Community groups across the Highlands are being encouraged to put forward project ideas as part of a funding programme worth almost £3.9 million.

The funding comes through the Highland Coastal Communities Fund allocation for 2026 and 2027 and will be distributed through The Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Fund.

The Highland Council received £3,886,450.43 from the Scottish Government this year, with the funding set to support projects that strengthen communities, improve local facilities and create lasting benefits across the region.

The Community Regeneration Fund brings together several funding programmes under a single application process designed to make access to funding simpler and more effective.

More than 400 projects have already been supported through the fund between 2022 and 2025.

Those projects helped direct more than £18 million into communities across the Highlands and unlocked over £50 million of wider investment.

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

“I’m very pleased to welcome this funding, which continues to build on the strong track record of investment in our communities across the Highlands.

“Between 2022 and 2025, over 400 projects have been supported by the Community Regeneration Fund, helping to direct more than £18 million into local areas and unlocking over £50 million in total investment.

“This shows the real impact that partnership working and flexible funding can deliver.

“I would encourage community groups and organisations to come forward and apply.

“This is an opportunity to turn local ideas into meaningful action, supporting local economies, improving quality of life, and creating lasting benefits for communities across the Highlands.”

This year’s funding process will operate differently from previous years.

Instead of an open call for applications, community groups are being encouraged to upload their projects to BeConnected, an online interactive map that allows organisations to showcase local initiatives and development ideas.

The Community Regeneration Fund team will use the platform to identify projects that align with local priorities and funding objectives.

Councillors will then review eligible projects within their committee areas and decide which proposals should be invited to submit formal expressions of interest.

Projects that progress successfully through that stage may later be invited to submit full funding applications.

The largest allocation this year has been awarded to Sutherland, which will receive £679,292.75.

Skye and Raasay will receive £490,391.82, while Lochaber has been allocated £448,108.04 and Caithness £397,317.45.

Other allocations include £337,019.28 for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, £124,099.15 for the Black Isle and Easter Ross, £61,759.40 each for Inverness and Nairn, £52,001.60 for Dingwall and Seaforth, and £50,000 for Badenoch and Strathspey.

Community groups with ideas that could benefit their local area are now being encouraged to register their projects and ensure they are considered as funding decisions move forward over the coming months.

Please email if you have any questions on how to register or upload your proposal.