The committee met on 9 November 2026 and reviewed the original decision regarding a Short Term Let Control Area for the Black Isle and Easter Ross. The decision was based on local evidence presented to the committee.
As of July 2026, there were 442 licensed short-term lets across the Cromarty Firth, Tain and Easter Ross, and Black Isle wards. This represents a marginal increase from 428 in July 2025. The majority of these properties are detached dwellings or unconventional accommodation such as pods and chalets.
Data from the past six years indicates that the rate of new-build housing completions becoming short-term lets was below the Highland-wide average of 4.7%. Specifically, rates were 1.4% in Cromarty Firth, 3.5% in Tain and Easter Ross, and 3.7% in the Black Isle. Similarly, house sales subsequently granted secondary letting licences were 1.0% in Cromarty Firth, 3.4% in Tain and Easter Ross, and 1.8% in the Black Isle, all below the Highland average of 4.7%.
Councillor Lyndsey Johnston, Chair of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee, stated, “Our decision must be led by the local evidence, which clearly shows that short-term lets in the Black Isle and Easter Ross remain well below the Highland average and are not currently driving local housing pressures. However, we recognise the importance of housing availability to our communities, which is why the Committee has agreed to keep this data under continual review so we can act promptly should local market conditions change.”
The committee also received updates on Community Transport, Common Good Funds, and the Black Isle Place Plan. The Common Good Funds continue to support asset management and maintenance, with a focus on bringing the East Church Hall in Cromarty back into productive community use. Forecast year-end usable revenue reserves for 2026/27 were noted for Fortrose and Rosemarkie (£333,573), Tain (£286,865), Invergordon (£89,251), and Cromarty (£45,891).
In terms of Community Transport, the committee supported redirecting £6,100 per year from an underused early-morning school holiday bus journey between Cromarty and Dingwall into flexible Community Transport provision. Approximately £30,000 in developer contributions has also been secured in Evanton to support local community transport development. Three-year Highland-wide community transport grant recommendations (2027–2030) will be presented to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 12 November 2026.
Progress on the Black Isle Place Plan was also presented, highlighting work on affordable housing, transport, environmental stewardship, and youth engagement. Projects include exploring training and employment opportunities, investigating housing options, supporting youth involvement in community development, and exploring the potential for a winter ferry service for workers travelling to Nigg. The group is also working with environmental partners on marine management, sustainable land use, and biodiversity objectives.
Ward Discretionary Budget grants totalling £29,047.58 were awarded across Cromarty Firth (£7,415.33), Tain and Easter Ross (£13,422.25), and the Black Isle (£8,210.00) between April and October 2026.
An update was also provided on the Bouchardon Bust of Sir John Gordon, an asset of the Invergordon Common Good Fund. Following a temporary export bar in January 2026, the Council accepted an offer from a prospective UK buyer, triggering a five-month deferral period from 1 July 2026 to 1 December 2026 for fundraising. Councillor Lyndsey Johnston noted that the sale, approved by full Council in 2024, is subject to a national heritage process administered by Arts Council England.
