The economic, cultural and linguistic benefits of two leading festivals were highlighted before Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee this week.
Councillors on the committee were presented with positive reports on the Royal National Mòd, which was held in Lochaber last October, and the Blas festival, which takes place in Highland every September.
Research estimates that staging the event in Lochaber created sixty-nine full-time equivalent jobs and Highland Council saw a return of twenty-six pounds for every one pound invested.
Since 2005, the Blas Festival has generated at least nine million pounds in economic benefit for the Highland area.
Efforts are underway by Highland Council to provide flexible, high-quality Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) options for remote and rural communities in Highland.
The initiative focuses on creating sustainable and innovative solutions that accommodate the statutory funded 1140 hours of ELC.
It also addresses broader childcare needs, including care for infants, extended hours and holiday services and school-aged childcare.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise recognizes childcare as essential infrastructure for economic stability.
Their Rural Childcare Evidence Report, presented to Ministers in May 2025, outlines the challenges faced by rural areas and explores innovative approaches to address these issues.
SSEN Transmission has secured The MV Arrow for dedicated logistics support for the Lewis Hub and Western Isles High Voltage Link.
This will ensure project freight is managed independently, protecting the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry service.
A release agreement lets others use the vessel when it's not needed, supporting the islands’ ferry network during maintenance.
The charter was developed with Stornoway Port, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Kor-la nan YEL-an Seer) and Ullapool Harbour Trust, to find freight solutions that do not strain current services.
The company stated that safeguarding island services is a priority for the Lewis Hub, with ongoing coordination meetings during project delivery.
