A place where life works
Living in North Highlands means enjoying modern services without compromising on quality of life. Our region offers high-quality schools, accessible healthcare and affordable housing – all within safe, friendly communities where people look out for one another.
Education is a key strength. UHI North, West and Hebrides supports lifelong learning and local careers, while our secondary school campus has benefited from multimillion pound investments.
With a strong sense of community, low crime rates and housing that allows people to put down roots, daily life feels balanced and secure. Add world-class natural surroundings and space to breathe, and it’s easy to see why people choose to build their lives here.
Key figures
Everything you need – right on your doorstep.
Investment in Thurso campus
Highland Council has committed £100m to creating a ‘corridor of opportunity’ in Thurso town centre, combining education and community services in one bespoke modern campus.
Average cost of a house in Caithness
Young people can easily get a foot on the property ladder here, with average prices in the mid £100,000s, compared with £240k in the rest of Highland and £271k in England.
Modern, welcoming schools
In North Highland, education is about more than classrooms – it’s about creating places where young people and communities can thrive. Wick’s award-winning East Caithness Community Campus, opened in 2017, brings nursery, primary and secondary education together under one roof, alongside a well-loved library, gym and swimming pool. It’s a true community asset, designed to support learning, wellbeing and connection.
In neighbouring Thurso, Highland Council has committed £100 million through its Highland Investment Plan to deliver new school facilities at the heart of the town, alongside the existing UHI North, West and Hebrides campus. This once-in-a-generation investment creates the opportunity to co-locate education with other public services, forming a vibrant new community hub and strengthening the town centre for generations to come.
Watch: Kenny explains why he loves living in North Highland
latest news
Browse our blog for insights into life in North Highland.
Changing Perceptions: Focus North Conference 2026
The North Highlands is changing – and so is the story we have to tell about it. With major investment ahead, world-class expertise already here and new opportunities emerging across the region, this year’s Focus North Conference is about seeing our future through a...
No Wrong Path
This is a tense week for young people across Scotland, as they receive their exam results. Here at Focus North, we support DYW's No Wrong Path campaign, which runs every August. There is no single 'correct' route to the future, and a winding path can be an exciting...
How UHI is helping shape the future of planetary health
UHI's latest global recognition connects the North Highlands to a global network tackling some of the biggest challenges facing, people, communities and the planet.UHI has announced that it has become a member of the highly influential Planetary Health Alliance....
Join us in shaping the future
Be a part of the transformation. Connect with us to explore opportunities that drive positive change in North Highland.