Twelve community projects across the Highlands have secured more than £272,000 in the first round of The Highland Council’s new Reuse and Repair Fund.
Launched in 2025, the fund will distribute £500,000 over two years to support community-led waste reduction and sustainable living initiatives.
Round one has now closed, with £272,366 allocated to projects ranging from reuse centres and repair cafés to upcycling workshops and skills programmes aimed at building local capacity.
Vice Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, Councillor Hugh Morrison, said:
“This first round of the Reuse and Repair Fund highlights the talent, creativity and determination that exists within communities across Highland.
“These projects will help people develop practical skills, reduce waste, and contribute to a more circular local economy.
“It’s inspiring to see so many groups leading the way in delivering sustainable, community-led solutions.”
Among the successful applicants is New Start Highland, which has been awarded £49,330 for its Reuse Revolution project.
Lochbroom and Ullapool Community Trust has secured £46,239 for the New Broom Depot, while ILM Highland has received £40,700 for its Rescued and Ready initiative.
Strathspey Works in Grantown has been awarded £29,350 for its Revive and Reuse project, and Golspie Youth Action Group has secured £29,740 for phase one of its circular economy project.
Other funded initiatives include repair cafés in Fort William and on the Black Isle, an upcycling workshop programme in Thurso, a skills café in Inverness, and social enterprise development in Nairn.
The projects aim to extend the life of materials through repair, reuse and upcycling while equipping residents with practical skills that support a more circular local economy.
The fund will reopen for a second round in April 2026, with further opportunities expected for community groups looking to develop sustainable projects across the region.
Please keep an eye out for updates or keep up to date on the Connect with Opportunities page on BeConnected
