Dornoch Business Improvement District

03/06/2026

We're looking for a freelancer to support the marketing and promotions side of our service. For full details please email us on [email protected] or visit https://hijobs.net/job/409512/marketing-and-promotions-contractor

02/06/2026

***UPDATE*** Town Tidy Postponed Tonight

Unfortunately the weather is set for rain this evening, Tuesday 2nd June, so looks like we are going to have to postpone. We will be back in touch soon with a new June date.

Watch this space! 😉

02/06/2026

📢 Important Business Rates Revaluation Update for BID Members

Following concerns raised by a number of Dornoch businesses regarding significant increases in their 2026 Rateable Values, the BID submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Assessor's Office to understand the evidence used to classify Dornoch as a "High Demand" area.

The information received appears to show very limited evidence to support Dornoch being placed in the same category as only Aviemore, Inverness and Skye. There may therefore be grounds for businesses to appeal and seek a reduction in their Rateable Value.

⚠️ Please note: no appeal = no reduction. Any review must be initiated by the ratepayer.

An email has been sent to BID members today containing:
✅ FOI documents received from the Assessor
✅ An example appeal/proposal
✅ Information on how to submit an appeal
✅ Links to further guidance

⏰ Deadline for appeals: 31 July 2026

Please check your inbox and review the information carefully if you have been affected by the revaluation.

The BID is sharing this information for the assistance of members only and is not providing legal, financial or rating advice.

01/06/2026

🌿 REMINDER - Town Tidy TOMORROW 🧹

01/06/2026

BID Member Spotlight: Highland Thrive

Looking to Recruit?

Our BID member Highland Thrive provides employability services on behalf of Work Life Highland (The Highland Council Employability Service) and offers free recruitment support for local businesses.

Whether you're hiring now or planning ahead, their team can help connect you with potential employees and support your recruitment needs.

Email - [email protected]

For more details please see:
https://highlandthrive.org/

30/05/2026

Dornoch Town Tidy – Tuesday 2nd June 🧹🪣☕️🧁

Come along and help us keep Dornoch looking its best! Following on from all the amazing effort made at last month's Town Tidy we are looking forward to keeping the momentum going.

Whether you can spare the whole evening or just a little time, every helping hand makes a difference. Let's give our town a wee spruce up and enjoy some good company along the way.

📍 Meet outside The Jail
🕠 5.30pm – 7.00pm
☕ Followed by tea & cake at the Social Club

💚 Can't make it along but would still like to support our efforts? Donations are always welcome and help us continue our community tidy-ups and environmental projects. More details are available: https://www.thisisdornoch.com/event/town-tidy/2026-06-02/

We look forward to seeing you there!

26/05/2026

📣 Dornoch BID Newsletter is out now. Here’s a quick look at what's in this edition:

💼 Rates Revaluation - Work continues to challenge the “High Demand” classification. Thanks to all businesses who’ve contributed data so far. This is key to strengthening our case.

🧹 Town Tidy – 2nd June - Join us from 5:30pm outside The Jail. Tea and cake from 7pm for volunteers.

🏗️ Industrial Park Improvements - Access and landscaping upgrades are underway.

🏛️ Visitor Levy Update - New legislation allows Councils more flexibility. Earliest possible introduction expected in 2028.

🏡 Planning Consultation - Highland Council is consulting on Short-Term Let control areas. Businesses encouraged to respond.

🎥 Video Promotion Opportunity - A free business showcase with “The American Highlander” YouTube channel (45k subscribers).

🚁 Food Van Opportunity - Catering opportunity available at the Dornoch Aerodrome Fly-In on 8th August.

🔌 EV Charging Funding - Funding is now open for public EV charging infrastructure projects.

📲 Don’t forget to make the most of your BID membership benefits, including free promotion, events listings, networking and support.

11/05/2026

Guidance on Appealing your New Rates Revaluation has been emailed to all BID members. Please check you inbox.

If you want to try and have your Non-Domestic Rates bill reduced, you MUST submit a formal “Revaluation Proposal” by 31 July 2026.

Businesses that do not submit a proposal cannot have their valuation reduced.

Dornoch BID strongly recommends gathering all supporting evidence before starting the process, and businesses may wish to wait until further BID investigations and seasonality data are completed later this month.

05/05/2026

🧹🪣Updated timings - Dornoch Town Tidy tonight! ☕️🧁

We have two options for helping out tonight. One group will run at the usual time of 5:30–7:00pm, and another will run from 6:30–8:00pm to offer a bit more flexibility. Hope to see you later. 😊

We Are Dornoch: Live, Visit, Love Welcome to We Are Dorno… We Are Dornoch Town Tidy needs your support for Dornoch Town Tidy - Tuesday 5th May 2026 5.30-7pm

01/05/2026

Our latest Dornoch BID newsletter has just been sent out and should now be in your inbox. It’s packed with important updates, including:

📊 Call for evidence on the 2026 Rates Revaluation
💷 Important reminder to re-apply for Business Rates Relief
🚢 Cruise ship season update
🌸 Town Tidy plans ahead of the Royal visit
📣 Opportunities to promote your events and special offers
🏛️ Free Historylinks Museum tour for members
✅ Tips to make the most of your BID membership

Please take a few minutes to have a read it.

If you can’t see it, do check your junk/spam folder just in case.