A much loved Highland newspaper that has been keeping its community informed for nearly half a century has received a welcome financial boost to help secure its future.
The Gairloch and District Times has been awarded £38,466.10 from Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Fund to purchase new printing equipment, replacing machinery that has become increasingly costly to maintain.
The funding was approved by councillors on the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee, recognising the importance of an independent local publication that has served its readers since 1978.
Run by volunteers as a community interest company, the fortnightly newspaper remains an important source of local news, public notices, community events and information for residents across Wester Ross.
Each edition sells approximately 550 printed copies, while another 350 readers subscribe online and around 900 people receive the publication’s free monthly Wester Ross newsletter.
Its existing printing equipment has become increasingly expensive to operate and maintain, creating concerns about the reliability and continued production of the newspaper.
The new investment will allow the volunteer team to modernise its operations, improve efficiency and reduce ongoing costs.
Committee co-chair Councillor Liz Kraft said:
“The Gairloch and District Times is the only print medium dedicated to providing local news, public notices, events and other essential updates for residents and visitors to Gairloch and surrounding communities
“It’s an important vehicle to maintain community cohesion and inclusion and is vital for keeping local people informed about the area.
“We are really pleased to be able to help this volunteer-led team continue its important work.”
For a publication built on the commitment of volunteers, the award represents practical support for the considerable work involved in producing a regular community newspaper.
Douglas Gibson, Chair of the Gairloch and District Times, welcomed the funding.
“The committee, volunteers and readers of the Gairloch and District Times are immensely grateful to Highland Council for this generous award through the Community Regeneration Fund.
“This funding will help secure the future of a much-valued local publication, ensuring that readers across Wester Ross and beyond can continue to enjoy a newspaper produced through the dedication of our volunteer team and editors.
“It will also allow us to develop and improve the publication for many years to come.”
The award is funded through the Highland Coastal Communities Fund, which supports economic regeneration and sustainable development across the region.
Following approval, £297,980.95 remains available in the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Community Regeneration Fund budget for the remainder of the financial year.
At the same committee meeting, councillors also welcomed £25,362 in local funding generated through voluntary parking contributions at six car parks across the ward.
The car parks generated £83,691 in gross income during 2025/26, with £50,724 remaining after operational costs to be divided equally between central council funds and the local area committee.
Committee co-chair Councillor Biz Campbell said:
“This much-welcome income stream is a boost for communities across the ward, and is thanks to car park users responding to our appeal to make a voluntary contribution to park.
“These funds are now a very welcome addition to the ward budget and we continue to encourage local groups to identify community projects which could benefit from a share of this money.”
For the Gairloch and District Times, however, the immediate priority is replacing the equipment that makes its printed newspaper possible.
After 48 years of serving its community, the funding will help ensure that local stories, notices and the everyday life of Wester Ross continue to find their way into readers’ hands.
