Dornoch Business Improvement District

Dornoch Business Improvement District Dornoch Business Improvement District (BID) works to strengthen our town, support businesses, and deliver local improvements.

We run This Is Dornoch—the brand that shares what’s on, where to go, and the best of Dornoch for locals and visitors. Dornoch Business Improvement District (BID) - Working together to make Dornoch thrive. The Dornoch Business Improvement District (BID) brings together businesses across the IV25 area to strengthen trading conditions and help Dornoch thrive. Funded by a levy on businesses with a non

-domestic rateable value of £1,000 or more, we invest collectively in improvements that go beyond statutory services. Working in partnership with local businesses, community groups, and stakeholders, we deliver projects that:
* support economic growth
* enhance the town centre
* improve facilities and experiences for residents and visitors
* promote Dornoch as a vibrant destination

Together, we’re building a stronger, more successful Dornoch for everyone.

05/09/2026

Your Views Matter

Highland Visitor Levy Public Consultation will open on Monday 7 Sept at 12 noon.

A 12-week public consultation will get underway on proposals for a Tiered Fixed-Amount Visitor Levy Scheme.

Sign up to the Engage Highland platform today and you'll receive notifications when it goes live: https://buff.ly/obA1udk

Residents • Businesses • Community Groups • Visitors

Have your say and help shape future decisions.

📅 7 September 2026 for 12 weeks.

Engagement sessions will also take place during this period and will be advertised shortly.

04/09/2026

St Andrew’s and Christmas Fair – Stall Bookings Open!

Join us on Saturday, 28 November for a festive day across several venues in Dornoch, organised in partnership with Dornoch Community Centre - DADCA and Dornoch Academy.

We’re inviting local makers, producers, crafters and small businesses to book a stall.

📅 Booking deadline: 18 October – or sooner if venues fill up.

👉 Book your stall:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/zHesx8yhjw

04/09/2026

Who is the event for?

Have you ever thought about working for yourself?

Perhaps you have an idea but don’t know where to begin. Maybe you’ve already started a business and would value some guidance, useful contacts or a fresh perspective.

Start, Grow, Thrive is for:

💡 People exploring self-employment
🌱 Anyone developing a new business idea
📈 Existing small-business owners looking to grow
🤝 People who want to make useful local connections

There’s no need to arrive with a business plan or a list of questions. Come along, have a conversation and discover what support may be available.

📅 Thursday 10 September, 10am–12pm
📍 The Courtroom, Carnegie Courthouse, Dornoch
🎟️ Free—no booking required



Saturday 5 September – Practical support

Starting or growing a business can raise a lot of questions:

Where do I begin?
Could I be eligible for funding?
What do I need to know about finances?
How can I find customers?
Who else can I connect with locally?

At Start, Grow, Thrive, you’ll be able to speak directly with people who can offer practical advice on business development, funding, accountancy, marketing and networking.

No formal presentations. No complicated application process. Just useful, friendly conversations in one place.

📅 Thursday 10 September
⏰ 10am–12pm
📍 The Courtroom, Carnegie Courthouse, Dornoch

Free to attend, with no need to book.

Autumn BID Members' Networking EveningJoin us on Wednesday 7th October at Royal Dornoch Golf Club between 17:30-8:45 for...
04/09/2026

Autumn BID Members' Networking Evening

Join us on Wednesday 7th October at Royal Dornoch Golf Club between 17:30-8:45 for our Autumn BID Members' Networking Evening and Buffet.

We're delighted to welcome Ray Watt, Defence Relationship Manager at Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, who'll introduce the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)and explain how local businesses can get involved, and the benefits on offer to employers who do.

You'll also have chance to connect with fellow BID members and hear the latest updates on current BID projects.

Invites went out yesterday, but here's for more information and to book your place. ➡ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bid-members-networking-evening-and-buffet-tickets-1999677508257


If you're thinking about starting a business or are looking for support to develop an existing one, come along to next w...
02/09/2026

If you're thinking about starting a business or are looking for support to develop an existing one, come along to next week's "𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁, 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲" a friendly and informal business-support event.

Part of the first Scottish Employability Day and run by Highland Thrive, the event will bring together practical support for people considering self-employment, developing a business idea or growing an existing business.

Visitors will be able to access advice on:

✅ Starting and developing a business
✅ Funding opportunities
✅ Accountancy and finance
✅ Marketing
✅ Small-business networking

🗓️ Thursday 10th September
⏰ 10am - 12pm
📍The Courtroom, Carnegie Courthouse, Castle Street, Dornoch

Local business owners will also be there to answer your questions and share honest, real-life insight into running a business.

The event is completely free, and there’s no need to book, just drop in.

For more information email: [email protected].

𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗬: 𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗦Highland Council agreed on Tuesday 25th August to proceed with a 12-week st...
01/09/2026

𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗬: 𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗦

Highland Council agreed on Tuesday 25th August to proceed with a 12-week statutory consultation on a proposed Visitor Levy which is expected to begin in September.

The current proposal is a fixed charge of £5 per room/area per night, reducing to £2 for hostels, campsites and caravan parks, applying for nine months of the year (excluding December, January and February).

No decision has yet been made to introduce the levy. The consultation will gather views and evidence before the proposal returns to Full Council on 10 December 2026, when councillors will consider whether to adopt the scheme.

Dornoch BID will be working with Visit Inverness Loch Ness BID and other industry organisations to gather evidence from businesses throughout the consultation. We want Dornoch BID members to contribute their experiences and views so that the specific impact on Dornoch is properly represented in the wider Highland consultation.

There are significant concerns about the current £5/£2 proposal, and the evidence gathered will help determine whether the BID ultimately supports or opposes the scheme in its current form.

Dornoch BID will seek to engage constructively with Highland Council throughout the consultation. However, based on the current £5 per room/area per night proposal (£2 for campsites and caravan parks) which is higher than most people expected, it seems likely that the BID will ultimately oppose the scheme in its current form. However, the evidence gathered from Dornoch businesses will help inform our position.

Don't forget tonight's town tidy. It certainly looks as though we are going to have the weather for it. 😀Look forward to...
01/09/2026

Don't forget tonight's town tidy. It certainly looks as though we are going to have the weather for it. 😀

Look forward to seeing you there.

29/08/2026

Overview Our People and Culture team plays a vital role in creating a workplace where colleagues feel welcomed, supported and able to do their very best work. We’re looking for a highly organised, proactive and people-focused Coordinator who shares that passion. Someone who enjoys building relatio...

TODAY….Dornoch Food Market - Saturday 29th August 2026…
28/08/2026

TODAY….Dornoch Food Market - Saturday 29th August 2026…

28/08/2026

Looking for what's on in Dornoch? Discover upcoming events, live music, the Dornoch Whisky Festival, Highland games, community markets, and things to do across east Sutherland on Highland Events Hub.

Address

C/o Mackay & Co. Golspie
Dornoch
KW106UB

Telephone

+447471200103

Website

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