Two brand-new mobile libraries will soon be hitting the roads across the Highlands, ensuring communities continue to enjoy essential library services.
The Highland Council and High Life Highland have confirmed the arrival of these new vehicles after securing an investment of £332,000.
Mobile libraries play a vital role in rural and remote areas, but an aging fleet has made it difficult to maintain regular service.
The Council provides and maintains the vehicles, while High Life Highland operates the service, ensuring books and resources reach those who need them most.
The new vehicles will be deployed in the north and west, where a temporary delivery service has been running to bridge the gap left by the aging fleet.
Chassis for the new libraries will arrive from IVECO next month and will be fitted out at Cebotec in Falkirk before becoming fully operational in the summer.
High Life Highland Chief Executive Steve Walsh expressed his enthusiasm about the investment, calling it brilliant news for communities that rely on mobile libraries.
He acknowledged the patience of residents who have waited for a full service to return and reassured them that this investment secures the future of mobile libraries in the region.
He also highlighted the financial challenges local authorities face, particularly with library closures elsewhere in the country, and praised the commitment shown by The Highland Council and High Life Highland.
The Highland Council Education Committee Chair, Councillor John Finlayson, reinforced this sentiment, stating that the Council remains dedicated to delivering this vital service.
He thanked everyone involved in keeping the service running and ensuring that communities will soon see their mobile libraries back on the road.
With this investment, Highland communities can look forward to a fully restored mobile library service, keeping books and learning accessible to all, no matter where they live.
