Highland Council urges public to respond to BT consultation on proposed removal of 22 phone boxes across Ross-shire
A public consultation has been launched on proposals to remove 110 public payphones across the Highland region — including several located in Ross-shire communities.
Telecommunications giant BT announced today that the phones have been assessed under Ofcom’s Review of the Telephony Universal Service Obligation and have been deemed no longer essential.
Among 22 listed for Ross-shire, two payphones in Invergordon, two in Dingwall and four in Alness have been earmarked for removal, with three kiosks in Fortrose and Rosemarkie also identified on the list.
Telephones boxes in Contin, Garve, and in the Seaboard villages at Hilton, Inver and Arabella are also shortlisted.
Further west, two kiosks in Lochcarron and one in Applecross have been shortlisted, with Achnasheen also named.
A full list of the payphones proposed for removal can be found here, with BT inviting public representations until the consultation closes on July 15, 2025.
Highland Council is now urging residents to submit comments highlighting the potential impact the closures could have.
For rural communities in Ross-shire, a local telephone box can provide a vital link in emergencies, particularly during periods of severe weather when mobile networks can fail.
Submissions can be made directly to BT by emailing btp.authorisation.team@bt.com.
Following the close of the consultation, BT has committed to taking account of the representations made before reaching a final decision.
Their conclusions, along with justifications for any closures, will be published on their website at www.bt.com/payphones/service.
