Councillors signed off £231,407 in Community Regeneration Fund awards and agreed actions on housing performance, Environmental Health priorities and winter service arrangements for 2026/27.

The Caithness Committee met on Monday 3 August 2026 to consider reports on Community Regeneration funding, housing performance, Environmental Health activity, the Winter Service Plan for 2026/27, and Ward Discretionary Budget awards.

Members agreed four Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) grants totalling £231,407 for projects designed to enhance facilities, improve accessibility, strengthen local infrastructure and widen opportunities for residents and visitors across Caithness.

The successful applications are:

- Castletown Drill Hall Committee – £41,000 for essential internal and external accessibility improvements for all hall users.

- Wick Development Trust – £93,257 to install riverside footway lighting along the Wick River, supporting increased year-round use, improved wellbeing, and enhanced access to a popular amenity area.

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- Wick Paths Group – £71,030 for the Paths Around Wick Access Improvement Project to carry out essential maintenance, safety and accessibility works on well-used paths in the town.

- Wick Golf Club – £26,120 towards its 167 Acres of Joy project, completing the funding package to purchase and secure the land at Reiss Links, which Wick Golf Course has occupied since 1873.

Chair of the Committee, Councillor Andrew Jarvie said: "The Community Regeneration Fund continues to play an important role in supporting projects that make a real difference in our communities. With more than £550,000 still available for future projects, the fund remains a significant opportunity for communities across Caithness to bring forward ambitious ideas that benefit local people and places."

Councillors reviewed housing performance for 1 April to 30 June 2026 and noted ongoing progress in completing repairs and re-letting homes. The Committee endorsed continuing the Void-Plus policy in Caithness, recognising its success in bringing low-demand properties back into use more quickly while helping new tenants to establish and sustain their tenancies.

An update on Environmental Health activity set out the breadth of work delivered across Caithness during 2025/26. Members noted local operational priorities, service pressures and wider issues affecting Environmental Health services across Highland.

The Winter Service Plan for 2026/27 was approved, ensuring arrangements are in place to help maintain safe travel conditions on priority routes through the winter months.

The Committee also noted Ward Discretionary Budget awards made since April 2026, supporting community groups, sporting bodies, environmental improvements and business initiatives throughout Caithness. These grants continue to provide flexible local funding that enhances community wellbeing and participation.

The agenda and reports are available on the Council’s website. For any further quotes, please contact the Committee Chair or any of the Caithness Committee Members.