The Highland Council is highlighting "simple and achievable steps" anyone who owns or looks after a building, whatever its age, type or purpose, can take during National Maintenance Week.

The week encourages people to take 10 minutes to check the condition of their property, with the aim of reducing the need for more significant and costly repairs later down the line.

The Highland Council is supporting National Maintenance Week by encouraging property owners to undertake any necessary maintenance before the arrival of potentially damaging winter weather. With this in mind, building owners can download the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project's Maintenance Booklet which is relevant for traditional buildings across Highland


The booklet focusses on traditional buildings, helping owners understand their buildings and how regular inspection and maintenance can help reduce property costs and avoid expensive repairs. It also provides useful information to help you spot potential issues early, and where to find help and advice when needed. Guidance includes how to approach the repair of properties built using traditional materials, when the materials and techniques used today are often very different.

From roofs, chimneys and attics, to guttering, walls, windows and gardens, the booklet hopes to help preserve traditional and historic buildings. By taking the time to ensure our buildings are looked after today, we can help preserve them for many years to come.

Cllr Ben Thompson, Chair of the Highland Council’s Housing and Property Committee said: "I am sure people will find the advice and tips in this free guide very helpful. At this time of year, it is good practice to check on the condition of properties ahead of winter. If owners and tenants are vigilant and know the signs to look for, potential problems can be addressed before they cause too much damage and become too costly."