As the festive season approaches, Highland Council has announced its operational schedule for the holiday period to help residents plan ahead.
The Service Centre will close at 5pm on Tuesday, 24 December, reopening on Friday, 27 December, from 8am to 5pm.
It will also be closed on 1 and 2 January, resuming normal hours on Friday, 3 January 2025.
Service Points will operate during usual hours on 24, 27, 30, and 31 December but will be closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January.
They will reopen on 3 January 2025.
Specific opening times vary by location, and residents can find detailed information on the council’s website.
The Inverness Registration Office will function between 9am and 4.30pm on 24, 27, 30, and 31 December, with telephone lines open from 10am to 3pm.
The office will be closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January, reopening on 3 January. Appointments are required for registration services.
Urgent death registration appointments will be available on 27, 30, and 31 December at selected offices across the Highlands.
Funeral directors can provide guidance on these arrangements.
Residents are encouraged to utilise online services for reporting problems, making requests, or payments at any time via the council’s website.
Bin collections have been adjusted to accommodate the holidays.
Collections scheduled for Wednesday, 25 December will be completed on Saturday, 21 December. Boxing Day collections will proceed as usual.
Bins scheduled for collection on 1 January will be emptied on Saturday, 28 December, and those for 2 January will be collected on Saturday, 4 January.
If bins are not collected as planned, residents should leave them out for pickup as soon as possible.
Household Waste Recycling Centres will be closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January. Regular operating hours will resume on 3 January.
For emergencies, residents should dial 999 for police, fire, or ambulance services.
Non-emergency contacts include 101 for police and 01382 835804 for fire services.
Highland Council’s out-of-hours emergency numbers are as follows: health and social care (0808 175 3646), roads and street lighting (01349 886690), housing and public buildings (01349 886691), and registration services (07818 588 203).
Key utility contacts include Scottish Water at 0800 0778 778, Scottish and Southern Electric at 0800 300 999, and SEPA Floodline at 0345 988 1188.
Additional numbers are available on the council’s website.
Mental health support remains a priority during the holidays.
For immediate crises, call 999 or visit A&E.
Non-urgent concerns can be directed to NHS 24 at 111 or other dedicated helplines like Samaritans (116 123) and Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87).
Support for vulnerable adults can be accessed via the Adult Protection Concern helpline at 0800 902 0042 during office hours or 0808 175 3646 outside of these times.
Residents are urged to plan ahead and utilise the available resources to ensure a safe and smooth festive season.
