North councillor Jamie Stone wants emergency Scottish Government funds to help maintain vital services in the remotest parts of the Highlands amid the council’s worst budget crisis.
The Tain and Easter Ross councillor has called for an urgent meeting between the council and Holyrood ministers.
He believes it is essential to make the case for additional funding.
The Liberal Democrat member said: “Distance, sparsity of population, and the increased cost of vital goods and services make it far more expensive for the council to deliver vital services in remote areas like northwest Sutherland and Wester Ross.
“But people living and working in these areas have as equal a right to quality services as those living in more populous areas. That is why we must make the case for additional funding to ensure this equality.
“Some years ago, there was a pot of additional roads cash called the crofting counties roads scheme. Subsequently, it was done away with. But the scheme worked and helped keep lifeline roads in decent condition in the remoter areas. It was an example that we should revive and replicate for other services today.
“We must meet face to face with the decision makers.”
There was widespread support among council colleagues for a meeting with ministers.