The Highland Council has been awarded the Charter Mark Standard for excellence in customer service delivery for its network of 37 Service Points and its Service Centre at Alness.   After first achieving Charter Mark status in 1999, this is the fifth time that the Cabinet Office has presented the Council with this UK Government award which recognises top quality service delivery.   ... [more]

Projects across the Highlands and Islands designed to increase economic competitiveness are to benefit from 15.4 million pounds of European funding, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.   The funding will be distributed amongst 45 projects through the 2007-13 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF).   ... [more]

Ministers have approved the Gordonbush wind farm, near Brora in Sutherland, which will be capable of powering 37,000 homes.   The 87.5 Megawatt, 35 turbine wind farm will be subject to conditions to minimise any potential disturbance to local wildlife and to safeguard local interests.   ... [more]

The Mey Selections brand has now been enhanced by a special range of tweeds designed and manufactured by world leading textiles and cashmere producers, Johnstons of Elgin, and developed in conjunction with HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay.   Mey Selections Castle of Mey Estate Tweed was launched at the new Johnstons £1.5million Heritage Centre yesterday where it was received by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay during their visit where they viewed the weaving of the tweed in one of the only traditional mills left in the country.   ... [more]

There will be another chance for members of the public to look around The Highland Council's new flagship office complex in East Sutherland at Drummuie, Golspie, from 7pm to 8pm on Thursday 10 April.   This evening follows on from the open afternoon on Wednesday 2 April which had to be cut short due to a problem with the lift.   ... [more]

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April, 8th) sold 81 prime cattle.  Prime bullocks (50) averaged 153.7p (-3.2p) and sold to 172p per kg and £1,106.85 gross.   ... [more]

Dounreay folk were given an unique opportunity to hear former NASA space shuttle pilot Duane Carey when he came to the site recently to give a talk on his career and experiences in the space shuttle programme.   Duane was in Caithness for the second year in a row, giving public and school talks as part of the Caithness International Science Festival.   ... [more]

Funding for local tourism projects in the Highlands has received a welcome boost from The Highland Council.   The Council has revealed that it contributed over £84,000 to community tourism projects around the Highlands during 2007/08 and that it intends raising the upper limit on individual grants available in the new financial year.   ... [more]

He's white, fluffy, goes by the name of Murdo and is on a mission to help businesses in the Highlands and Islands capture a bigger share of the lucrative tourist market.   And while he may be small, this West Highland terrier has taken on the big task as a new canine web-based resource for the region's booming hospitality and tourism sector.   ... [more]

Operating from the famous and recently restored Blackstairs in Wick, Caithness, Scotland.  Blackstairs Highland Wear kilt shop is building a fine reputation for providing a friendly professional service in both Highland dress and conventional occasion wear for men.   ... [more]

Now that spring has sprung and the clocks have changed and thoughts turn to carrying out a thorough spring clean, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging businesses in Scotland to get their house in order and tidy up to help reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls in the workplace.   Slips trips and falls in the workplace cost Scottish society more than £72,800,000 in 2005/06, and 30 per cent of reported workplace injuries are slips, trips and falls .   ... [more]

7-13th April 2008 Tick Prevention Week aims to raise awareness regarding the dangers of tick bites, and how to reduce the chance of infection.   The campaign week is held in early spring, when the weather gets warmer, people spend more time outdoors, and ticks become more active.   ... [more]

Further water supply improvements are in the pipeline for two Caithness communities.   Achow near Lybster and Milton on the outskirts of Wick are about to benefit from a £444,000 investment in new water mains.   ... [more]

Efforts to revolutionise skills training in Scotland's £7.6 billion food and drink processing industry have received a further boost with the launch of a new suite of national qualifications.   The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Scotland's national body for qualifications other than degrees, has officially adopted a new framework for Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Food Manufacture, devised by Improve, the food and drink sector skills council.   ... [more]

The Small Business Bonus Scheme will save Scottish businesses up to £165 million a year, John Swinney said today.   The reduction and removal of business rates for 150,000 small businesses in Scotland came into force on April 1st.   ... [more]

DINGWALL, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd, (April 2nd) sold 904 store cattle at their show and sale.  Bullocks (560) averaged 150.1p (+12.3p on the year) per kg and sold to 207.2p and £945 gross.   ... [more]

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April, 2nd) sold 29 OTM cattle.  Beef cows (16) averaged 104.8p and sold to 115.6p per kg and £815 gross for a 705kg Shorthorn cross from Easter Sheep Park, Balblair.   ... [more]

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April, 1st) sold 72 prime cattle.  Prime bullocks (51) averaged 156.9p (+6.2p) and sold to 169p per kg and £1,147.60 gross.   ... [more]

With effect from 1 April, the UK Atomic Energy Authority has formed new subsidiaries to continue its leading role in nuclear decommissioning in the UK and overseas.  A new wholly owned subsidiary, which will trade as UKAEA, formed with established expertise from the existing Business Division, will focus on nuclear decommissioning and environmental restoration management and consultancy in the UK and international markets.   ... [more]

SMALL, medium and some large house builders are finding things increasing difficult due to reduced sales and land banks purchased at boom prices.   Roger Humber, strategic policy consultant at the House Builders Association, part of the National Federation of Builders, said: "It is very serious indeed.   ... [more]