Two community initiatives in the Dingwall and Seaforth area will share more than £20,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF), following decisions made on 9 February 2026 by the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee.

The Dingwall Mountain Bike Trail Group has been allocated £6,715 for the Knockbain Mountain Bike Trails. The funding will deliver a new, more technical route at Knockbain. The volunteer group has already created three well-used community trails in recent years, and the latest addition is intended to help riders of all ages build their skills. The venue is a regular base for local youth cycling clubs and attracts visitors from across the Highlands.

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The Muir of Ord Development Trust will receive £13,325.79 for kitchen regeneration at The Muir Hub. The project includes new flooring and equipment, enabling the Trust to lease the upgraded kitchen to an operator, create a welcoming community café space, and generate income to support the building's running costs. Members also agreed to ring-fence £34,140.60 from the Place Based Investment Programme for potential applications from Maryburgh Community Woodlands Group and The Peffery Way Association, with full bids due to be considered at the Committee's May meeting.

Councillor Margaret Paterson, Vice Chair of the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, said: "I'm delighted that we can support these two very positive community-led projects. The mountain bike trail development in Dingwall has become a real asset for local young people and visitors alike, and this next phase will build on that success.

"The improvements to The Muir Hub kitchen will help revitalise a key community space in Muir of Ord, supporting local groups and creating opportunities for a new café operator.

"Both projects show the strength of community ambition across our area, and I want to thank the volunteers and organisations who continue to drive this excellent work."