The grants will support 34 community transport providers, including seven new recipients. These services play a vital role in helping people access essential services, connecting communities, and addressing local transport challenges.
Cllr Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, stated: “The role of community transport has expanded significantly in recent years and is now an integral part of a sustainable and resilient transport network across the Highlands. It is important we continue to support, develop and integrate community transport as part of the wider transport network, enabling providers to respond to local needs and realise their full potential in supporting local communities.”
At a meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, members agreed to award grants for 2027/28 to 34 groups, including significant allocations to Caithness Voluntary Group (£43,500), South West Ross Community Car Scheme (£43,500), Care Lochaber (£42,000), and Transport for Tongue Limited (£37,000).
Community transport has traditionally been associated with volunteer car schemes, community minibus operations and accessible transport services. However, many operators now deliver school transport and other contracted services in local communities, alongside innovative approaches to transport delivery, such as the partnership between The Highland Council, NHS Highland, and community transport providers supporting renal patient transport to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
Demand for funding remains strong, highlighting the vital role community transport plays across the Highlands. Insight from the grant application process will help inform the development of a future Community Transport Strategy for the Highlands.
