Highland Council has signed off a co-ordinated, place-based strategy to protect communities and bolster climate and energy resilience across the region.

To deliver the plan, the Council will continue working with governments, regulators, energy network operators, developers and investors to secure fair outcomes and long-term benefits for local people at the heart of the UK's renewable transition. This includes writing to the Scottish Government for clarity on future funding for flood protection schemes, with 29 Highland communities already identified as at risk from coastal erosion.

At a full council meeting, councillors backed an approach that brings together efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and support the shift to renewables; prepare for climate risks such as flooding, coastal change, severe weather, drought and wildfire; and align investment in housing, schools and transport under one strategic framework.

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The programme will be led by the Council’s climate change and energy team, ensuring climate action, infrastructure planning and investment are joined up across services.

Climate change is already affecting communities, infrastructure and public services across the Highlands. Without action, the region's economic output could decline by around 1.5% per year by 2050, rising to more than 3% by 2080. Flood damage currently costs about £1 million annually and could increase to £20 million by 2050. Storm damage has cost the Council £895,000 so far in 2025/26.

Despite generating far more renewable energy than it consumes, the region still faces high energy costs. Across the Highlands, 47% of households experience fuel poverty compared with 24% nationally, and 33% experience extreme fuel poverty compared with 12% nationally. Nearly two thirds of homes are off the gas grid and rely on electricity, which is three to four times more expensive than mains gas. Councillors agreed to establish a short term members working group to explore how the Council can lessen the impacts of fuel poverty on residents.

Derek Brown, the Council's Chief Executive, said: "An important part of the approach agreed by Highland Council is to have a structured conversation about the future with our young people, who will live with the consequences of decisions made on their behalf by leaders both nationally and locally. Hearing their voices and helping them to develop their understanding of the relationship between the things we need to do to mitigate climate change and the actions needed to adapt to future climatic challenges, is critical. We look forward to this vital area of future work with them and will bring forward plans for this in due course."