The Highland Council has successfully secured funding from Transport Scotland for two key Active Travel projects in Wick and Culbokie on the Black Isle. These initiatives are aimed at making it easier, safer, and more convenient for people to choose walking, wheeling (using wheelchairs, buggies, etc.), and cycling for their everyday journeys.

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, welcomed the news, stating: "This is terrific news. There are many benefits of active travel. It is beneficial for individual health, it is a cheaper form of transport, can help the shift to low carbon travel, improve air quality and can produce an increase in productivity and footfall in town centres and other locations."

He added: "The Council is working to deliver a low carbon transport network to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. Essentially this means making it easier, safer and more convenient for people to walk, wheel and cycle. The projects in Wick town centre and in Culbokie on the Black Isle both complement our work already underway and I'm delighted we can now press on with plans at both locations."

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The Wick Street Design project has been awarded funding for improvements focused on the Bridge Street / High Street junction. These will make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross and access the High Street from nearby car parks. The project also includes resurfacing the High Street's pedestrian zone and installing rising bollards at both ends to control vehicle access and reduce speeds for authorised traffic, thereby enhancing pedestrian safety. New seating, planting, and artwork inspired by the Market Cross and local culture will also be added.

In Culbokie, the Active Travel Village project aims to make it easier, safer, and more enjoyable for people moving around the village, whether walking, pushing buggies, using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, or cycling, catering to all ages and abilities. Existing footpaths will be widened to 2 metres where necessary, and new footpaths will be constructed to allow people to navigate the village without needing to cross the road multiple times. A new light-controlled pedestrian crossing will also be installed, alongside physical traffic calming features such as raised table junctions, carriageway pinch points, and build-outs.

The tendering process for both the Wick and Culbokie projects is currently underway. Work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.

In addition to the funding secured by the Council for these two projects, Transport Scotland will also be delivering on designs for improved provision for non-motorised users at the Raigmore Interchange in Inverness. This separate scheme aims to make the interchange safer and more convenient for pedestrians, cyclists, and those using wheelchairs, including the full signalisation of the Interchange to provide controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings.