Highland Council Approves Independent Review of Licensing Arrangements

External review to examine governance, decision-making, and improvement opportunities following a council motion.

Highland Council Approves Independent Review of Licensing Arrangements

Scotland Office

Members of The Highland Council have approved the commissioning of an independent external review into the council's licensing arrangements.

The decision follows a council motion approved on 17 September 2026. The review will examine governance, decision-making processes, and identify opportunities for improvement.
An external reviewer will be appointed to commence the review as soon as possible. An interim report is expected to be presented to The Highland Council before the end of March 2027.
While the independent review is underway, the council is exploring additional training opportunities with partners, including Police Scotland.
Councillors were also informed that membership of the Highland Licensing Committee has been separated from the Highland Licensing Board. New members have been appointed to the Highland Licensing Committee, and training has already taken place.
Based on information from the official source: The Highland Council (05/11/2026)