This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

10 Jul 2026 at 15:09

Summary of the contracting process

The Highland Council is seeking contractors for a framework providing catering services at the Inverness Town House, detailed under the tender title "Inverness Town House Catering." The tender focuses on services within the catering industry, specifically targeting catering and beverage-serving services. The procurement process is currently in the tender stage, with submission methods being electronic. The tender consists of various lots, including Formal Meals, Buffets, Canapes, and a Drinks Service, allowing for flexible business opportunities across different catering specialities. Important dates include a submission deadline on 17th August 2026 by 12:00 PM and a contract commencement date from 1st October 2026 to 30th September 2028, with possible extensions until 30th September 2030. The location for service delivery is the Inverness Town House, situated in the UKM62 region.

This tender presents numerous opportunities for businesses in the catering services sector, particularly those capable of delivering high-quality, locally-sourced food and beverages, as well as offering exceptional customer service. Ideal competitors include firms with expertise in organising formal meals, buffets, and drinks services, reflecting the requirements of the four separate lots. Businesses capable of fulfilling these needs may benefit not only from immediate service provision but also potential contract extensions. The open procedure approach and the significant contract value of £250,000 within this two-year period underline the lucrative nature of this bid, especially for companies with the necessary certifications, such as those related to food safety and personal licences for beverage services.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Inverness Town House Catering

Notice Description

Framework for catering services for the Inverness Town House.

Lot Information

Lot 1: Formal Meals

The provision of Formal Meals requires a selection of at least three seasonal meals for each of the bronze, silver and gold menus to provide the basis of a structured selection of meals that range in price from a basic three course meal to the very highest standard of locally sourced produce, presented to a very high standard.

Renewal: 2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030.

Lot 4: Drinks Service

The provision of a bar service is for staffing only and may be required at each event or as a standalone external/internal event. There will be a requirement for a bar to be staffed by suitably trained members of the team. Tea, Coffee, Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages may be table service or full bar service. The Highland Council will provide all stock and necessary equipment to provide a free and where necessary paid for bar, soft drinks and tea and coffee service.

Renewal: 2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030.

Lot 2: Buffets

The provision of Buffets requires a selection of buffet options to be provided at an event. A structured selection of items that range in price from a basic to the very highest standard items of locally sourced produce, presented to a very high standard. The suppliers should provide a selection of bronze, silver and gold categorised buffet items with dietary options as per the quality evaluation.

Renewal: 2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030.

Lot 3: Canapes

The provision of Canapes requires a selection of canape options to be provided at an event. A structured selection of canapes that range in price from a basic to the very highest standard of locally sourced produce, presented to a very high standard. The suppliers should provide a selection of bronze, silver and gold categorised canape items with dietary options as per the quality evaluation.

Renewal: 2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c8df
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065315-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services


CPV Codes

55400000 - Beverage-serving services

55520000 - Catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£250,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Jul 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
17 Aug 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
6 months prior to the framework expiry.

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HIGHLAND COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
INVERNESS
Postcode
IV3 5NX
Post Town
Inverness
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM2 Highlands and Islands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM20 Highlands and Islands
Delivery Location
TLM62 Inverness and Nairn, Moray, and Badenoch and Strathspey

Local Authority
Highland
Electoral Ward
Inverness West
Westminster Constituency
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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