Community projects across Inverness have secured substantial financial support from the Inverness Common Good Fund, with councillors approving a series of awards worth more than £10,000 each.
The money will support projects ranging from foodbanks and homelessness services to community buildings, a residential home garden room and the Inverness Fringe Festival.
New Start Highland receives the largest individual award of £30,000 to help sustain and strengthen the Inverness Foodbank.
Inverness Foodstuff has been awarded £11,850 towards its Sanctuary Project, which works to provide dignity and support for people experiencing homelessness in the city.
The Isabel Fraser Residential Home receives £15,800 towards the creation of a garden room providing an outside space for residents and their families.
Another £15,800 goes to St Columba Church of Scotland towards community rooms for South Inverness, creating affordable shared facilities for activities, youth provision, older people, volunteers and community organisations.
The 3rd Inverness Crown Scout Group has secured £10,073 towards refurbishment of its Scout Hall.
Members also approved £15,000 for the Inverness Fringe Festival to support the planned city event.
Inverness BID receives £10,005 towards autumn and spring Street Scene work through the Inverness City Partnership, alongside a further £1,600 for public noticeboards and civic information.
Leader of Inverness and Area Councillor Ian Brown said:
“The Inverness Common Good Fund supports projects and activities that provide a direct benefit to the citizens of Inverness and I am very pleased that we have been able to support some excellent projects that will assist a wide spectrum of our community.”
The latest awards come alongside publication of the Inverness Common Good Fund Sub Committee’s annual report, which provides a wider picture of where the city’s money has been going.
During 2025 to 2026, 76 grants worth a combined £538,693 were awarded across Inverness.
Of that total, £213,295 went towards projects addressing poverty and inequality, covering areas including sport, community activity, health and wellbeing, accessibility, culture, the environment and the arts.
Another £180,350 was awarded through 10 partnership working grants, including support for Inverness BID projects, while Visit Inverness Loch Ness received £20,000 for business tourism.
Conference support worth £25,688 was provided for five events, including the Northern Meeting Solo Piping Competition, the Camanachd Cup Final, the Shinty Hurling International and the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.
The Common Good Fund also supported 19 civic hospitality events at Inverness Town House during the year, although efforts are being made to reduce recurring events and their associated costs.
Councillor Brown added:
“I would like to thank the Members of the Inverness Common Good Fund Sub-Committee for the extensive work that they carry out in assessing Inverness Common Good Fund applications to bring recommendations to Members of the City of Inverness Area Committee.
“Their work and diligence are greatly appreciated.”
The individual grants may support very different projects, but together they show where much of the Common Good Fund’s impact is being felt.
From putting food on tables and supporting people without a home to creating places where communities can meet, the money is being put back into the city and the people it belongs to.
