Our vision is for a climate-resilient Highland region where individuals, communities, businesses, and nature can continue to flourish in the face of change. This means, for example, coastal towns adapting to rising seas, crofting communities producing food in shifting seasons, and island communities securing reliable transport and energy despite harsher weather. It means protecting ancient woodlands, peatlands, and rivers so they can keep storing carbon and supporting biodiversity. It means building homes, hospitals, and schools that can withstand storms and more extreme heat, and ensuring that every community has the knowledge, tools, and confidence to adapt.
Highland Adapts helps make this future possible by bringing people, organisations, and businesses, sharing information, and helping the region access the funding and tools needed to act. We are a catalyst and connector, linking national policy with local knowledge and amplifying Highland voices.
Partnership Strategy
April 2026 - March 2027
The Highland region faces urgent and growing climate risks which threaten infrastructure, health, food systems, and biodiversity. Rural and island communities in particular are already experiencing significant impacts. People across the Highland region know we need to act on climate change. Communities, businesses, and public sector organisations are looking for credible and collaborative pathways forward.
This strategy outlines our shared vision, ways of working, and delivery plan from April 2026 to March 2027. It is informed by reflection, stakeholder engagement, and the collective ambition of our partners.
Terms of Reference
The Highland Adapts Terms of Reference sets out the aim, guiding principles, and objectives of the partnership and describes its structure, ways of working, and governance. It is shared here for the benefit of current and prospective Highland Adapts partner organisations, as well as anyone outwith the region who is keen to understand our partnership model.
Partnership Evaluation
March 2025
The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the setup and progress of Highland Adapts, focusing on its structure, influence, and ability to drive meaningful change. The comprehensive report below serves as a reference point for strengthening the Highland Adapts partnership. The findings have supported the development of a more effective and collaborative partnership, ultimately helping to facilitate climate resilience across the Highland region.
Guiding Principles
Transformational Action
Through brave leadership, we embed hope and prioritise action.
Collaboration
We facilitate working together and the sharing of knowledge, expertise and resources.
Place-based
We are place-centred, with an approach that is bottom-up and fully inclusive.
Evidence-based
All our action is supported by up to date qualitative and quantitative data.
Sustainable
We only endorse robust, resilient and future-proof actions using the blueprint of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a flourishing, climate-ready future for all.
Influence
We use our presence and connections to support cultural change.
Climate and social justice
Our work is rooted in a deep understanding of the needs and priorities of communities.
Build capacity
We increase confidence and the ability to adapt in others through education, knowledge sharing, and facilitating connections.
Celebrate
We communicate and promote ongoing inspiring climate action and initiatives.
Empower
We enable communities/places to increase control over their ability to adapt to and mitigate climate change.