Highland Council officials are heading to the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum 2026 in Leeds this week.
The aim of the visit is to attract national and international investment, promote the region's green economy, and foster partnerships to drive sustainable and place-based growth.
During the three-day event, the team will engage directly with investors, developers and strategic partners to promote Highland opportunities and strengthen relationships.
Participation in the forum reflects the Council’s commitment to working collaboratively through the Scottish Cities Alliance to promote Scotland, while highlighting the unique strengths of the Highlands.
Cultural leader and strategist Bryan Beattie has been appointed as Bid Director for the Inverness/Highland UK City of Culture 2029 bid.
A Bid Partnership Board will be set up to provide strategic direction, bringing together senior council representatives and voices from culture, local communities, education, business and other key partners.
Councillors also approved a dedicated bid team for day-to-day delivery.
A cultural assembly will be held in early summer, with bid work continuing through June and July ahead of full submission in August.
A shortlist is due in the autumn, with the City of Culture announced in late 2026.
Highland libraries are offering free moth traps and workshops this summer.
Moths help pollinate plants and feed birds, bats and other wildlife, but many species are in decline and large areas of the Highlands remain under-recorded.
Community-led recording can help fill these gaps and build a clearer picture of how environmental changes are affecting biodiversity.
Run through Green Library Hubs, the project aims to make moth recording easier and wider across the region.
Further details are available on the Highlife Highland website.
