Apply Now: Highland Council Strategic Events Grant Fund 2025/26

Looking to bring a burst of energy to the Highlands during the quieter months? The Highland Council’s brand-new Strategic Events Grant Fund for 2025/26 is here to help you make it happen. Backed by a £75,000 allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and rubber-stamped by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 29 May, this initiative is tailor-made to support public events between September 2025 and March 2026, when visitor footfall traditionally dips.

Why apply?

• Boost tourism in the quieter season. Shoulder and off-season months can feel a little sleepy—but that’s exactly when a well-timed festival, outdoor performance or cultural gathering can shine brightest.
• Celebrate our unique heritage. From Highland games to pop-up ceilidhs, this fund encourages you to showcase the traditions, landscapes and stories that make our region one-of-a-kind.
• Drive sustainable economic growth. By drawing visitors in when hotels and restaurants need them most, your event can have a ripple effect: more bookings, more spend, more jobs.
• Promote responsible tourism. The Council wants events that respect our environment and communities—so green practices and local partnerships are a plus.

Grant details

• Total pot: £75,000
• Individual awards: £3,000–£10,000 per event
• Eligible period: Events taking place from 1 September 2025 through 31 March 2026
• Application window: 2 June – 30 June 2025 (midnight deadline) highland.gov.uk
• Decisions announced: Mid-July 2025

Whether you’re planning a small, community-focused gathering or a larger regional showcase, there’s support available. You’ll need to demonstrate how your event will attract visitors, highlight local culture, and contribute to the area’s economic and environmental goals.

How to apply

1. Visit the application portal. Head to the Highland Council’s Organising Events page and click “Apply Now.” highland.gov.uk
2. Gather your documentation. Be ready with a clear budget breakdown, marketing plan, and evidence of any community or sustainability partnerships.
3. Complete the online form. Tell us about your vision, expected visitor numbers, and how you’ll measure success.
4. Submit by 30 June. Late applications won’t be considered, so mark your calendar now!

Spread the word

Know an organiser who’s brimming with ideas? Please share this opportunity across your networks—social media, newsletters, bulletin boards—so we can reach all corners of the Highlands. The more creative projects we support, the stronger our shoulder-season appeal becomes.

Questions?

If anything’s unclear or you need advice on tailoring your proposal, the Council’s events team is on hand to help. Drop them a line through the “Contact Us” link on the Organising Events page, and they’ll guide you through the process.

With the Strategic Events Grant Fund, 2025/26 could be your moment to shine in the Highlands’ most tranquil season. Don’t let the quieter months go to waste—apply now, and let’s make next autumn and winter an unforgettable celebration of everything that makes this part of the world so special.