Community transport organisations across the Highlands are being invited to apply for a new round of funding that will help keep vital local services running between 2027 and 2030.

The Highland Council has opened applications for its Community Transport Grant Scheme, which supports community led transport services helping people reach healthcare appointments, employment, education, shopping and social activities.

The funding is designed to strengthen community transport networks that reduce isolation, support independent living and provide essential connections for people who may otherwise struggle to access services.

The scheme currently supports 29 community transport organisations across the Highlands, including community car schemes, volunteer driver networks and accessible transport services operating in both rural communities and urban areas.

Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said:

“Community transport is about much more than getting from A to B.

“It connects people to opportunities, reduces social isolation and helps ensure that residents can access the services they need to lead full and independent lives.

“We are fortunate to have dedicated community transport organisations working across Highland, often responding creatively to local challenges and needs.

“This funding recognises the essential role they play, and I would encourage all eligible groups to submit an application and help us continue investing in these important community connections.”

Among those welcoming the continued support is the South West Ross Community Car Scheme, which says the grant has been central to its work for more than two decades.

Co ordinator Peter Fenton said:

“The Highland Council’s Community Transport Grant has supported SWRCCS for many years, being the main funder since 2005.

“The funding is vital to enable us to provide the transport service in this particularly remote and rural part of the region.

“Not only getting people to the places they need to be, but supporting residents to engage with local communities through volunteering as telephonists and drivers using their own vehicles.

“The grant not only enables these services to happen but also supports the staff to focus on the work rather than scrabbling around looking for further funding to cover the costs.”

Partnerships for Wellbeing in Inverness also highlighted the difference long term funding has made to its service.

Manager Jeff Zycinski said:

“The Highland Council’s recognition of the value of community transport, and its financial support for Partnerships for Wellbeing, has been both encouraging and vital to the growth of our service over the past five years.

“The assurance of three years’ funding has enabled us to plan strategically, invest with confidence, and demonstrate long-term sustainability to other public bodies and charitable foundations, helping us secure additional funding to expand our services.

“Most importantly, the Council’s investment has enabled us to build a fleet of 7 fully accessible vehicles and support more than 1,000 registered clients.

“A growing proportion of those we serve are wheelchair users or people with severe mobility challenges.

“In Inverness, where there is a chronic shortage of wheelchair-accessible taxis, our service has become an essential means of reaching healthcare appointments and day services.

“Community transport is rightly recognised as a vital lifeline in rural areas, but that is equally true in the rapidly growing city of Inverness.

“If an older person cannot get to a bus stop, it matters little whether that bus stop is in a remote village or on a city street.

“Accessible, door-to-door transport is the key to maintaining independence, wellbeing and social connection.”

Applications are now open, with the funding intended to support flexible, community led transport services that complement existing public transport and help meet local needs across the Highlands over the next three years.

Applications can by made by clicking the link: Further information, guidance notes and application documents are available on the Council’s website 

Organisations are encouraged to contact the Integrated Transport Team if they would like to discuss a potential application or have any questions about the scheme.

Contact details are included in the guidance and application documents.

The Council welcomes enquiries and is happy to provide support to applicants throughout the process.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, 4 September 2026.