Carrie MacWilliam

Comment: Results of Consultation and Economic Impact Assessment confirm Chamber position on Tourist Tax

By Colin Marr, Chief Executive, Inverness Chamber of Commerce This week, Highland Council published the results of the public consultation on the proposed visitor levy (often referred to as a tourist tax), which ran from November 2024 to March 2025. They also released the findings of the independent economic impact assessment that we, along with […]

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Non-Domestic Rates: Is The System Still Fit For Purpose?

Changes to Scotland’s non-domestic rates system are once again placing significant pressure on businesses across the Highlands – raising serious questions about whether the current approach is still fit for purpose. Non-domestic rates, sometimes referred to as business rates, are charged on most commercial properties and are based on their rateable value. These values are

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Aerial view of the A9

Scottish Budget Brings Mixed News on A9 and A96 Dualling – Continued Pressure Needed

This week’s Scottish Government Budget delivered a mixed picture on two of the Highlands’ most consequential infrastructure priorities: the A9 and A96 dualling programmes. In her budget statement on Tuesday, Finance Secretary Shona Robison reconfirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to completing the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2035, backed by nearly

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Festive Wishes from everyone at the Chamber - Festive Opening Hours

Inverness Chamber Festive Opening Hours

The Inverness Chamber of Commerce office will be closed from 5pm on Friday 19 December and will re-open on Monday 5 January 2026. For international documentation support over the festive season there is the following cover: Export Documentation (Certificates of Origin, EUR1s) Customs Declarations (imports, exports and transit) For customs enquiries and entries, we have sought the assistance of Bristol Chamber of Commerce

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New Start Highland's The Yard Cafe now open From L-R: Will Russell Chef, Igor Faggion Front of House, Paula Rodgers Front of House and Yvonne Naylor Cafe Manager. Photography by John Paul Photography.

New Start Highland Puts Purpose on the Menu at The Yard Café

New Start Highland opens the doors to The Yard Café today at its Training and Reuse Village on Carsegate Road, Inverness.  The Café, a first for the leading reuse charity and social enterprise, serves its own blend of coffee from Inverness Coffee Roasting Company. It offers a selection of delicious cakes, made daily onsite, alongside

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The Inverness Castle Experience Bespoke Tartan Prickly Thistle

The Inverness Castle Experience Unveils Its Own Tartan, Woven by Prickly Thistle

The Inverness Castle Experience has unveiled its very own tartan – a design proudly created and woven in the Highlands, less than 20 miles from the castle, by sustainable fashion house Prickly Thistle. The bespoke tartan celebrates a shared commitment to heritage, skill and community, symbolising the spirit of the Highlands and the sense that

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Jaqueline Brown (left) and Mary Nimmo of Archie’s Highlands fundraising committee, who organised the Moonlight Ball.

Moonlight Ball Shines a Light on Children’s Charity

Highlands ball raises more than £100,000 for The Archie Foundation A sparkling charity ball in Inverness has raised just over £100,000 to support babies, children and families across the Highlands. This year’s annual Moonlight Ball had a diamond theme, with one lucky guest winning a stunning genuine diamond in the raffle. The sold-out event, which

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Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has launched the Belladrum Festival Community Trust - pictured from left to right: Trustuees Joe Gibbs – Belladrum Estate , Jayne MacMillan , Joan Campbell joined by Naomi Hollas – Belladrum Festival Co-Ordinator, Dougie Brown – Belladrum Festival Producer

Belladrum Festival Launches Community Trust with £20,000 Fund to Support Locals

Money raised from car parking passes to be reinvested directly into local communities surrounding Belladrum Festival. Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has announced the launch of the Belladrum Festival Community Trust (SC054123), a new charitable organisation that will see money generated from the festival, being reinvested directly back into the Highlands and local communities surrounding the

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