Committee approves to transfer Council Ranger service

Members of The Highland Council’s Places Committee have today (Thursday 15 June) agreed proposals to transfer the Highland Council Ranger service to High Life Highland.

The Council’s Ranger Service is one of the largest local authority ranger services in Scotland with staff running many events and guided to raise awareness and encourage the appreciation of the scenery, wildlife and heritage of the Highlands.

Chair of the Places Committee, Councillor Allan Henderson said:  “In the last few years the number of Rangers has fallen from 22 to 10.5FTE to meet saving targets. I believe that this proposal to transfer the team to High Life Highland is a great opportunity for the Ranger Service to grow and continue to play its’ important role in our schools and communities.”

Following the Committee’s decision work to progress the transfer will be taken forward and concluded later this year.  In the meantime the Ranger Service will operate as normal. The 2017 event booklet, available in libraries and service points, features over 240 guided walks and events for all ages and abilities to enjoy; from puffin watching in Caithness and bat viewing in Lochaber to hillwalking in Wester Ross and family-friendly rockpool exploring in Rosemarkie and minibeast magic in Inverness. Many of the events are timed to coincide with the school summer holidays. So if you have children to entertain this summer what better way than take them out with the Ranger and let them use their energy and creativity and learn about their environment?

Full details of all the Ranger events and activities taking place across the Highlands are available by visiting  www.highland.gov.uk/outdoorhighlands   Facebook - @HighlandCouncilCountrysideRangers