Rural communities across Highland will have the opportunity to access more than £1 million in funding aimed at improving community assets and addressing inequalities affecting children, young people, and families. The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to submit applications for projects that align with these two key priorities.
Funding is available through two streams. For community asset improvements, small grants of up to £10,000 will cover revenue costs, while larger grants of up to £25,000 will cover capital projects. For initiatives tackling inequalities, small grants of up to £10,000 and larger grants of up to £25,000 will support revenue costs. Small grants will be assessed on a rolling basis, opening on 28 April, with initial approvals expected by mid-May.
Larger grants will follow a two-stage process. Expressions of Interest (EOI) open on 13 April and must be submitted by 24 April. Successful EOIs will then be invited to submit full applications, with final funding decisions anticipated by the end of June. All projects must be based on current costs supported by valid quotes, be ready to start by 1 July 2026 (or earlier for small grants), and be completed with claims submitted by 28 February 2027.
Eligibility is restricted to rural areas across Highland, excluding Inverness City and Badenoch & Strathspey, where separate arrangements apply. Full guidance and criteria for applicants will be available on the Highland Council website by 13 April 2026.
