnean Lagha a Bhuilicheadh

There is circulated for noting a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 26 October 2023.

24. Notices of Motion
Brathan Gluasaid 

The following Notices of Motion have been received by the Head of Legal and Governance – 

(i) School Estate Emergency Declaration

This Council notes:

1. Across Scotland the percentage of schools graded as ‘A-Good’ for Condition and Suitability is almost 91%. In Highland, the percentage of schools graded ‘Good’ is under 20%. 34% of primary school buildings across Highland have a rating of ‘C-Poor’ for Condition, compared with 6% for the rest of Scotland.  37% of secondary school buildings across Highland are rated ‘C-Poor’ for Condition, compared with 10% for the rest of Scotland. The deteriorated fabric and condition of school buildings across Highland is acute and significantly worse than those of the rest of Scotland.
2.This Council hugely values education and accepts the condition and suitability of school buildings impacts significantly on the educational opportunities and experiences of our children and young people as well as on the working environment of our valued teaching and support staff.
3.This Council’s applications to the Learning Estate Improvement Plan (LEIP) Phase Three, were wholly unsuccessful - despite the acute need for funding in Highland. And despite the fact that 25% of Scotland’s secondary schools, rated C-Poor for Condition, are located in Highland. And 33% of all Scotland’s primary schools, rated C-Poor for Condition, are located in Highland. 
4.The Leader of the Council wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Education following on from her statement in Parliament that she will be taking forward further engagement and collaboration with COSLA to explore how the Scottish Government can address the remaining sub-standard condition schools, and the additional schools required due to population growth. 
5.To date, despite the undertaking given by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, no further funding has been identified by the Scottish Government to improve the condition of the Highland school estate. 

Therefore, Highland Council declares a School Estate Emergency and will:

• establish a School Emergency Action Plan to address the shortcomings in Highland’s school estate, 
• task the Leader of the Council to write to The First Minister, the Cabinet Minister for Social Justice, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education, outlining the urgent need for additional resources to address the disparity between Highland school estate and the rest of Scotland,
• task the Leader of the Council to invite the Cabinet Secretary for Education to attend the next Full Council Committee and answer questions from Members regarding the funding shortfall.

Signed: Mrs H Crawford Mr R Stewart Mrs L Saggers Mrs I MacKenzie   

Section 95 Officer assessment of financial implications:

This motion is expected to have a financial implication for the Council.  It has not been possible to provide a full financial assessment and quantification of cost, for the reasons as described below.

There would be both an opportunity cost of staff time involved in preparing a plan, and a financial cost from staff tasked on this plan, rather than activity which may be income recoverable through staff time recharges.  The extent of staff time commitment would depend on the scope of the action plan and it has not been possible to be estimated at this time.

Subject to the scope of the action plan, there may also be external costs incurred, for example if external surveying activity was required to inform the action plan.  From recent information, around 37% of the school estate has had a condition survey completed to date.  The cost to conclude surveys of the remaining estate would be significant, but has not been estimated at this time.

It is assumed that this motion does not commit the Council to any cost beyond the cost of preparing the action plan i.e. it would be a future matter for the Council to consider the output of the action plan, and any financial implications that may arise from the action plan, which could only be known at that point.

(ii) Shared Rural Network 

The UK Government digital connectivity programme - the Shared Rural Network (SRN) - aims to achieve 95% mobile phone coverage across Britain focusing on geographical coverage rather than population coverage. This makes little sense in the Highland’s uninhabited mountain and upland landscapes. There has also been very little, or no, consultation with communities in Highland to understand their connectivity needs and to identify appropriate locations for SRN masts so that connectivity is improved for rural communities.
In support of the coalition of community groups and conservation and outdoor recreation organisations in Scotland, this Council agrees to write to Scottish Government and UK Government to ask that Ministers work together, to pause and review the SRN programme and improve it by:

• Consulting with rural communities across Highland to establish their digital connectivity needs first
• Avoiding construction of new access tracks unless no other method is possible
• Adequately resourcing Local Planning Authorities
• Avoiding the Highland’s designated and other environmentally sensitive wild areas
• Insisting that mobile operators share mast infrastructure, rather than building adjacent masts

Signed: Ms K Willis Mr C Ballance 

Section 95 Officer assessment of financial implications:

This motion is not anticipated to have a financial implication to the Council.
  
(iii) Ecosia

Ecosia is an internet search engine that uses its profits to fund tree planting projects worldwide. By adopting Ecosia as the default search engine, Highland Council can actively contribute reforestation efforts, combat deforestation and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
 
Ecosia is a free search engine, and its implementation as a default option will not incur additional costs for the council. Ecosia provides monthly financial reports, ensuring transparency in their tree planting projects and the allocation of funds. 

Implementing Ecosia provides the opportunity for Highland Council to engage with the community further on environmental issues by fostering sustainable practices and encouraging residents to use the search engine. 

Therefore, this Council agrees that Highland Council implements Ecosia as the default search engine for all council operated devices and computer systems. 

Signed: Mr R MacKintosh Mr C Balance

Section 95 Officer assessment of financial implications:

This motion is not expected to have a financial implication for the Council.

It is noted that there may be some limited staff time implication to implement the proposed change, but this would not represent an additional financial cost to the Council.

(iv) Rangers

The Highland Council’s eighteen Access Rangers provide a unique and exceptional service to the people of the Highlands, as well as to the environment we are all so proud of. Listed below are some eye catching examples of their day to day work:
 

• One Skye ranger found a small rucksac at the Quariang car park with 2 Spanish passports inside. He contacted the people directly who were on their way to Inverness airport. They turned around at Fort Augustus and the bag was returned to them, saving a lot of distress later in the day.
• The rangers have attended and called in at least 8 road traffic accidents often helping with directing traffic before or after Police attendance and occasionally with first aid including one incident at Tore involving Cllr Collier.
• Helped soaked & exhausted cyclist in a storm get to a campsite near Achiltibuie
• Put out gorse fire Dores beach
• Asked by Police to talk to naked swimmers near Lochcarron School
• Assisted a crofter find a dangerous dog that was killing sheep.
• Move on campers in Dornoch play park
• Call out SSPCA after finding a dead dog in layby at Reay
• Hostile reception from motorhome owner at Strathy Burial Ground, despite ‘No Overnight Parking’ signs.
• Removing fallen trees on road after storms,
• Changed a tyre for some foreign visitors
• Hill walker with head injury given first aid and ambulance called.
• Coigach & Assynt Ranger provided info & directions to German visitors with little English, by phone via the Lochaber Ranger
• Repaired broken down motorhome at Shin Falls to get visitors moving.

These examples illustrate the largely unseen work that the Rangers are providing .They are currently funded by NatureScot- Better Places Fund 4-  and this Motion calls on the Council to ensure all practical steps are taken to ensure the funding is forthcoming for the next financial year”
 
Signed: Mr M Reiss Mr R Stewart Mr R Gunn  Mr D Macpherson

Section 95 Officer assessment of financial implications:

This motion is not anticipated to have a financial implication to the Council.