Dual short term let control area consultation agreed
Highland councillors have agreed to proceed with a public consultation on twin short term let control areas (STL) - one the rural Highlands, including Lochaber, and the other for Inverness.
At a meeting of the economy and infrastructure committee on February 12 members agreed to allow communities to have their say over the proposed changes.
Following a debate, an amendment put forward by Councillor Andrew Baxter (Fort William and Ardnamurchan, Scottish Liberal Democrats) was unanimously agreed by councillors.
It will see a post-consultation report submitted to the relevant area committees allowing them to comment and, if necessary, amend the SLT control area within their boundaries.
It was agreed despite concerns from councillors that individual areas could be "lumped together" as described by Skye and Raasay councillor John Finlayson (Highland Independent).
However, the final decision over implementation will still be made by the economy and infrastructure committee at a later date.
The dual approach to SLT control areas will see one consultation for Inverness wards while the rural consultation involves Sutherland, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, Skye and Raasay, Lochaber and rural Inverness-shire.
Caithness; Dingwall and Seaforth; Nairnshire; and Black Isle and Easter Ross did not want to proceed with an SLT control area.
While the meeting was taking place a protest group from tenants union Living Rent gathered outside Highland Council Headquarters.
They support the introduction of SLT control areas and called on all area committee groups to introduce one to protect local housing stock for permanent residents.
Why not try these links to see what our West Coast AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
Latest News
JOBS
Modern Apprentice (Health & Social Care - SCQF6) - NAY16758 - North Ayrshire Council
Shop Assistant in our Highland Soap Visitor Centre (Maternity cover and summer temp) - The Highland Soap Co. Ltd
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Badger awareness for foresters
Latest News
JOBS
Modern Apprentice (Health & Social Care - SCQF6) - NAY16758 - North Ayrshire Council
Shop Assistant in our Highland Soap Visitor Centre (Maternity cover and summer temp) - The Highland Soap Co. Ltd
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2026 Wyvex Media Limited.