Highland Council is calling on community organisations across its island areas to put forward infrastructure proposals for the latest round of Islands Programme funding.
The call is focused on projects that can deliver meaningful, long term benefits for island communities while addressing the growing challenges around population decline and sustainability.
The programme is aligned with the updated National Islands Plan, which places a sharper emphasis on supporting population retention and attracting new residents to fragile communities.
Only capital projects are eligible for funding, though early stage work such as feasibility studies and design development can be considered where they clearly lead to a deliverable infrastructure project.
Proposals must be well developed, with a clear scope, evidence of community backing and a strong case for how they meet both local and national priorities.
Crucially, projects must be ready to move forward quickly, with contracts required to be awarded by December 2026.
Community groups on eligible islands are being asked to submit their proposals through the BeConnected platform, which is being used to assess potential projects for inclusion in the programme.
The deadline for submissions is the 8th of April 2026, giving groups a limited window to bring forward ideas that can demonstrate real impact.
While this funding round is targeted at island communities, Highland Council is encouraging all groups across the region to use the platform to register projects at any time.
The aim is to build a clearer picture of community led development across the Highlands, helping to identify opportunities for collaboration, funding alignment and more coordinated delivery.
BeConnected is currently being piloted as a central resource to capture local ambition and connect it with funding streams that can help bring projects to life.
Support is available for groups needing help with submissions, with guidance offered to ensure proposals meet the required standard.
If you need support or guidance on how to upload or amend your project proposal, please email BeConnected
The message from the Council is clear, this is about projects that are ready, relevant and capable of making a tangible difference in communities that need it most.
Highland Council is inviting island communities to put forward infrastructure projects with real impact, as funding targets population challenges and long term sustainability across the region.
