Voluntary groups in the Highlands are to be subjected to “severe” funding cuts
Voluntary groups in the Highlands are to be subjected to “severe” funding cuts that they say could have a "devastating" impact.
Sport and youth groups will be especially impacted by hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of council cuts.
Highland Council’s education committee voted by 11 votes to eight to implement cuts over the next three years, with exact levels yet to be determined.
Groups to be affected include shinty's Camanachd Association, as well as The Boys' Brigade, Scouts, Guides and village hall committees.
To do anything less than investment in and the development of the sector in times of financial pressure would be an unfortunate oversight with potentially devastating impacts on communities - Mhairi Wylie, Highland TSI
Council leader Margaret Davidson said she recognised the cuts will be "severe".
She said: "We have to work out what the impact is going to be and we what we can do to save the destruction of many of these organisations.
"It is still a severe cut and we understand that, but we are in a really, really difficult situation as all local government is."
However, Mhairi Wylie, chief officer of Highland Third Sector Interface, said the move was a mistake and councillors should know better.
She said: “Highland Council is facing some appalling decisions in the next period and as active members of its respective communities the majority of councillors are very well aware of the respect and importance the people of Highland place on their third sector services.
“It would therefore be my hope that the council would be actively seeking opportunities to work with communities and new and established third sector organisations to enhance the level of services delivered by the third sector in Highland rather than considering significant or severe cuts.
"We know that our sector is almost always more cost effective, more locally accountable and generally performs better in things like Care Inspectorate audits. To do anything less than consider opportunities for investment in and the development of the sector in times of financial pressure would be an unfortunate oversight with potentially devastating impacts on communities.”
Youth Highland, an arm of national youth clubs body Youth Scotland, also said it was "saddened" to learn of the reduction in funding for third sector organisations.
A spokeswoman said: "Whilst we are sympathetic to the council's position with regard to budget constraints, we are concerned for the impact on rural communities who may be forced into the closure of vital voluntary groups.
"As the area association for Youth Scotland, we represent many such groups and I would take this opportunity to say Youth Highland will endeavour to do all it can to assist our members to continue their work with the youngsters of the Highlands.
"Be assured we are seeking every possible avenue to attempt to achieve a fair outcome."
