Tourism and visitor attractions news
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Whin Parks toilets temporary closure to enable Whin Park works
Published on 6 Mar 2025To enable the installation of an interactive play feature at Whin Park in Inverness, the public toilets at Whin Park are currently closed and will remain closed for next week.
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Works started on Whin Park Play area
Published on 29 Jan 2025Works have commenced on the exciting changes taking place at Whin Park in Inverness.
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Highland Visitor Levy Scheme consultation period extended
Published on 9 Dec 2024The Council has today (9 December) announced an extension to this consultation period, which will now give businesses, visitors and communities until 31 March 2025 to have their say.
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Festive fun for all at Inverness Town House Christmas Fair
Published on 2 Dec 2024Inverness Town House will be hosting a “Christmas Fair Extravaganza” with fun activities for children and adults alike.
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Highland Visitor Levy Consultation launches tomorrow
Published on 14 Nov 2024Earlier today (Thursday 14 November) the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee members discussed a report on a how a proposed Visitor Levy scheme across the Highlands would operate before goi
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Council approves new Sustainable Tourism Strategy for Highland
Published on 14 Nov 2024Council approves new Sustainable Tourism Strategy for Highland
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Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2024-2030
Published on 11 Nov 2024Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2024-2030
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Highland Visitor Levy on the agenda of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee
Published on 8 Nov 2024On Thursday (14 November) the Economy & Infrastructure Committee will consider a report on a potential Visitor Levy for Highland.
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Inverness Bonfire and Fireworks display
Published on 28 Oct 2024The Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group are excited to confirm that Highland Council’s Civic Bonfire and Fireworks display will be held at Bught Park, Inverness on Tuesday 5 November 2024.
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Mòd eireachdail an Òbain a’ còrdadh ris na mìltean agus a’ bhratach a’ dol gu Loch Abar airson 2025
Published on 21 Oct 2024Bha a’ Mhòd as motha ann an còig bliadhna anns an Òban.
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Partners launch revised timetable to improve reliability and connectivity of Wick John O’Groats Airport flights
Published on 2 Oct 2024The Highland Council and Eastern Airways have agreed a number of changes to scheduled flight times on the Wick-Aberdeen air route.
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Council gearing up for Highland Visitor Levy consultation
Published on 4 Sep 2024Council gearing up for Highland Visitor Levy consultation
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Highland Film Office rebrand launch helps support industry growth
Published on 3 Sep 2024Highland Film Office rebrand launch helps support industry growth
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‘Ionad an Stòir’ officially opened by Skye and Raasay Committee Chair
Published on 27 Aug 2024‘Ionad an Stòir’ officially opened by Skye and Raasay Committee Chair
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Inverness Events and Festivals winter programme update
Published on 22 Aug 2024Inverness bonfire and fireworks will take place at Bught Park on Tuesday 5 November 2025. The Red Hot Highland Fling will not take place this year due to due to limited access to Northern Meeting Park
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EXTREME risk of wildfire is in place across north-west Scotland
Published on 3 May 2024The latest wildfire warning has been issued and identifies an extreme risk across north-west Scotland.
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Etape Loch Ness returns for tenth edition
Published on 24 Apr 20245,650 cyclists have signed up for the 66-mile closed-road cycle sportive. With 24 countries represented, cyclists have entered from as far afield as Australia, USA and UAE as well as across the UK.
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Grab your partners for the Inverness Big Top Ceilidh
Published on 10 Apr 2024Tickets for the Inverness Highland Games Big Top Ceilidh go on sale.
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Òigridh air feadh Alba a’ Gabhail Com-pàirt ann an Tachartasan Gàidhlig na Càisge
Published on 3 Apr 2024Bidh iad a’ faighinn oideachadh luachmhor ann an ceòl traidiseanta, dràma, òrain Ghàidhlig, dannsa agus ealain bho luchd-teagaisg air leth comasach.
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Gaelic Tourism Strategy for Scotland launched
Published on 20 Feb 2024A new Gaelic Tourism Strategy for Scotland has been launched today (20 February) as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week).
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Highland Winter Road Conditions Report - 12 February 2024
Published on 12 Feb 2024The Council's Winter Road Conditions Report for Monday, 12 February 2024.
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Councillors agree Inverness Whin Park vision.
Published on 20 Nov 2023A vision for the future redevelopment of Whin Park in Inverness has received the backing of Inverness Councillors.
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Council, Hospice and Eastgate Centre work in partnership for Inverness Christmas lights switch-on
Published on 13 Nov 2023Highland Council is pleased to be working with Highland Hospice and the Eastgate Centre to support Inverness city businesses and community organisations this year by providing Christmas lights.
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4 hours festive free Saturday parking
Published on 1 Nov 2023Motorists will benefit this festive season with the introduction of a time limited free parking offer on Saturdays only at Inverness Rose Street multi storey car park.
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£90k worth of Community Regeneration Funding awarded by Caithness members
Published on 23 Aug 2023Members of the Caithness Area Committee considered and agreed funding for an application submitted to the area’s Community Regeneration Fund by the Wick Development Trust.
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E.coli affecting Bivalve Shellfish in coastal waters in the west of the Isle of Skye
Published on 14 Aug 2023People should avoid eating bivalve shellfish from Loch Harport area on the west of the Isle of Skye until further notice.
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Green light for use of Common Good Land for Nairn Harbour Active Travel Footpath Link
Published on 10 Aug 2023Nairnshire Area Committee members have approved a report seeking approval for the development of an Active Travel Footpath Link at Nairn Harbour upon Common Good Land.
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Come fly with us this August with special promotional price on Wick-Aberdeen air service
Published on 5 Jul 2023The Highland Council, in conjunction with Eastern Airways, is delighted to announce that August 2023 will see a special rate of just £49.99 per ticket being applied across every seat booked ...
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Falls of Foyers toilet and motorhome waste facilities project opens
Published on 19 Jun 2023Falls of Foyers toilet and motorhome waste facilities project opens
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Highland success in Scottish beach awards
Published on 5 Jun 2023Highland success in Scottish beach awards
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Highland Council Leader welcomes proposed Tourist Levy Bill
Published on 25 May 2023Highland Council Leader, Raymond Bremner welcomed the announcement today by the Scottish Government on their intention to introduce a bill to allow local authorities to introduce a local tourist levy.
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Glen Nevis Lower Falls car park and visitor improvement project opens
Published on 11 May 2023Glen Nevis Lower Falls car park and visitor improvement project opens
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Corran Ferry Service Update - Alternative foot passenger services to begin
Published on 12 Apr 2023The Highland Council team have been working to identify measures in response to the break-down on Friday morning of the Corran Ferry’s relief vessel, the Maid of Glencoul.
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The Storr launches new visitor information website
Published on 7 Mar 2023The Storr launches new visitor information website
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Old Man of Storr footpath improvement project completes
Published on 22 Feb 2023Old Man of Storr footpath improvement project completes
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Community Regeneration Funding awarded to two Nairnshire groups
Published on 24 Jan 2023Members of the Nairnshire Committee, who met yesterday (Monday, 23 January), considered and assessed applications submitted to the area’s Community Regeneration Fund.
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Conference creates connections
Published on 29 Nov 2022The challenges, opportunities and lessons learned of creating a unique tourism brand set amongst Irish rural communities were addressed at this year’s Highland Tourism Conference.
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Corran Ferry – Infrastructure Improvement Scheme – Pre-Application Consultation Event
Published on 1 Nov 2022The Highland Council is planning to upgrade the ferry service on the Corran Narrows, Loch Linnhe, subject to funding and Council committee approval.
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The Skye Storr Project accelerates at pace
Published on 31 Oct 2022Isle of Skye and Raasay Area Committee met today (Monday 31 October 2022) and commended the achievements and progress made to date by the Storr Project.
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Rural tourism infrastructure projects to receive share of £3m funding
Published on 14 Oct 2022A total of £3m has been awarded to 10 tourism projects across Scotland, to improve visitor facilities and access and to promote low-carbon transport options.
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Locals invited to take part in an informal consultation on the proposed Merkinch Local Nature Reserve Boardwalk
Published on 29 Sep 2022If you would like to find out more about the proposed replacement boardwalk at Merkinch Local Nature Reserve why not come and meet some members of the team working on the design?
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Blue-green algae at Loch Watten
Published on 19 Aug 2022The public are being advised as a precautionary measure that algal scum at Loch Watten in Caithness should be avoided by people and pets.
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The Highland Council supports Keep Scotland Beautiful #MyBeachyourBeach awareness campaign
Published on 26 Jul 2022The Highland Council is supporting Keep Scotland Beautiful - My Beach Your Beach campaign to encourage people to adopt better habits at the beach this summer and help protect the sand and sea.
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Police and Rangers patrol west coast beauty spots
Published on 18 Jul 2022Police and partners in the Lochaber, Skye and South West Ross Visitor Management Group have been visiting a number of popular west coast locations this past weekend.
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Inverness named a top 16 European city break destination
Published on 9 Jun 2022Newly elected Inverness City Leader, Cllr Ian Brown, today welcomed the news that the city has been named by world renowned travel website, Time Out, as one of the top 16 city breaks in Europe.
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Work to transform Inverness Castle begins
Published on 13 Apr 2022New hoarding is going up around Inverness Castle this week ahead of work beginning on its transformation into a visitor attraction
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Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project receives funding from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
Published on 7 Apr 2022Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project receives funding from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
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Hydro Ness receives funding from Visit Inverness Loch Ness
Published on 31 Mar 2022The design of interactive content linking two new visitor attractions in Inverness has received fresh funding from tourism group Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN).
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Corran Ferry fare changes
Published on 28 Mar 2022The Highland Council has confirmed that new fares for the Corran Ferry in Lochaber will apply from Friday 1 April for the 2022/23 season.
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Council promotes business opportunity to tap into far north tourism boom
Published on 15 Feb 2022As more visitors from the UK and abroad travel to enjoy holidays along the stunning Northern coast of the Highlands, an exciting business opportunity to tie in with the tourism boom has come up.
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Glen Etive - emergency road repairs
Published on 10 Feb 2022The Glen Etive road will be closed tomorrow 10am - 4pm (Friday 11 February) to all vehicles to allow The Highland Council to undertake emergency road repairs.
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Dornoch Common Good Fund enables Public Toilets refurb
Published on 8 Feb 2022Work began this week (7 February 2022) on upgrades to the public toilets in Dornoch.
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Hospitality Business Support Top-Up Grant Scheme
Published on 22 Dec 2021The Hospitality Business Support Top-Up Grant Scheme will provide a one-off payment for businesses in the hospitality sector who have lost bookings during December 2021 and January 2022.
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University student volunteers explore the Spirit of the Highlands
Published on 6 Dec 2021From the potato crop, to nuclear power, Bealach na Bà, and the Jacobites - four volunteer students from University of the Highlands and Islands have been scouring the archives to find stories showcasing the Spirit of the Highlands
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Piping Inverness Tickets On Sale As Pipe Bands Are Eager To Compete
Published on 26 Nov 2021As pipe bands prepare for a busy season of competitions in 2022, organisers of Piping Inverness, which incorporates the European Pipe Band Championships, are set to welcome a strong turnout next year.
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Deadline extended for Airline bids to provide services for North of Scotland
Published on 23 Nov 2021The deadline for invitations to tender for the North Scotland/Wick John O’Groats Airport PSO Scheduled Flight Services contract has been extended until 12 noon on Tuesday 30 November.
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Visitors to Wester Ross to be invited to pay for parking
Published on 9 Nov 2021At last week's meeting of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee members gave their support to a new initative in their ward which will see visitors being invited to pay a donation ....
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Committee agrees visitor management parking proposals for Caithness
Published on 4 Nov 2021Members of the Caithness Committee have agreed provisional locations where visitors will be invited to pay a small donation for parking.
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Recommendation to remove Drakies Link Road from Inshes Junction Improvements
Published on 27 Oct 2021A recommendation to remove proposals for a link road from Sir Walter Scott Drive at the ‘Eagle’ roundabout to the Drakies area will be included in a report to the City of Inverness Committee.
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Partner for Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands announced
Published on 14 Oct 2021On behalf of The Highland Council, High Life Highland this week announced The Great Tapestry of Scotland Ltd as the successful creative agency partner for the delivery of a ‘Tapestry of the Highlands
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Former “Caithness Horizons” facility set to relaunch as the North Coast Visitor Centre from November 2021
Published on 13 Oct 2021The re-launch of the former Caithness Horizons centre in Thurso is set to take place on Tuesday, 2 November 2021, with the facility being rebranded as the North Coast Visitor Centre.
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New website and leaflet highlight the rich Pictish Heritage of the Highlands
Published on 6 Oct 2021The rich Pictish heritage of the Highland Council area is being highlighted this week with the launch of a new website, app and leaflet encouraging local people and visitors to explore 32 Pictish site
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Archaeology Festival to showcase Highland’s historic past
Published on 20 Sep 2021The high point of the year for celebrating our heritage starts on Saturday 25 September.
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Nairnshire members agree allocation of Place-Based Investment Fund to address local Covid-harms within Ward 18, Nairn and Cawdor
Published on 16 Sep 2021Members of the Nairnshire Committee were presented with a report – reflecting the outcomes of earlier local discussions – summarising the proposed spending priorities for Ward 18.
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HRH Camilla, The Duchess of Rothesay, officially opens #TeamHamish Splash Pad in Nairn
Published on 14 Sep 2021Friday 10 September saw the official opening event of the #TeamHamish Splash Pad located at The Links, Nairn.
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Over £240K invested in public toilets and waste collection for visitors
Published on 31 Aug 2021Visitors to the Highlands are benefiting from over £240K investment by The Highland Council on public toilets and comfort schemes and increased waste collection at key visitor sites.
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Councillors commend Inverness BID and Visit Inverness Loch Ness Tourism BID
Published on 26 Aug 2021The roles of two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) during the pandemic have been commended by Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee.
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Council congratulates local museum on shortlist for national award
Published on 17 Aug 2021The Chair of The Highland Council’s Sutherland County Committee has congratulated Timespan, a cultural organisation in Helmsdale, for reaching the shortlist for this year’s Art Fund Museum of the Year
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The Highland Council plea to visitors and the people of the Highland region to bin litter or take it home, Scotland Is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way
Published on 4 Aug 2021The Highland Council plea to visitors and the people of the Highland region to bin litter or take it home, Scotland Is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way
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Advice for people heading to the North of Scotland this Summer
Published on 15 Jul 2021With many people heading to the North of Scotland this summer, road policing officers are reminding road users to be safe on country roads.
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The Highland Council launches welcoming motorhome and campervan guidance for visitors
Published on 14 Jul 2021The Highland Council launches welcoming motorhome and campervan guidance for visitors
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Tourism Committee welcomes fourth round of RTIF
Published on 16 Jun 2021Tourism projects across the Highlands have benefited from a share of nearly £3million Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) to date.
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Overnight parking for motorhome users in designated Highland Council car parks to be considered
Published on 16 Jun 2021Members of The Highland Council’s Tourism Committee have agreed to consider an approach to define a Council policy on overnight parking of motorhomes.
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Inverness Castle transformation – main construction contract now out to tender
Published on 1 Jun 2021The Highland Council has published the main construction contract for the Inverness Castle transformation on the procurement website Public Contracts Scotland (PCS).
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City centre visitors set to benefit from 1 hour free parking at Inverness Rose Street multi-storey car park during June, July and August
Published on 28 May 2021Members of the City of Inverness Area Committee have agreed a proposal to offer city centre visitors at the Rose Street multi-storey car park a 1-hour free-of-charge period during June, July & August.
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Highland Roads Recovery – Drumbeg road resurfacing completed in Sutherland
Published on 20 May 2021The Highland Council’s Sutherland Road’s Team has completed resurfacing works on the B869 Drumbeg – Nedd loop road which is part of the NC500.
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Public toilets and litter bins a top priority for Highland visitor management
Published on 12 May 2021Highland Councillors have welcomed £240,000 planned investment in public toilets, litter bins and waste management provision in a bid to help meet post-lockdown tourism demand across the region.
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Corran Ferry new fares from Saturday 1 May
Published on 29 Apr 2021New fares for the Corran Ferry in Lochaber will apply from Saturday 1 May for the 2021/22 season.
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Inverness Castle transformation – approval granted for planning application
Published on 27 Apr 2021The Highland Council today granted approval for a planning application that will see the transformation of Inverness Castle to become a tourism gateway for the Highlands.
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Final Visitor Management Plan approved and Seasonal Access Rangers appointed for Highland.
Published on 22 Apr 2021The Highland Council’s Tourism Committee has approved a final draft Visitor Management Plan for 2021.
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Inverness Castle transformation – exhibition and content design partner tender
Published on 22 Mar 2021High Life Highland, the managing agent of the project to transform Inverness Castle into a visitor attraction for the Highlands, has today issued a tender for an exhibition and content design partner for the project on behalf of The Highland Council.
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Visitor Management Plan agreed for Highland
Published on 22 Mar 2021The Highland Council’s Tourism Committee has agreed a Visitor Management Plan for 2021.
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Inverness Castle transformation – landscaping proposals
Published on 18 Feb 2021Landscaping proposals for the Inverness Castle development have now been lodged with The Highland Council as part of the statutory applications for the planned transformation for Inverness Castle.
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Inverness Castle transformation – front door of castle building revealed
Published on 4 Feb 2021The front door of Inverness Castle – the original formal entrance – has been revealed this week for the first time in almost 50 years, as part of the transformation of the building to create a gateway
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Inverness Castle transformation – former cell block removed
Published on 28 Jan 2021As part of the transformation of Inverness Castle to create a gateway for Highland tourism, the cell block located to the rear of the south tower –used up until the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service vacated the building in March 2020 – has been demolished.
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Inverness Castle transformation – project update
Published on 18 Jan 2021Statutory applications lodged today with The Highland Council signal progress in the planned transformation for Inverness Castle to become a tourism gateway for the Highlands.
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Local Committee confirms second tranche of Town Centre Funding
Published on 13 Jan 2021Members of the Black Isle, Dingwall and Seaforth Committee have allocated their share of extra Town Centre Funding.
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Council reminder that all civic Hogmanay events are cancelled
Published on 16 Dec 2020The Highland council is reminding people that the Red Hot Highland Fling at Hogmanay event in Inverness will not be taking place this year.
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Highland Councillors unanimously refuse Culloden Moor planning application.
Published on 8 Dec 2020Highland Council’s South Planning Applications Committee has unanimously refused permission for a planning application from Inverness Paving Ltd regarding land at Treetop Stables, Culloden Moor.
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Major hotel application refused for Inverness city centre.
Published on 8 Dec 2020Members of The Highland Council’s South Planning Applications Committee have unanimously refused a planning application for a 6-storey, 162 bedroomed hotel in Inverness city centre.
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Scotgrad Graduate Placement welcomed to the Spirit of the Highlands project
Published on 4 Dec 2020The Leader of the Council and Provost of Inverness today welcomed recent history graduate Sophie Gartshore to her role of Data Curation Graduate Placement in the Spirit of the Highlands project team.
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Environment and Gaelic placed central priorities for Tourism Committee
Published on 3 Dec 2020Members agreed a draft terms of reference for the Tourism Committee and added Gaelic environment, and sustainable tourism to its priorities.
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Business Restriction Grant Scheme now open to hotels
Published on 24 Nov 2020The Highland Council has welcomed clarification from the Scottish Government that hotels are eligible for the Business Restriction Grant.
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Tribute paid to Events Manager
Published on 19 Nov 2020Tribute was paid today at the City of Inverness Area Committee to Gerry Reynolds, former Inverness Events Manager who retired on 2nd November from The Highland Council.
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Drop off in footfall leads to closure of city Viewpoint
Published on 18 Nov 2020High Life Highland have indicated their intention to close the Inverness Castle Viewpoint due to a lack of visitor numbers.
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Members of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee give full support to West Highlands and Islands Amended Core Paths Plan Review
Published on 11 Nov 2020Members of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee, which took place yesterday, give full support to West Highlands and Islands Amended Core Paths Plan Review
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North Coast 500 business group plan road to recovery for North Highland tourism
Published on 5 Nov 2020North Coast 500 (NC500) has teamed up VisitScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, Police Scotland and a range of other key stakeholders to plan the road to recovery for North Hi
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Buill Chomataidh na Gàidhlig a’ moladh soirbheachas a’ chiad Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail Air-loidhne
Published on 5 Nov 2020Anns a’ choinneimh aca an-diugh, mheòraich Buill Chomataidh Gàidhlig Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd air a’ chiad Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail Air-loidhne, a bha air a chumail eadar 9–17 Dàmhair 2020.
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Draft Sutherland Tourism Infrastructure Plan discussed at Committee
Published on 5 Nov 2020Members discussed a draft Sutherland Tourism Infrastructure Plan to identify current and possible gaps in provision of tourism infrastructure in the area.
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Committee welcomes extra Town Centre funding
Published on 4 Nov 2020The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have welcomed the extra funding made available from The Scottish Government to boost town centres .....
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Business Hardship Fund grant applications sought
Published on 20 Oct 2020Highland Council has today launched - on behalf of the Scottish Government - the COVID-19 Business Hardship Fund.
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5-Year Visitor Management Plan for Highland
Published on 14 Oct 2020Highland Councillors have given the go-ahead for the local authority to produce a 5-year Visitor Management Plan.
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Tourism Committee tackles motorhomes and wild camping
Published on 14 Oct 2020Meeting the challenges and opportunities that exist in the region for motorhomes and wild camping tourism.
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Tourism Committee agrees to write to UK and Scottish Governments
Published on 14 Oct 2020Members of The Highland Council’s Tourism Committee have agreed that the Council will write to Scottish Government to ask for an update on the government’s future position on Transient Visitor Levy.
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Tourism audit identifies gaps and opportunities
Published on 14 Oct 2020A draft audit of tourism infrastructure in The Highland Council area has been welcomed by Councillors at a meeting of the Tourism Committee.
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Cairngorm investment announcement welcomed
Published on 9 Oct 2020The Convener and Leader of The Highland Council have both welcomed the announcement made by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP that he has approved the Business Case
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A to Z of Spirit of the Highlands – have your say!
Published on 8 Oct 2020Have your say in shaping the creative content within the Castle when it reopens to the public by getting online now and contributing to the Spirit:Autobiography A to Z.
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Lochaber Councillors support approach to tackle visitor management
Published on 28 Sep 2020Proposed actions to address the impacts of post-lockdown tourism in Lochaber have received support from Members of The Highland Council’s Lochaber Committee.
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Inverness Castle – enabling contract announced
Published on 18 Sep 2020In a significant step forward in the transformation of Inverness Castle, The Highland Council today announced the successful company to win the tender for the enabling contract is local Highland ....
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Spirit of the Highlands – get involved!
Published on 4 Sep 2020The Highland Council today announced a call for people across the Highlands to get involved in shaping the creative content within the Castle when it reopens to the public.
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Inverness councillors call for control on irresponsible camping
Published on 27 Aug 2020Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Committee have called for rapid discussions to be held in preparation for the 2021 summer tourism.
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Spirit 360
Published on 24 Aug 2020The partners of the Inverness Castle Project – Spirit of the Highlands are pleased to announce a partnership with the Highland Place Partnership which will see £150,000 of Creative Scotland’s ....
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Initial design proposals for High Street and Market Square to be revealed
Published on 17 Aug 2020Ambitious design proposals for improvements to High Street and Market Square are to be showcased outside Caithness House.
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Artist’s impressions of Inverness Castle transformation
Published on 13 Aug 2020The Highland Council today released an artist’s impressions of how the buildings at Inverness Castle may be transformed as the site is developed into a new visitor attraction.
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Motion approved calling on Scottish Government support to tackle ‘uncontrolled camping’
Published on 3 Aug 2020Members of The Highland Council today (3 August 2020) agreed the following motion to Council...
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Inverness Castle transformation – major city region deal investment to boost tourism for the Highlands
Published on 20 Jul 2020Highland Council today announced the completion of the purchase of the South Tower of Inverness Castle, following the move of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service to the new Justice Centre.
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New chair appointed for Council Tourism Committee
Published on 16 Jul 2020The first meeting of Highland Council’s new Tourism Committee was held virtually today (16 July 2020). Cllr Maxine Smith was appointed as Chair and Cllr Gordon Adam as Vice Chair.
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Badenoch and Strathspey Councillors updated on COVID-19 response in first virtual committee
Published on 7 Jul 2020Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee today (7 July 2020) heard about plans for reopening schools; the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy and the Council’s COVID-19 response.
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Supporting the Tourism Industry
Published on 3 Jul 2020The Highland Council’s Environmental Health team are reminding businesses in the tourism sector, who are busy making arrangements to reopen, to make sure they follow all advice and guidance.
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Highland Council applauds Victorian Market’s 150th anniversary
Published on 26 May 2020As the Inverness Victorian Market was 150 years old (on 20 May 2020), Provost of Inverness Councillor Helen Carmichael marks this momentous achievement from her home during COVID-19 lockdown.
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New timescale for completion of the purchase of South Tower of Inverness Castle
Published on 30 Apr 2020Due to the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the planned date of the purchase of the South Tower by The Highland Council has changed.
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Red Hot Highland Fling 2019
Published on 24 Dec 2019The Northern Meeting Park Arena will open at 20:00 and the show will run from 20:30 – 00:30 with a short break at midnight for a spectacular fireworks display and a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne
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Temporary road closures for Dornoch Hogmanay event
Published on 23 Dec 2019The Highland Council is advising motorists that Castle Street, Castle Close and Shore Road, Dornoch will be closed to enable the Hogmanay Street Party in the Square to take place.
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Hogmanay temporary closure of Infirmary Bridge, Inverness
Published on 23 Dec 2019The Highland Council is advising people that the Infirmary Bridge will be closed for Hogmanay.
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Councillors agree further work following survey backing introduction of tourist levy
Published on 9 Dec 2019Highland councillors today approved the findings of a public consultation supporting the introduction of a Highland Transient Visitor Levy.
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A Splash Pad for Nairn
Published on 4 Dec 2019An exciting opportunity has been agreed to go forward for Nairn. A new Splash Pad will replace the existing paddling pool on the Links area of the Town.
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Inverness Councillors decide on projects proposed for Town Centre Fund
Published on 21 Nov 2019A list of projects has been identified by The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee which will now go forward to the Council’s Town Centre Working Group for consideration.
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Councillors welcome approach to delivering city sports provision
Published on 21 Nov 2019An approach to the delivery of strategic sports facilities at two locations in Inverness - on the east and west of the city - has been unanimously endorsed today by Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee.
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Infirmary Bridge and road restrictions for Ness Islands’ Halloween Show, Inverness
Published on 25 Oct 2019Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are being advised of road and bridge restrictions in the interests of public safety during the ‘Halloween Show’
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Top season for Council owned harbours
Published on 22 Oct 2019Harbours owned and operated by The Highland Council have had their busiest cruise ship season ever
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Royal National Mòd flag accepted for Inverness 2020 - Bratach a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail air a ghabhail airson Inbhir Nis 2020
Published on 21 Oct 2019Depute Provost of Inverness, Cllr Graham Ross received the Royal National Mòd flag this weekend in Glasgow (Saturday 19 October) at the massed choir closing event of the 2019 Glasgow Mòd.
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River Ness flood gates to close for a short time this Wednesday
Published on 23 Sep 2019The Council will be carrying out the annual maintenance and training exercise in regard to the flood gates on the River Ness on Wednesday 25 September 2019 between 0900 and 1300.
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Golf club opening marks significant investment in Highland
Published on 30 Aug 2019Kings Golf Club Inverness, (formerly known as Torvean Golf Club), has officially opened a new course and clubhouse on the north side of the A82 trunk road, on the outskirts of Inverness.
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Progress for Inverness Castle transformation
Published on 29 Aug 2019The Highland Council today announced further details of the planned transformation for Inverness Castle which will begin after the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service move out of the building.
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Victorian Market makes a grand entrance
Published on 20 Aug 2019Stonework repairs have commenced today, 20th August, on the most decorative entrance to Inverness Victorian Market.
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Public advised to avoid eating Shellfish from Loch Glencoul, Kylesku area
Published on 12 Jul 2019Highland Council's Environmental Health team have identified raised levels of naturally occurring algal toxins following routine monitoring in coastal waters at Loch Glencoul, Kylesku area.
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Public advised to avoid eating Shellfish from Loch Eishort and Loch Slappin, Isle of Skye
Published on 4 Jul 2019Highland Council’s Environmental Health team has identified raised levels of naturally occurring algal toxins following routine monitoring in coastal waters at Loch Eishort.
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Highland Council to fly Rainbow Flag for Proud Ness.
Published on 2 Jul 2019The Highland Council will fly the Rainbow Flag, the symbol of the LBGT+ rights movement, in Inverness during the weekend of 20 and 21 July to show support for Proud Ness 2019.
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Temporary traffic restrictions and Infirmary Bridge closure during European Pipe Band Championships
Published on 27 Jun 2019Motorists are being advised of temporary road closures and traffic restrictions this weekend in Inverness for the European Pipe Band Championships.
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Scottish Government urged to invest further to restore air services to Skye
Published on 27 May 2019The Scottish Government is being urged to step up its support for the restoration of scheduled air services operating from Ashaig Airport, Broadford, Skye.
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Updated active travel maps now available for Inverness
Published on 20 May 2019he popular active travel map for Inverness has been updated and reprinted with the aim of making it easier for local residents and visitors alike to plan safer routes for everyday and leisure journeys around the city.
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Public convenience partnership provides Comfort Scheme addition on NC500
Published on 26 Apr 2019In a boost for the local Caithness area a new Comfort Scheme has started with immediate effect at The Portland Hotel in Lybster in partnership with The Highland Council.
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Investment in historic Inverness pub gets go ahead to further city centre regeneration
Published on 26 Apr 2019A £1.36 million refurbishment of the historic Blackfriars pub on Academy Street got the go ahead this week thanks to the announcement of a £422,606 grant award by The Inverness Townscape Heritage Project1 and a £689,200 investment by the building’s owners, Heineken’s Star Pubs & Bars2 division.
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Castle Viewpoint increase in visitors and extension to summer opening hours
Published on 15 Apr 2019Figures released this week show an increase of over 5% in the annual visitor numbers for the second year of operation of the Inverness Castle Viewpoint. The city’s newest attraction has seen 29,295 people make the trip to the top over the past year, underlining the Viewpoint’s importance for tourism in the city.
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Additional Parking announced at Old Man of Storr site
Published on 4 Mar 2019At today’s (Monday 4 March 2019) Skye and Raasay Area Committee Highland Councillors expressed their delight that additional funding has been allocated and work is about to start to create an extra layby parking area for 20 cars on the A855 at the popular Old Man of Storr site.
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‘My Ness’ planning approval paves way for final phase
Published on 28 Feb 2019A planning application for the new artwork, entitled ‘My Ness’ to be situated at the Little Isle Pool, Fisherman’s Car Park, has been approved, paving the way for the installation of the project to commence later in the spring.
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Use your vote in Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism Business Improvement District ballot
Published on 25 Feb 2019Voters are being urged to use their vote in the Visit Inverness Loch Ness Tourism Business Improvement District (BID) ballot which takes place on Thursday 7 March 2019.
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Improvement work on Ness Islands to resume
Published on 18 Feb 2019The final phase of improvement works on the Ness Islands in Inverness will resume next week.
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Augmented reality app “HighlandAR Legends” launched to Chinese tourist market at Chinese New Year
Published on 5 Feb 2019The HighlandAR app of an augmented reality trail, marking local legends in Inverness, has been translated into Mandarin Chinese.
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Olympic sailor encourages businesses to get on board to attract more visitors
Published on 14 Nov 2018The importance of tourism businesses engaging with the outdoor activity market was amongst the topics discussed at this year’s Highland Tourism Conference.
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Inverness Christmas Lights Switch On
Published on 12 Nov 2018INVERNESS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON The Countdown to Christmas in the Highland Capital officially gets underway on Sunday evening (November 18th) when Santa flies into town to help Provost Helen Carmichael turn on the Christmas Lights Display in Inverness City Centre. Families are asked to make their way to Crown Primary School from 5pm to buy their torches and take their places behind Santa and Provost Helen Carmichael and the members of the City of Inverness Senior and Youth Pipe Bands; who will be bringing smiles to everyone’s faces by once again competing amongst themselves to see who can be the most outrageously decorated. The Torchlight Procession will depart from the school at 5.45pm and will travel down Stephens Brae to the High Street escorted by a number of mascots including Woody and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story” who will be paying their first visit to the event. After arriving in the High Street the children will be invited to help Santa turn on the Christmas Lights with a series of boisterous countdowns led by Host Nicola McAlley of STV. After each of the sections has twinkled into life, the members of the procession will gather outside Inverness Town House where they will get their first glimpse of the colourful lighting scheme that was recently installed during the building’s refurbishment. After the Christmas and Town House lights are switched on, Santa and the Provost will then join families for the traditional Christmas carol service “Ding Dong Merrily Old High” which will start at 6.30pm in the Old High Church. Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group Member Councillor Bet McAllister said: “The Christmas Lights Torchlight Procession is one of the most popular events in our Winter Festival programme for the younger members of our community and we are looking forward to creating something really magical for them to enjoy”. ENDS
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Inverness civic bonfire and fireworks display
Published on 30 Oct 2018One of the highlights of the Highland Council’s Inverness Winter Festival takes place on Monday (5th November) when thousands of spectators are expected to assemble in Bught Park and along the banks of the River Ness for the annual Civic Bonfire and Fireworks Display.
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Iconic sites benefit from Council and Tourism fund investment
Published on 25 Oct 2018Six Rural Infrastructure Fund projects have been successful in attracting £1.1m of funding from the £3m available in the first round of the Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
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Lonely Planet picks Scotland’s Highlands and Islands amongst Best in Travel 2019
Published on 23 Oct 2018Lonely Planet picks Scotland’s Highlands and Islands amongst Best in Travel 2019
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Archaeology Festival to showcase Highland’s historic past
Published on 18 Sep 2018The high point of the year for celebrating the local heritage of the Highlands starts on Friday 28th September. For three weeks, the Highland Archaeology Festival will offer throughout the Highlands a range of walks, talks, workshops, exhibitions, the annual conference, special children’s activities and other events for all ages.
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Study Identifies Costs of Trialling a Skye – Glasgow/Edinburgh air service
Published on 14 Sep 2018A working group tasked with investigating the feasibility of re-introducing a scheduled air service linking Skye with either Glasgow or Edinburgh has undertaken work to identify the necessary funding
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Skye Aerodrome Hosts Seven Visiting Aircraft from Germany
Published on 20 Aug 2018Seven aircraft visiting from Germany landed on the Island of Skye on Friday 17th August.
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Soldiers Bridge re-opens to public
Published on 3 Aug 2018Soldiers Bridge, a vital link for local communities in Fort William, has re-opened to the public following the completion of a £560,000 renovation.
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High-Fi for Ross-shire towns – Free WiFi is rolled out to Tain, Alness and Invergordon
Published on 1 Aug 2018TAIN, Alness and Invergordon now have access to free WiFi in and around the centre of the three towns thanks to a project led by the Highland Council and funded by the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.
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High-Fi for Portree – Free WiFi is rolled out across 14 Highland towns
Published on 31 Jul 2018PORTREE now has access to free WiFi in and around the centre of the town thanks to a project led by the Highland Council and funded by the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.
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Partnership working secures accommodation at East Caithness Community Campus for competitors in the first ever Mey Games Adaptive Games
Published on 31 Jul 2018This year, the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Mey Highland & Cultural Games is hosting its first ever Adaptive Highland Games, with veteran athletes travelling to Caithness to compete from Australia, the United States, France and all parts of the UK. The RBLS also believes this occasion to be a first for Veteran Adpative sports in the UK, having never previously competed in a Highland Games.
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Highland toilets to remain open until review complete
Published on 19 Jun 2018The process of carrying out a review of public toilet provision in The Highland Council area is underway and is due for completion by the end of October this year.
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Celtic Media Festival ‘coup’ for Badenoch and Strathspey
Published on 22 May 2018Highland Council’s Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee are delighted that the prestigious international Celtic Media Festival will spend its 40th year in the heart of the area at Aviemore.
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Temporary road closure B970 Aviemore
Published on 10 May 2018The Highland Council is notifying motorists that there will be a temporary road closure of the B970 from 7 - 7.30pm until 10 - 10.30pm on Wednesday 30 May 2018.
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Biosphere plan welcomed
Published on 2 May 2018Members of The Highland Council’s Ross and Cromarty Committee have welcomed the work of the Wester Ross Biosphere and its draft 5 year plan.
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Iconic Scottish route joins call for drivers to take their litter home
Published on 9 Apr 2018he North Coast 500, Scotland’s iconic touring route along Scotland’s northern coastline is now part of a national campaign to clean up the country’s roads. This initiative, led by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful and supported by North Coast 500 Ltd, the company behind the NC500, urges road users to ‘give your litter a lift, take it home’.
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Great Glen Way app launched
Published on 3 Apr 2018Great Glen Way app launched
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Neist Point improvement works
Published on 3 Apr 2018Improvement works to the access road and parking at the Neist Point lighthouse, a landmark and view point at the western tip of the Isle of Skye, are near completion.
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The greatest love story ever told…..on Academy Street!
Published on 27 Feb 2018Entertainment on Academy Street is the focus of the next Heritage event, for the Inverness Townscape Heritage (TH) Project.
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Funding for improvements at top tourist sites on Skye
Published on 26 Feb 2018Funding packages are in place to improve parking at two top tourist sites on the Isle of Skye.
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Fire and inspiration in the Victorian Market
Published on 7 Dec 2017The rich heritage of Inverness’ Victorian Market was showcased this week, at an event held in the market.
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Castle Viewpoint Celebrates 15,000th visitor
Published on 22 Aug 2017Inverness Castle Viewpoint opened in April 2017 following refurbishment funded by Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, designed to transform the Highland economy.
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Free public Wi-Fi to be rolled-out across the Highlands
Published on 16 Aug 2017Members have today approved proposals to expand the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal funded free open public Wi-Fi system to 14 towns across the Highland
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Ballachulish to launch its new slate quarry interpretation - with a bang!
Published on 2 Jun 2017Ballachulish Community Council warmly invites people living in Ballachulish area and visitors to attend the launch of its Ballachulish Slate Arch project on 9 June.
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Sun shines on the Highlands’ beach standards
Published on 1 Jun 2017Clean beaches celebrated ahead of bathing season
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It’s onwards and upwards as Castle Viewpoint opens
Published on 13 Apr 2017Easter Monday will mark the much-anticipated opening of the newest visitor attraction in the City of Inverness as High Life Highland opens the doors of Inverness Castle Viewpoint to the public for the
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Discover your Hidden Highlands
Published on 9 Mar 2017A new eBook and film – which has already been viewed almost 83,000 times on You Tube - are bringing to life the breathtaking scenery and diverse array of activities on offer in the Highlands, as part of a VisitScotland marketing campaign promoting the region to visitors.
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Castle Viewpoint to open for Easter
Published on 8 Mar 2017Work is well underway to complete the interior fit-out of the North Tower of Inverness Castle into a visitor attraction and viewpoint with spectacular views.
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Inverness Christmas lights switch on
Published on 16 Nov 2016The countdown to Christmas in the Highland capital officially gets underway on Sunday 20 November as Santa arrives to help Provost Helen Carmichael turn on the Christmas lights display in Inverness city centre.
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All-abilities access improvements in Glen Nevis
Published on 27 Oct 2016The Highland Council has awarded a contract for a new all-abilities crossing over the River Nevis to Fion Construction Ltd, based in Fort William.
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Highland Countryside Rangers gear up for extra events in October
Published on 5 Oct 2016If you are looking for something to do this October holidays why not check out the Highland Council Ranger service?
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Business cases worth £48 Million submitted for City-Region Deal money
Published on 4 Oct 2016Business cases totalling a value of around £48 million have been submitted as part of the City-Region Deal.
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Hogmanay headliners announced in - Inverness Winter Festival programme
Published on 22 Sep 2016Headliners at this year’s Inverness Winter Festival Hogmanay celebrations are The Elephant Sessions, Scooty and The Skyhooks and multi-award winning folk-rock band Skerryvore.
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Archaeology Festival to showcase historic past of Highlands
Published on 7 Sep 2016The high point of the year for celebrating the local heritage of the Highlands starts on Friday 30th September. For two weeks, the Highland Archaeology Festival will offer a range of walks, talks, workshops, exhibitions, the annual conference and other events for all ages throughout the Highlands
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Further stonework repairs to the North Tower have been instructed
Published on 12 Aug 2016Further stonework repairs to the North Tower have been instructed to ensure the 175 year old landmark is in tip top condition for its transformation into a key tourist attraction in Inverness
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Jacobites, Roe Deer and magic; a walk exploring the Culloden trail
Published on 11 Mar 2016People keen to explore the outdoors are being invited to come along on Sunday 20 March to enjoy a walk around the historical Culloden Trail
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Highland Council Leader and senior officers attend Economic Development meeting in Lochaber
Published on 9 Feb 2016The Highland Council Leader, Chief Executive and senior officers attended an Economic Development meeting in Lochaber today.
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Provost welcomes announcement of new Inverness Justice Centre
Published on 18 Dec 2015Provost of Inverness, Councillor Helen Carmichael, welcomed the announcement yesterday that Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service will be moving out of Inverness Castle to a new site.
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All-abilities access improvements at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre
Published on 14 Dec 2015The Highland Council has submitted a planning application for a new all-abilities crossing over the River Nevis at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. The crossing, which is funded by The Highland Council (£135,000) and Heritage Lottery (£121,000), will replace the existing bridge and is the first phase of a wider £500,000 Nevis Landscape Partnership project which will also provide an all-abilities riverside walk from the Visitor Centre.
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Knitting Festival will bring up to 3,000 visitors to Inverness Loch Ness in 2016
Published on 17 Nov 2015As many as 3,000 additional visitors could be attracted to the Inverness Loch Ness area next year, as the city and surrounds hosts the first ever Inverness Loch Ness International Knitting Festival, tourism organisation Visit Inverness Loch Ness has announced.
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Only the best is good enough for Highland Young Musicians
Published on 10 Nov 2015Over 300 young musicians from across the Highlands have been busy rehearsing for their unique showcase Concerts Festival which will feature the eight diverse groups working under the umbrella of Highland Young Musicians.
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Map to Success - Orienteering events generate over £9 million for economy
Published on 29 Oct 2015Hosting two concurrent international orienteering events in the Highlands proved to be a run-away success bringing in £9.4 million to the Scottish economy, VisitScotland can reveal.
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Bumper Crowds Expected for Halloween Show
Published on 27 Oct 2015The Inverness Winter Festival opens this weekend with the Highland Council’s Halloween shows on Ness Islands on Friday and Saturday (30th and 31st October).
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Highland Apple Day this weekend
Published on 20 Oct 2015The preparations for the Highland’s second Apple Day are almost complete. For those attending the delights of pin the maggot on the apple, who can peel the longest peel and freshly squeezed apple juice await.
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Twenty-second year and still new things to discover and enjoy about highland past
Published on 29 Sep 2015The twenty-second Highland Archaeology Festival gets underway at the end of this week (Friday 2nd October) with another packed programme of events across the Highlands.
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Vision of City Region Deal takes shape
Published on 3 Sep 2015Highland Council has agreed the vision and a list of associated projects to form the basis of the case for the City Region Deal to be presented to the UK and Scottish Governments.
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Blas 2015 takes off again to new heights
Published on 3 Sep 2015The second decade of Blas festivals is launched this weekend with a spectacular series of opening night events in the Blas 2015 programme across the Highlands and in Argyll on Friday 4th September.
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UK Government approves £3m funding for City/Region Deal projects
Published on 25 Aug 2015Projects worth £3million have been approved by the UK Government as an initial allocation of City-Region Deal funding.
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Seashore Film Premier at a Seashore themed Summer Isles Festival
Published on 24 Aug 2015Did you ever want to know what lurks beneath your toes as you paddle in the crystal clear waters of the Highlands? When you dive or snorkel into the waves off the rocky promontories in summer, do you pass a thought to whose homes you are swimming over?
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Summer Isles Festival celebrates stunning local area and talent
Published on 20 Aug 2015The Summer Isles Festival will host the first ever local showcase at Coigach Community Hall on Saturday 29th August.
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Dancing the night away at Blas
Published on 19 Aug 2015There will be ample opportunity to dance the night away at Blas 2015, with three ceilidhs on the programme featuring the very best of Scottish dance bands who are appearing with other top performers.
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Weekend walk to Whiteness Head
Published on 18 Aug 2015The Highland Council Countryside Rangers are inviting people to join them on Sunday (23 August) for a guided walk to Whiteness Head.
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2015 Highland Doors Open Days programme launched
Published on 17 Aug 2015The Highland Doors Open Days programme for 2015 has been launched, with a total of 47 North buildings – new and old – opening their doors in September this year to allow the public to see inside them and find out about their stories.
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Super-sized ship set to sail into Fort William
Published on 12 Aug 2015At 30,000 or so tonnes the MV Adonia, which is due to berth in Fort William on Thursday, will be the largest cruise liner to enter Loch Linnhe in recent times.
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Highland Seashore Roadshow heads to Assynt 2015
Published on 7 Aug 2015A fun-packed day of seaside adventures, activities and displays will be taking place at Clachtoll Beach, in the North West Highlands Geopark, West Sutherland on Tuesday 11th August.
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Class acts marking significant anniversaries at Blas 2015
Published on 28 Jul 2015Three of the top performers at the 2015 Blas festival will be marking significant milestones in their musical careers with the award-winning Kiltearn Fiddlers, Fèis Spè and ‘Acid Croft’ pioneers Shoogenlifty all celebrating a quarter of a century as entertainers.
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Highland Council welcomes orienteers to World and Scottish events
Published on 27 Jul 2015Highland Council gives a warm welcome to orienteering athletes from around the globe competing in the World Orienteering Championships and Scottish 6 Days from 31 Jul-8 Aug
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And…action! VisitScotland premieres Highlands & Skye Movie Map
Published on 27 Jul 2015Visitors to the Highlands are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter, Flash Gordon, James Bond and Batman with the launch of a new movie map.
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Sea to Summit Family Fun Day in Lochaber
Published on 21 Jul 2015The Sea to Summit Project is an arts project involving Lochaber schools and highlights the connections between the mountains and the seashores which characterise Lochaber.
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Anne Lorne’s Big Birthday Bash at Blas
Published on 21 Jul 2015The musical career of one of Scotland’s foremost entertainers will be marked on the opening night of Blas 2015, Friday 4 September, when the festival celebrates the 70th birthday of Anne Lorne Gillies.
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Something fishy going-on at Ranger events
Published on 14 Jul 2015Something fishy is going on as The Highland Council Countryside Rangers team up with Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust to look at life in our rivers and in the Beauly Firth.
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Inverness Gala bumper crowd expected
Published on 13 Jul 2015A bumper crowd is expected to attend The Highland Council’s biggest event of the summer the Inverness Gala which will take place at Bught Park this weekend. (Saturday 18 and 19 July).
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Spirit of Blas 2015 captured on first weekend
Published on 13 Jul 2015One of the highlights of the opening weekend of the Blas 2015 festival will be the appearances of renowned Scottish musician and songwriter Dick Gaughan, whose performances are sure to capture the spirit of Blas 2015 and set the tone for what follows in nine great days of musical entertainment across the Highlands and in Argyll.
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Take a Walk on the Watery side with two family events at Nairn next week
Published on 10 Jul 2015The Highland Council Countryside Rangers are running two events next week that may involve dipping your toes in the water whether it’s by sea at Nairn Beach or on the banks of the River Nairn.
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Wester Ross Wildlife Festival - A day of wildlife events and activities for all the family, as part of Ullapool Pier Day
Published on 8 Jul 2015The Wester Ross Environmental Network has been working with the Highland Seashore Project to bring a one-day wildlife-themed festival to Wester Ross as part of this year’s Ullapool Pier Day which takes place on Saturday (11 July).
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Nairn Paddling Pool
Published on 3 Jul 2015Significant repairs are required for the Paddling Pool at Nairn Links and an assessment of the facility has delayed its opening this season.
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Carr-Bridge Path Closure
Published on 1 Jul 2015The path has been closed at Ellan Wood Carr-Bridge.
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Carbon CLEVER and Belladrum make a “Super” Team
Published on 19 Jun 2015Belladrum Tartan Heart festival, which has a “superheroes” theme this year, is delighted to announce that it has furthered its own local superhero credentials through partnership with the Highland Council’s Carbon CLEVER initiative.
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Grantown 250 celebrations
Published on 18 Jun 2015Grantown is celebrating the laying of the first stone of the first building in the town with an extravaganza spanning eight days and seven themes.
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Schools to be given a free book, celebrating the art and heritage of the local shores, created by pupils from across the Highlands
Published on 17 Jun 2015A free book has been launched inspiring young readers about Scotland’s coast featuring a selection of artwork, stories and poems in English and Gaelic by Highland school pupils. Copies of the paperback book, ‘Beside the Sea’ are to be given out to all Highland schools.
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Thurso Swimming Pool contract awarded
Published on 10 Jun 2015High Life Highland has today announced that the contract to provide new improved facilities at Thurso Swimming Pool has been awarded to local contractor O’Brien Construction Ltd.
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City / Region deal progress for Inverness and the Highlands welcomed
Published on 2 Jun 2015Progress on the preparations being made for two projects valued at £3 million for the City of Inverness and Highland regional economy has been welcomed by Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee.
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Chance to enjoy wild flower walks and a guided hill hike next week with Council Rangers
Published on 1 Jun 2015The Highland Council Rangers have several events coming up next week in the Inverness area, each exploring different local habitats.
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Access to ancient cave restored
Published on 26 May 2015Steps from Rosemarkie beach to the old ‘High’ path – a popular walks that leads to Caird’s Cave have been restored by The Highland Council’s Access Team.
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Museum in Thurso achieves full accreditation
Published on 14 May 2015Caithness Horizons in Thurso has secured Museum Accreditation for the next three years. The award is made by Museums Galleries Scotland and Arts Council England under the 2011 Museum Accreditation Standard.
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Seashore shenanigans going for the double at Keiss and Lybster
Published on 13 May 2015After a fantastic day of fun at Keiss Harbour last year, The Highland Council Countryside Rangers are going for the double on their Seashore Shenanigans event this year.
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Easter with the Highland Countryside Rangers
Published on 1 Apr 2015The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers have organised a number of fun events for all ages to enjoy over the Easter holidays from hunting for dinosaur footprints, taking part in a reptile survey, guided clifftop walks and the chance to explore some wild west scenery to egg hunts and craft sessions.
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Ullapool Harbour improvements bring temporary diversion
Published on 19 Mar 2015Improvements to Ullapool Harbour's linkspan will mean the closure of the port to vehicular traffic from April 20 to May 18.
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The Highland Council helping make our world brilliant with WWF’s Earth Hour
Published on 18 Mar 2015The Highland Council is helping to build a brighter future by supporting WWF’s Earth Hour, a spectacular and symbolic lights out event that focuses the world’s attention on our planet, and the need to protect it.
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Funding boost for Inverness Castle visitor attraction
Published on 6 Mar 2015A significant new city centre visitor attraction proposed for Inverness has received a major funding boost when Members of The Highland Council City of Inverness Area Committee approved £100k Inverness Common Good Funding.
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2015 Ranger Walks, Events and Activities in the Scottish Highlands
Published on 24 Feb 2015Every year, Countryside Rangers throughout the Highlands of Scotland create and deliver hundreds of events, walks, and activities for the locals, tourists and groups of people. From walks, talks, workshops, scrambles, hill walks, day walks, pond dipping, sand castle building and much more, there is something for everyone to spend a day or a couple of hours with any of the Rangers and discover so much more.
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Have a fling with spring in the Highlands
Published on 18 Feb 2015A marketing campaign to inspire people to visit the Highlands this spring and summer has been launched by VisitScotland, in partnership with the Highland Council.
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Council energy engineer nominated for national award
Published on 9 Feb 2015An engineer with The Highland Council’s Energy and Sustainability team has been nominated for a prestigious renewables industry award.
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Area Committee gives support to Countryside Ranger Service
Published on 4 Feb 2015The work of Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers was welcomed today (Wednesday 4 Feb) at the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee as Members gave their support for the wide range of work done by the Rangers and also gave their approval for the 2015/16 programme of events across the area.
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Planning application has been submitted for Inverness Castle North Tower
Published on 23 Dec 2014Highland Council has today submitted a planning application to open up the look-out tower at Inverness Castle as a tourist attraction.
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Inverness Castle lookout tower could boost tourist income
Published on 17 Nov 2014The Highland Council is leading a feasibility study looking at opening up the look-out tower at Inverness Castle as a tourist attraction.
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Chief Executive of Highland Council welcomes Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2014 back to Inverness
Published on 7 Nov 2014Steve Barron, Chief Executive of Highland Council has welcomed the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2014 back to Inverness on 7 November.
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Partners in Highland encouraging public to make 2014 bonfire night safest ever
Published on 27 Oct 2014Multi-agency partners in Highland are appealing to the public to help make the 2014 Bonfire Night one of the safest ever.
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Bumper crowds expected for Halloween spectacular
Published on 24 Oct 2014Both Thursday and Friday's Halloween event has had to be cancelled
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Chance to enjoy Autumnal wanders and stress-free strolls in Badenoch & Strathspey
Published on 23 Oct 2014The Highland Council is inviting people to come and join one of their Countryside Rangers on a couple of relaxing and peaceful autumnal wanders around Badenoch and Strathspey during the first week of November.
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Wester Ross Seashore Festival
Published on 6 Oct 2014A programme of seashore events and activities for all the family, for the week of the 11th - 16th October.
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Chance to dig deep into Highland heritage as twenty-first Highland Archaeology Festival launches
Published on 26 Sep 2014The twenty-first Highland Archaeology Festival gets underway this weekend (Saturday 27th September) with a bumper line-up of events taking place across The Highland Council area.
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Festival Events Continue
Published on 19 Sep 2014The Highland Homecoming Festival continues this weekend (September 20-21) with Inverness Town House and the Northern Meeting Park playing host to two very different events.
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Seashore road-show rolls into Cromarty
Published on 28 Aug 2014On Saturday 6 September there will be big fun family day out at Cromarty when the Highland Seashore Project rolls into the village bringing together a whole host of walks and activities with local groups and organisations.
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Transport arrangements unveiled for the Highland Military Tattoo
Published on 27 Aug 2014The organisers of the Highland Military Tattoo taking place at Fort George in early September have unveiled plans for a shuttle bus service to the event.
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West Point Hellcats join Tattoo line-up
Published on 19 Aug 2014The headline international act at the Highland Military Tattoo is to be one of the most famous military bands in the USA.
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Wester Ross selected for EU Tourism project
Published on 18 Aug 2014Against stiff competition from areas across Europe, Wester Ross in the Highlands has been selected to be part of a European tourism project to help the area measure, monitor and enhance the sustainability of its tourism management.
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Lochaber youngster in Tattoo spotlight
Published on 14 Aug 2014A talented Lochaber youngster will be taking centre stage at the Highland Military Tattoo.
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Top Gaelic singer joins tattoo line-up
Published on 12 Aug 2014One of Scotland’s best known Gaelic singers has joined the line-up of the Highland Military Tattoo.
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Bicentenary of the Strathnaver Clearances
Published on 22 Jul 2014This year Strathnaver Museum, with the help of the local community, are staging a programme of events to mark the bicentenary of the Strathnaver Clearances.
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Inverness Highland Games review
Published on 21 Jul 2014The City of Inverness Highland Games started and finished with two unforgettable record breaking performances before a delighted crowd of over 3500 spectators.
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Inverness Highland Games Preview
Published on 16 Jul 2014A bumper crowd is expected to attend Saturday’s Inverness Highland Games following the announcement by the Games Committee that children aged 12 and under will be admitted free to the event as part of the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of Northern Meeting Park.
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Peeking into the pond at Craigellachie National Nature Reserve
Published on 16 Jul 2014Locals and holiday makers are invited to come and join in the fun at Craigellachie National Nature Reserve in Aviemore on Wednesday 23 July for an afternoon of pond dipping.
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The return of the Nairn Seashore Roadshow
Published on 15 Jul 2014It’s all happening in Nairn this Friday (18 July) with free seashore activities, arts and craft sessions, events and games on the Links at Nairn’s Central Beach from 11am to 4pm.
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Crowds cheer as Baton visits Ross-shire, Sutherland and Caithness
Published on 10 Jul 2014Yesterday (Wednesday 9 July) the sun shone as crowds turned out in three areas across the Highlands – Ross-shire, Sutherland and Caithness – to cheer when the Queen’s Baton made its way from the West Coast to the North Coast.
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Skye Festival/ Fèis an Eilein programme announced including world premiere of ‘Aiseag’
Published on 8 Jul 2014SEALL (Skye Events for All) has announced its programme for the Skye Festival (Fèis an Eilein) which runs across the whole of July and August in the Sleat Peninsula in the south of the Isle of Skye .
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Peek in the pond event
Published on 8 Jul 2014The Highland Council’s Rangers are inviting families to come and join them at Revack Estate in Badenoch and Strathspey on Wednesday 16 July to look for creatures living under the water.
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Highlands get set to welcome the world
Published on 7 Jul 2014From sheepdogs to star-gazing, fiddlers to fly-pasts, strong-men to sound sessions, the Highlands are getting ready to take centre stage during September and October with a two-month long programme celebrating the Year of Homecoming.
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Highlands get set to welcome the world
Published on 7 Jul 2014From sheepdogs to star-gazing, fiddlers to fly-pasts, strong-men to sound sessions, the Highlands are getting ready to take centre stage during September and October with a two-month long programme celebrating the Year of Homecoming.
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Crowds cheer as Baton arrives in Aviemore
Published on 4 Jul 2014Cheering crowds were there to welcome the Queen's Baton Relay when it arrived in Aviemore this morning.
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First Highland sighting of Queens Baton to be in Aviemore next week
Published on 27 Jun 2014The first chance to see the 2014 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton in the Highlands will be a week today when the relay arrives in Aviemore on Friday 4 July.
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Convener wishes batonbearers well
Published on 12 Jun 2014The Glasgow 2014 team have announced the names of the 109 batonbearers who will take part when the Queens Baton Relay comes to the Highlands next month.
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All aboard for the Keith and Dufftown Railway 1940s weekend
Published on 10 Jun 2014Keith and Dufftown Railway will be back in the 1940s this weekend (Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June) with special train trips between Keith and Dufftown, railway staff in 1940s costumes, and wartime-themed displays for visitors.
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The Highlands prepare to celebrate as Queens Baton Relay draws nearer
Published on 4 Jun 2014With just a month to go until the Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay arrives in the Highlands, communities across the area are busy preparing to mark this once in a lifetime occasion.
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Highland Homecoming exhibition reaches Skye and Strathpeffer
Published on 4 Jun 2014“Needed on a Journey”– a special new Homecoming exhibition roving around the Highlands as part of Homecoming 2014 – reaches the next two stops on its travels this week as it arrives in the Skye & Lochalsh Archive Centre in Portree and at the Highland Museum of Childhood Museum in Strathpeffer.
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Progress made on River Ness public art programme
Published on 3 Jun 2014Progress on a public art project along the banks of the River Ness within the centre of Inerness City has been welcomed by Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee.
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National recognition for 12 Highland Beaches
Published on 30 May 2014A record-breaking 61 beaches have been recognised this year, including 12 beaches in Highland being awarded Seaside Awards.
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Join us on Highland Doors Open Days programme
Published on 28 May 2014People with interesting buildings in The Highland Council area which are not normally open to the public are being invited to open them up for a day as part of the Highland Doors Open Days programme in September this year.
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We welcome the return of Highland Military Tattoo
Published on 14 May 2014Highland Councillors have welcomed the announcement of the return of The Highland Military Tattoo to Fort George near Inverness later this year (4 - 7 September 2014).
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Relocated VisitScotland information service sees 55% increase in visitor enquiries
Published on 8 Apr 2014Issued by VISIT SCOTLAND A full year on from the relocation of the Thurso VisitScotland information service to Caithness Horizons has seen a 55% increase in footfall.
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Partnership to manage one of Scotland’s must see destinations in heart of Cairngorms National Park
Published on 25 Mar 2014Public agencies are coming together to make the most of one of Scotland’s most iconic places at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
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Council welcomes Historic Scotland investment in Inverness landmark
Published on 20 Mar 2014Leader of the City of Inverness Area Councillor Ian Brown has welcomed Historic Scotland’s announcement.
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Nairn public meetings to focus on tourism and town centre regeneration
Published on 20 Mar 2014Tourism and events will be the main focus of the next Highland Council Nairn Ward Forum which will take place on Monday 31 March at the Court House in Nairn from 3pm to 5pm.
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Ferrycroft Visitor Centre set to open at Easter
Published on 14 Mar 2014Issued in by High Life Highland The Highland Council has asked High Life Highland to operate Ferrycroft Visitor Centre in Lairg.
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Workers’ memorial to feature in River Ness arts project
Published on 13 Feb 2014A Workers’ Memorial is to be created and located on the west side of the River Ness as an important feature of the River Connections public art project being promoted in Inverness city centre.
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Highland Homecoming project gets underway
Published on 12 Feb 2014A programme of special heritage events to celebrate the heritage of the Highland and Moray Council areas during Homecoming Scotland 2014 is to be launched.
Sub-categories of Tourism and visitor attractions
- Eating and drinking
- Attractions
- Sports and outdoor pursuits
- Tourist information
- Tours, cruises and itineraries
- UCI Cycling World Championship
- Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme
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