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News Archive


30/4/2022
Increase In Hepatitis (Liver Inflammation) Cases In Children Under Investigation
Regular UKHSA updates on the ongoing investigation into higher than usual rates of liver inflammation (hepatitis) in children across the UK.   The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), working with Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Public Health Agency, are continuing to investigate the cases of sudden onset hepatitis in children aged 10 and under that have been identified since January 2022.  
30/4/2022
Three Month Limit For Three HRT Products To Ensure Continued Access
The government has issued Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) to limit dispensing to 3 months' supply for three HRT products to ensure continued access.   Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) issued to limit dispensing to 3 months' supply of Oestrogel®, Ovestin® cream and Premique Low Dose® to ensure women across the UK will be able to more reliably access Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) products.  
30/4/2022
Preparing For Sustainable Farming
Farmers, crofters and land managers now have access to new guidance on financial support for activity that will improve awareness of their climate performance.   The first phase of Track 1 of the National Test Programme (NTP): Preparing for Sustainable Farming, aims to help them to prepare their farms to meet the conditions of future agriculture policy and support.  
29/4/2022
Progress Update On Reinstatement Works At Wick Community Campus
The Highland Council and their development partners Hub North Scotland (Wick) ltd have agreed that reinstatement works for a section of wall cladding for the games hall at Wick Community Campus will be carried out during the coming summer holiday period.   This is to minimise disruption to the building users, in particular pupils at Wick High School, who are currently undergoing national exams until June.  
29/4/2022
Thousands Of Logistics And Courier Companies Reach The End Of The Road, As Closures Rise By 75%
New Government figures reveal 15,005 transport and logistics companies failed in the first quarter of 2022 - 75% more than last year.  ParcelHero says the end of Covid lockdowns has reduced the need for courier and home delivery services, while many online retailers are also struggling.  
29/4/2022
Open Day To Highlight Draft Conservation Area Appraisal And Management Plan For ThursoThumbnail for article : Open Day To Highlight Draft Conservation Area Appraisal And Management Plan For Thurso
The Highland Council is inviting individuals, community groups and local businesses in Thurso to have their say on determining how the historic centre of the town is managed in the future.   Following the success of an event held at the end of March, the Council will be hosting another public drop-in session at the start of May to highlight the draft Thurso Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan and encourage input and feedback from the local community.  
29/4/2022
New Highland Youth Convener Sought
The search is on for a new Youth Convener to champion the cause of young people in the Highlands.   The Highland Youth Convener is a sounding board for youth issues in the Highlands and has a direct line into policy makers and decision takers.  
29/4/2022
Still Over 20,000 Postal Votes To Be Returned In Highland
Postal votes are being opened every day but will not be counted until Friday 6th May along with the votes cast at polling stations.   So far Thurso and West Caithness have returned 1947 out of 3049 issued amounting to 63.86% Meanwhile Wick and East Caithness have returned 1791 out of 3111 - 57.57%.  
28/4/2022
New Stay At Home Guidance Published
People who have symptoms of Covid-19 and who have a fever or are too unwell to carry out normal activities will be asked to ‘stay at home' while they are unwell or have a fever.   They will no longer be advised to take a PCR test.  
28/4/2022
End Of The Highest Risk List
List to close on 31 May.   The Highest Risk List - formerly known as the Shielding List - will be formally ended on 31 May, as a result of the success of the vaccination programme and the introduction of new treatments for COVID-19.  
28/4/2022
Extension To Scotland's Census
Householders across Scotland will be given an extra four weeks to complete their census returns.   Over two million households have already completed the census - more than 77% of the total.  
27/4/2022
British Sign Language Bill Set To Clear Final Stage Before Becoming LawThumbnail for article : British Sign Language Bill Set To Clear Final Stage Before Becoming Law
Tens of thousands of British Sign Language (BSL) users are anticipating a momentous day today as a Bill that will see BSL become a recognised language in Britain is expected to clear its final hurdle on the way to becoming law.   The British Sign Language Bill, a Private Member's Bill introduced by Rosie Cooper MP last year and backed by the government, will receive its third reading in the House of Lords today before it passes into law following Royal Assent.  
27/4/2022
Climate Change Affecting Scotland's Lochs And ReservoirsThumbnail for article : Climate Change Affecting Scotland's Lochs And Reservoirs
New research shows water is warming rapidly.   Climate change has already caused a rapid and extensive warming of Scotland's lochs and reservoirs with impacts expected to intensify, research has revealed for the first time.  
27/4/2022
New ‘Fraud Squad' Will Crack Down On Criminals Who Steal Taxpayer Money
A new £25 million central government taskforce that will enlist an elite team of experts to crack-down on fraudsters who attempt to steal taxpayers' cash will be operational by the summer, the Chancellor will announce today (27 April 2022).   The Chancellor has announced that a new fraud squad, recruited from data analytics experts and leading economic crime investigators, will crack down on criminal gangs who rip off the taxpayer.  
27/4/2022
Automatic Awards To Make Accessing Family Benefits Simpler
Changes planned to make sure families get support they are entitled to.   Plans have been announced to automatically pay the Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments to parents and carers who already receive Scottish Child Payment when their children become eligible.  
27/4/2022
Voters reminded to make their vote countThumbnail for article : Voters reminded to make their vote count
Voters taking part in the forthcoming Highland Council election on Thursday 5 May are reminded that when filling in their ballot papers they should use numbers against the name of candidates and not a cross.   The system of voting for local government elections is the Single Transferable Vote (STV).  
27/4/2022
2.1 Million Annual Tax Credits Packs To Be IssuedThumbnail for article : 2.1 Million Annual Tax Credits Packs To Be Issued
Working families on tax credits are being asked to check their details so they do not miss out on this vital government support.   About 2.1 million tax credits customers will begin to receive their annual renewal packs this week from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).  
26/4/2022
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 26 April 2022
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April 26th) sold 8 prime cattle.   Prime bullocks (2) averaged 246.4p (-2.0p) and sold to 250.0p per kg and £1,494.45 gross.  
26/4/2022
The Rising Cost Of Living And Its Impact On Individuals In Great Britain: November 2021 To March 2022
Around 9 in 10 (87%) adults reported an increase in their cost of living over the previous month in March 2022 (16 to 27 March 2022), an increase of 25 percentage points compared with around 6 in 10 (62%) adults in November 2021 (3 to 14 November 2021).   Nearly a quarter (23%) of adults reported that it was very difficult or difficult to pay their usual household bills in the last month, compared with a year ago, in March 2022 (16 to 27 March 2022); an increase from 17% in November 2021 (3 to 14 November 2021).