[This fortnightly briefing from Highland Council brings together a wide range of updates, opportunities, and useful information for community groups, organisations, and residents. Strathdearn Community Website has converted it into a more readable format. The original document can be accessed from HERE]
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
Welcome to the fortnightly Community Briefing delivered in collaboration with the Highland Community Planning Partnership and Highland Council, containing information about funding, training, support, resources, and news for Highland wide and local communities.
If you have anything you want included in a future Briefing, please email:
communitybriefing@highland.gov.uk
To join the mailing list complete this short form:
FUNDING
Tesco Stronger Starts
Tesco Stronger Starts funds thousands of local community projects across Scotland and the UK.
Eligible Tesco stores in:
- Thurso
- Wick
- Ullapool
- Tain
Applications are welcome from groups and projects that support children and young people with a stronger start in life.
A wide range of projects fit the bill, including:
- Improving school playgrounds
- Biodiversity projects
- Growing and food projects
- Outdoor play and adventure
- Community arts projects
- Purchasing kit for healthy activities
Projects that include a food element (for example providing a healthy snack or lunch) are currently being prioritised.
The scheme provides grants of up to £1,500.
To find out more or apply, please visit the Tesco Stronger Starts page.
National Lottery – Glasgow 2026 Activities
The National Lottery is investing an extra £2.2 million to help communities across Scotland deliver Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games-inspired activities.
Through Awards for All Scotland, groups can apply for up to £10,000 to:
- Boost participation in arts and sport
- Strengthen communities
- Support wellbeing
- Celebrate diversity
- Create a lasting local legacy
Community Regeneration Funding
Historically, Community Regeneration Funding (CRF) was primarily accessed through open calls for projects.
These often led to oversubscription, causing disappointment and frustration among applicants.
As CRF moves away from open calls, the first resource to help prioritise funding will be the BeConnected map.
Decision-makers will use this map to identify eligible projects in their area and consider which best align with the fund’s outcomes.
Those invited to progress will receive feedback and be asked to submit an Expression of Interest, outlining their project’s current development stage and key details.
Expressions of Interest will then be assessed and presented to decision-making groups, which will select projects to proceed to a full application.
Community Regeneration Funding brings together a range of external, community-led funding programmes.
While the overall approach is moving away from open calls, individual funds may operate under different governance arrangements and application processes.
Funding Opportunity – Highland Local Action Group
An opportunity for rural communities to apply for funding to support their projects is now open.
The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for grants of up to £10,000.
Read more and find full details via the Highland Local Action Group information.
National Lottery Awards for All Scotland
The National Lottery funds projects that bring people together and help communities across Scotland thrive.
Social connections and community activities are at the heart of healthier, happier lives, which is why they support community-led projects.
Further information, including application guidance, is available on the Awards for All Scotland website.
National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) – Strengthening Organisations
This funding is for organisations in Scotland that are currently funded.
It supports organisations wishing to:
- Try out new ideas
- Develop their organisation
- Improve their current work
Deadline: Ongoing
Service Pupil Support Programme
The Service Pupil Support programme sits within the MOD’s dedicated Armed Forces Families Fund.
The MOD has partnered with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to administer the AF3 Fund.
Under this programme, grants will support service children along their educational pathway.
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Warmer Homes Scotland
Need help to make your home warmer?
If you need help reducing heating bills and making your home cosier, you could receive support worth £10,000 or more from the Scottish Government.
Eligible improvements include heating and insulation measures designed to make homes warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat.
CARES Funding – 2026/27
CARES funding is now open for applications for the 2026/27 funding year.
CARES supports a wide range of community energy projects, including:
- Community ownership of renewable technologies
- Renewable systems in community buildings
- Community benefit projects
- Shared ownership opportunities
Applications are now open and will be processed and assessed in order received.
Hydro Community Fund
SSE Renewables has launched a £10 million community fund for communities hosting hydro assets.
Fund priorities include:
- Protecting the natural environment
- Sustainable community transport
- Affordable housing initiatives
- Home energy efficiency
- Economic growth and social enterprise
- Community assets such as halls, hubs and paths
- Arts, culture, sport and recreation
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Education, skills and employment opportunities
All project areas will be considered equally.
BeConnected Highland – Put Your Community Project on the Map
The Highland Council is piloting BeConnected, a digital platform supporting community organisations to access funding, in-kind support and collaboration opportunities.
Community groups can highlight priority projects on an interactive online map, making them visible to funders and potential partners.
Groups are encouraged to:
- Explore the map
- Familiarise themselves with their Area Place Plan
- Add their projects
This helps funders understand grassroots activity and track developing proposals.
The Robertson Trust
The Robertson Trust provides funding to third-sector organisations helping people and communities in Scotland living with poverty and trauma.
Information on eligibility, funding priorities and resources is available through the Trust.
Robertson Trust – Supporting Resilience Fund
The Supporting Resilience Fund offers £2,000–£10,000 to Small Grant Holders to strengthen their organisations from within.
Funding supports:
- Leadership and governance
- Strategic planning
- Financial planning
- Systems and infrastructure
- Organisational development
- Sustainability planning
- Staff and volunteer wellbeing
This funding is intended for organisational resilience rather than programme delivery.
Community Briefing – 05.06.26
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
Welcome to the fortnightly Community Briefing delivered in collaboration with the Highland Community Planning Partnership and Highland Council, containing information about funding, training, support, resources, and news for Highland wide and local communities.
If you have anything you want included in a future Briefing, please email:
communitybriefing@highland.gov.uk
To join the mailing list complete this short form:
FUNDING
Tesco Stronger Starts
Tesco Stronger Starts funds thousands of local community projects across Scotland and the UK.
Eligible Tesco stores in:
- Thurso
- Wick
- Ullapool
- Tain
Applications are welcome from groups and projects that support children and young people with a stronger start in life.
A wide range of projects fit the bill, including:
- Improving school playgrounds
- Biodiversity projects
- Growing and food projects
- Outdoor play and adventure
- Community arts projects
- Purchasing kit for healthy activities
Projects that include a food element (for example providing a healthy snack or lunch) are currently being prioritised.
The scheme provides grants of up to £1,500.
To find out more or apply, please visit the Tesco Stronger Starts page.
National Lottery – Glasgow 2026 Activities
The National Lottery is investing an extra £2.2 million to help communities across Scotland deliver Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games-inspired activities.
Through Awards for All Scotland, groups can apply for up to £10,000 to:
- Boost participation in arts and sport
- Strengthen communities
- Support wellbeing
- Celebrate diversity
- Create a lasting local legacy
Community Regeneration Funding
Historically, Community Regeneration Funding (CRF) was primarily accessed through open calls for projects.
These often led to oversubscription, causing disappointment and frustration among applicants.
As CRF moves away from open calls, the first resource to help prioritise funding will be the BeConnected map.
Decision-makers will use this map to identify eligible projects in their area and consider which best align with the fund’s outcomes.
Those invited to progress will receive feedback and be asked to submit an Expression of Interest, outlining their project’s current development stage and key details.
Expressions of Interest will then be assessed and presented to decision-making groups, which will select projects to proceed to a full application.
Community Regeneration Funding brings together a range of external, community-led funding programmes.
While the overall approach is moving away from open calls, individual funds may operate under different governance arrangements and application processes.
Funding Opportunity – Highland Local Action Group
An opportunity for rural communities to apply for funding to support their projects is now open.
The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for grants of up to £10,000.
Read more and find full details via the Highland Local Action Group information.
National Lottery Awards for All Scotland
The National Lottery funds projects that bring people together and help communities across Scotland thrive.
Social connections and community activities are at the heart of healthier, happier lives, which is why they support community-led projects.
Further information, including application guidance, is available on the Awards for All Scotland website.
National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) – Strengthening Organisations
This funding is for organisations in Scotland that are currently funded.
It supports organisations wishing to:
- Try out new ideas
- Develop their organisation
- Improve their current work
Deadline: Ongoing
Service Pupil Support Programme
The Service Pupil Support programme sits within the MOD’s dedicated Armed Forces Families Fund.
The MOD has partnered with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to administer the AF3 Fund.
Under this programme, grants will support service children along their educational pathway.
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Warmer Homes Scotland
Need help to make your home warmer?
If you need help reducing heating bills and making your home cosier, you could receive support worth £10,000 or more from the Scottish Government.
Eligible improvements include heating and insulation measures designed to make homes warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat.
CARES Funding – 2026/27
CARES funding is now open for applications for the 2026/27 funding year.
CARES supports a wide range of community energy projects, including:
- Community ownership of renewable technologies
- Renewable systems in community buildings
- Community benefit projects
- Shared ownership opportunities
Applications are now open and will be processed and assessed in order received.
Hydro Community Fund
SSE Renewables has launched a £10 million community fund for communities hosting hydro assets.
Fund priorities include:
- Protecting the natural environment
- Sustainable community transport
- Affordable housing initiatives
- Home energy efficiency
- Economic growth and social enterprise
- Community assets such as halls, hubs and paths
- Arts, culture, sport and recreation
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Education, skills and employment opportunities
All project areas will be considered equally.
BeConnected Highland – Put Your Community Project on the Map
The Highland Council is piloting BeConnected, a digital platform supporting community organisations to access funding, in-kind support and collaboration opportunities.
Community groups can highlight priority projects on an interactive online map, making them visible to funders and potential partners.
Groups are encouraged to:
- Explore the map
- Familiarise themselves with their Area Place Plan
- Add their projects
This helps funders understand grassroots activity and track developing proposals.
The Robertson Trust
The Robertson Trust provides funding to third-sector organisations helping people and communities in Scotland living with poverty and trauma.
Information on eligibility, funding priorities and resources is available through the Trust.
Robertson Trust – Supporting Resilience Fund
The Supporting Resilience Fund offers £2,000–£10,000 to Small Grant Holders to strengthen their organisations from within.
Funding supports:
- Leadership and governance
- Strategic planning
- Financial planning
- Systems and infrastructure
- Organisational development
- Sustainability planning
- Staff and volunteer wellbeing
This funding is intended for organisational resilience rather than programme delivery.
SSEN Distribution – Community Funding
Almost £350,000 has been awarded to successful applicants in the 2025 round of SSEN Distribution’s Powering Communities to Net Zero Fund.
A total of 25 projects across the Highlands, Western Isles, Argyll, Perthshire, Angus, Aberdeen City, Shetland and Aberdeenshire are receiving grants.
Successful projects include:
- Installation of heat pumps
- Solar panels at community hubs
- Purchase of pavement gritters
- Flood-protection equipment
The fund has two aims:
- To support groups reducing carbon emissions through technologies such as solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers and heat pumps.
- To help communities become better prepared for severe weather and power outages.
The fund has a total value of £3 million and runs annually until Spring 2028.
HTSI Funding Bulletin
HTSI produces a monthly Funding Bulletin for members detailing current funding opportunities across Highland.
They also provide workshops for staff and volunteers in Highland’s third sector and distribute funds on behalf of public sector agencies.
Further information is available via HTSI Funding.
National Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund offers a number of funding programmes including:
- Awards for All
- Community Action
- Scottish Land Fund
- Climate Action Fund
Many programmes have a specific focus on Scotland.
S4GI Community Benefit Fund
S4GI partner Cellnex UK has grants of up to £2,000 available to support initiatives focused on:
- Digital projects
- Community wellbeing
- Learning and development
- Other community initiatives
Priority will be given to projects located near one of the 55 S4GI mobile mast sites.
Further information and eligibility criteria are available on the Cellnex website.
NEWS
Directories
The Highland Community Planning Partnership website now has a page dedicated to Directories.
It includes links to:
- ALISS
- Highland Directory of Services
- Highland Mental Wellbeing
Highlands & Islands Climate Collective
The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub has launched the Highlands and Islands Climate Collective.
This initiative provides a space for young people aged 16–30 in Highland, Orkney and Shetland who are passionate about climate action.
The Collective highlights opportunities for young people to:
- Take action on the climate emergency
- Connect with community groups and organisations
- Build skills leading to sustainable careers
Highland Power of Attorney Month 2026
NHS Highland and The Highland Council have launched Highland Power of Attorney Month, a public awareness campaign running throughout June 2026 encouraging every adult across Highland to consider putting a Power of Attorney (PoA) in place.
The campaign follows research published by the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement showing:
- Fewer than 1 in 10 adults across Great Britain have an up-to-date Power of Attorney.
- 45% have never considered putting one in place.
The briefing also promotes YouTube videos featuring David Fraser, Chair of The Highland Council Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, discussing:
- What Power of Attorney is really about
- Common misunderstandings surrounding Power of Attorney
Short Term Let Control Areas – Have Your Say
A public consultation has opened on proposals to introduce Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) in Highland.
The aim is to strike a better balance between tourism growth and local housing need.
Proposals cover:
Inverness City STLCA
Including:
- Inverness West
- Inverness Central
- Inverness Ness-side
- Inverness Millburn
- Parts of Inverness South including Westhill, Milton of Leys and Slackbuie
Highland Rural STLCA
Including:
- Lochaber
- Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh
- Sutherland
- Skye and Raasay
- Aird and Loch Ness
- Parts of Inverness South including Tomatin and Daviot
Residents, communities, businesses and the tourism sector are invited to take part in the consultation.
Public drop-in events are also being held across Highland.
NHS Stakeholder Briefing
The latest NHS Stakeholder Briefing includes information on publication of the NHS Highland Director of Public Health Report 2025.
The report focuses on:
- Early investment as a moral imperative
- Cost-effective action for system leaders
It also marks the tenth anniversary of the Highland Children’s Unit.
The full briefing is available in the attached document.
Armed Forces Covenant
Highland Council and NHS Highland continue to support Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families through delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty.
Further information is available through the Highland Council.
Highland Equalities & LGBTQ+ Young People’s Networks
Young people living in the Highlands are invited to help shape the new Highland Equalities Network and LGBTQ+ Network.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Share their voice
- Work alongside other young people and adults
- Influence positive change across Highland
There is no deadline to register interest.
Meetings with interested young people are expected to begin after the summer break, around August/September.
For further information contact:
Together We Care
Eleven Highland communities have come together to support one another in responding to changes in health and social care delivery.
They are consulting on proposals to establish a Highland Community Health and Social Care Network.
The proposed network would provide:
- Dialogue
- Information sharing
- Mutual support
Stakeholders and third sector organisations are invited to complete consultation questionnaires.
Responses are requested by Friday 19 June.
Highland Senior Citizens Network
The Highland Senior Citizens Network website features news and information on:
- Benefits of social connection
- Creative sessions
- Games
- Rewilding
- Veterans’ advocacy
- Youth mentoring
- Intergenerational events
- Community lunch clubs
- Dementia support
- Fire safety visits
- Vitamin D guidance
- Flu vaccination
- Energy-saving advice
Highland Repair Directory
The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub has welcomed the Highland Repair Directory to its list of projects supporting communities.
The online resource makes it easier for people to:
- Share items
- Repair possessions
- Reduce landfill waste
- Avoid unnecessary replacement purchases
Free Period Products
Free period products are available across Highland to everyone who needs them.
Products can be accessed through:
- Community locations
- Home delivery
- Schools
Further information on availability and access is available through Highland Council.
TRAINING / EVENTS
Community Car Wash
Support the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Fortrose Community Fire Station Community Car Wash.
Date: Saturday 6 June
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Hot drinks, cakes and a raffle will also be available.
NHS Social Prescribing Group
Are you interested in finding out more about social prescribing?
The Highland Social Prescribing Group has been developing a social prescribing framework for Highland and invites interested individuals and organisations to attend events across Highland.
Remaining events:
- Inverness – 8 June
- Fort William – 18 June
Registration is via the Eventbrite links provided in the original briefing.
Carers Week 2026
Join Connecting Carers in celebrating Carers Week 2026, taking place from 8–14 June.
Throughout the week, events will take place across Highland, creating opportunities for unpaid carers to:
- Connect with others
- Access support
- Share experiences
- Focus on their wellbeing
This year’s theme is:
“Building Carer Friendly Communities”
Activities include:
- Community walks
- Local café drop-ins
- Guided meditation
- Pamper sessions
Further information and booking are available through the Connecting Carers website.
The Nation’s 5K
A free 5 km community run will be hosted in Inverness.
Date: 27 June 2026
The event forms part of The Nation’s 5K initiative encouraging communities to get active together.
What’s On – South Inverness (June 2026)
A range of activities are available throughout June including:
- Carers Support Groups
- Feel Good Fitness with High Life Highland
- Community wellbeing activities
Please see the accompanying document for the full programme.
Work and Wellbeing Event
A Work and Wellbeing event will take place at:
Caol Community Centre
The event offers:
- Job opportunities
- Information
- Advice
- Community support
- Mental health support
- Assistance with cost-of-living issues
Everyone is welcome.
Alcohol Brief Interventions Training
This course is intended for anyone who may benefit from discussing alcohol use with service users to support informed choices.
Participants should first complete the required eLearning module.
Online training dates include:
- 11 June
- 26 August
The aim is to support embedding and ongoing delivery of Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs).
Training is available through Turas Learn.
EMPLOYABILITY & VOLUNTEERING
Connecting Carers
Connecting Carers is a Highland-based charity providing support to unpaid carers.
This includes people caring for:
- Loved ones
- Friends
- Neighbours
because of:
- Illness
- Disability
- Mental health conditions
- Age-related needs
Further information is provided in the attached flyer and poster.
Childminding Academy
Work.Life.Highland has partnered with the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) for a third year to provide Childminding Academy training.
SCMA funding supports 15 places in Highland.
SCMA provides:
- One year of public liability insurance
- Information sessions supporting Care Inspectorate applications
- Regular drop-in sessions
- Start-up business funding of £750 (after registration)
- Online childminding business courses
- Tailored group and individual support
- Promotion through the SCMA “Find a Childminder” search engine
- Food Health and Hygiene certification
Work.Life.Highland can also support with:
- Dedicated key worker mentoring
- Funding assistance for:
- PVG membership
- Disclosure Scotland
- Care Inspectorate registration fees
- GP Health Declaration fees
- ICO/GDPR registration
- Paediatric First Aid
- Launch Pad funding while supported by a childminding key worker
For more information contact:
Highland Adult Learning Development Group
The Highland Adult Learning Development Group has published its first bulletin.
The HALDG Newsletter is available via the published link or QR code contained within the original briefing.
Volunteer Academy
The Highland Volunteering Academy is dedicated to promoting volunteering across Highland communities.
It offers opportunities tailored to the evolving needs of communities and aims to encourage wider participation in volunteering.
MyJobScotland
A source of public sector and third sector vacancies across Scotland.
totaljobs
A source of private sector job vacancies.
Work.Life.Highland
Work.Life.Highland provides one-stop support for:
- Job seekers
- Low-income parents
- Employers
Services include:
- Advice
- Training
- Employability support
Information on news, events and contact details is available through the Work.Life.Highland website.
HTSI Fellowship Programme
The HTSI Fellowship Programme advances volunteer practice through:
- Targeted learning
- Collaboration
- Grants for study visits
- Learning visits
HTSI currently has four live Fellowships open for application.
Full details are available through the Volunteer Academy website.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
Highland Mental Wellbeing
The Highland Mental Wellbeing website provides a directory of:
- Mental health services
- Information and resources
- Training opportunities
It also includes guidance and resources for community volunteers, service volunteers and paid staff working in helping or supporting roles.
Prevent Suicide Highland App
The Prevent Suicide Highland App is an easy-to-use resource designed to help should you ever find yourself:
- In distress
- Feeling hopeless
- Experiencing suicidal thoughts
The app is available on:
- Google Play (Android)
- Apple App Store (iPhone and iPad)
Think Health Think Nature
Taking time to enjoy local outdoor green space can bring significant health benefits.
Getting outdoors is good for:
- Physical wellbeing
- Mental wellbeing
- Social wellbeing
Regardless of age or ability, there are opportunities for everyone to benefit from spending time in nature.
Trail Therapy for Young People – Now Open
Trail Therapy is now accepting referrals for young people aged 16–25 for sessions in Fort William.
Following a successful first programme in Kinlochleven, participants received:
- Hands-on coaching on mountain bike trails
- Tools and techniques to combat stress
- Support to reduce anxiety
- Opportunities to improve wellbeing
One participant commented:
“This experience was more than just a physical challenge; it opened a door to new adventures and provided a deep sense of personal validation.”
Referrals are now being accepted for the next programme.
If you or someone you know is affected by:
- Poor mental health
- Stress
- Anxiety
Trail Therapy may be worth considering.
Expressions of interest can be submitted using the referral form linked in the original briefing.
Being with Babies Outdoors Toolkit
The Being with Babies Outdoors Toolkit was launched in March 2026 through an online webinar.
Developed in partnership with the Open University, it supports understanding of the benefits of spending time outdoors with babies.
The webinar is available to watch on YouTube.
Screen Time Guidance for Under 5s
Juggling family life and raising children in a digital world can be challenging.
Guidance is available to help families support healthy screen habits for children under five years of age.
Suicide Intervention and Prevention Programme
This course is available to people working within the Highland area.
Who it is for:
Staff who have patient, client, service user or public contact and who:
- Have received no previous suicide awareness training, or
- Last completed training more than three years ago
Course delivery
The programme consists of two separate two-hour sessions.
Participants must attend both sessions to complete the training.
Sessions are normally held one week apart.
Booking is available through Turas | My Turas | Home.
Mental Health and Wellbeing – Self-Harm Awareness
This course focuses on understanding and supporting people who self-harm.
Who it is for:
Anyone working with or supporting people who self-harm or who may be at risk of self-harm.
- Three-hour online session
- Various dates available
Booking is available through Turas | My Turas | Home.
COMMUNITY SAFETY & RESILIENCE
Consultation on Digitisation of Herbert Protocol Forms
Police Scotland is seeking views on proposals to digitise information used to help trace missing people living with dementia.
Currently, families and carers complete and maintain a Herbert Protocol form, which is handed to police if someone with dementia goes missing.
The form records valuable information allowing officers to respond more quickly during the critical first hour of an investigation.
Feedback from families and carers has highlighted the stress of maintaining and storing paper copies.
Police Scotland’s National Missing Persons Unit is therefore consulting with:
- Professionals
- Carers
- The dementia community
- Members of the public
on possible digitisation of the process.
The public consultation survey is now open.
Closing date: Sunday 2 August 2026.
New Ready Scotland Website
The new Ready Scotland website is now live.
Resources include information on:
- Creating emergency plans
- Staying safe during storms
- Emergency preparedness
- Learning materials for resilience planning
Home Energy Scotland
Home Energy Scotland advisors provide practical advice to help households:
- Reduce energy consumption
- Save money
- Improve energy efficiency
- Create warmer homes
Support includes information on grants and tailored energy-saving advice.
Free helpline: 0808 808 2282
Website:
https://homeenergyscotland.org
Home Fire Safety Visits
Information is available explaining:
- What a Home Fire Safety Visit is
- Who is eligible
- How to arrange a visit
Further details can be found through the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
ALIenergy
ALIenergy supports Highland residents experiencing fuel poverty by providing energy advice and practical assistance.
Support may include:
- Advice on energy bills and payment methods
- Guidance on heating controls and efficient energy use
- Fuel vouchers for eligible pre-payment meter customers
- Applications to schemes supporting:
- Energy costs
- Replacement white goods
- Fuel debt relief
(subject to eligibility and funding availability)
Further information is available through the ALIenergy website.
Met Office Weather Warnings
Up-to-date weather warnings and severe weather information are available from the Met Office.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts and warnings, particularly during periods of adverse weather.
