Projects in Tain and Easter Ross have been given a share of £15,000 of community funding.
A total of 11 of the 32 groups that applied received cash after locals cast their votes at a Highland Council participatory budgeting event at the weekend.
Members of the public voted after listening to the all the applicants who were given a four-minute slot to talk about their projects and their plans for using the funding they were applying for.
The event was fully supported by the three Ward Members who welcomed everyone and helped make sure the day ran smoothly.
Fiona Robertson said: “I am really pleased to see so many people turn out to take part in the first participatory budgeting event in our ward. I think everyone casting their votes enjoyed been actively involved in the decision making process and I would like to thank not only those who voted but also all the groups who applied and turned up to give their presentations.
Alasdair Rhind added: “I am delighted so many community groups were represented. The day has been a great chance for local groups to meet new people, network and promote their work and find out more about what is happening locally and will, I have no doubt , have strengthened local built community cohesion.”
Tain & District Development Trust got £1,500 for a community market; Tain Task Force, Tain Swimming Club, St Duthus Special School, the Civic Trust, 1st St Duthus Scout Group, Inver Toddler Group, Seaboard Memorial Hall and Tain Amateur Swimming Club also got £1,500.
Tain and District Youth Cafe YMCA got £1,250, Tain & District Museum won £1,097 and Tain Gala Association got £1,070.
In his closing remarks, Councillor Derek Louden said: “Congratulations to the winning teams; We look forward to seeing their projects become reality and our thanks go to everyone who worked hard to make the day such a success.”