A place where people can live and work
The biggest threat to our community’s future is depopulation. Highland Council projects a 15% decline in Sutherland’s population by 2040, with an even larger decline in residents of working age. Our local primary school rolls are forecast to fall by over 27%. If we want to reverse this trend, we must invest in the foundations that allow people – particularly young families – to build their lives here.
Our 5-Year Strategic Plan focuses on eight priority themes:
Homes: Unlocking affordable housing development. We enabled the first new social housing in Ardgay for over 30 years at Drovers Square – we want to do more.
Careers: Creating well-paid, stable local jobs and supporting young entrepreneurs to start businesses here.
Transport: Developing rural transport solutions so people can get to work, healthcare and services.
Childcare: Ensuring affordable local childcare so parents can work without having to leave the area.
Connectivity: Completing superfast broadband rollout so people can work from home and run businesses remotely.
Social Support: Continuing to tackle poverty and isolation through Kyle Feeds, our hardship funds, and wellbeing activities.
Natural & Cultural Assets: Celebrating and protecting what makes this place special.
Renewable Energy: Ensuring our community gets a fair share of benefits from renewable developments in our area.
This plan is ambitious but achievable – with the support of our community and partners.
Click the link below to view the full Strategic Plan – we welcome your feedback and ideas.