Latest News

Rhoda Grant MSP Attacks Gail Ross MSP Amendment To Her Toilets Motion

Responding to the amended motion lodged by Gail Ross MSP in the Scottish Parliament which related to her (Rhoda Grant MSP) original Parliamentary Motion highlighting the possible closure of public toilets in the Highlands, Regional MSP Rhoda Grant has said " Gail is perfectly entitled to lodge an amendment to my original motion, but in doing so she has shown that she is actually more concerned about protecting the reputation of the Scottish Government than her own constituents.   I was keen to point out in my motion that Local Authorities are having to look at closing public toilets in order to make ends meet.  

Director of Care and Learning retires

Tributes have been paid to The Highland Council's Director of Care and Learning, Bill Alexander who retires on 19 October after eighteen years leading the council's Care and Learning Services.   At the Council's Care and Learning meeting held on Thursday 18 October 2018, Chair of the Committee, Cllr Andrew Baxter; and Leader of the Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson praised Mr Alexander for his long service to the Council.  

Enterprise And Skills Board Publishes Strategic Plan

Scotland's Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board has published its Strategic Plan.   The Plan has a 20-year horizon and will be updated annually.  

Career prospects increasing for college leavers

The prospects of those qualifying through Highlands and Islands colleges are continuing to increase according to the Scottish Funding Council's annual College Leaver Destinations report.  The publication, released last week, reports on the destinations of those who left college in the 2016 to 2017 academic year.  

Tidal Turbines Returned To Meygen Site In The Pentland Firth

The big offshore construction vessel Seabed Stingray (8,878 tonnes) arrived in the Pentland Firth's Inner Sound from the Cromarty Firth's Nigg Energy Park around 07:00 on Monday (15.10.18) morning with a very special cargo on board.   The 121 metre-long vessel was in the narrow strait between Gills Bay and Stroma Island to replace two of the four 'pioneering' tidal turbines that had been lifted out from SIMEC Atlantis Energy's MeyGen site last Summer for inspection and modification at Nigg.  

Car Insurance Price Rollercoaster For Scottish Motorists

The cost of car insurance in Scotland increased up to +£15 (+3%) over the past quarter, following a short burst of decreasing prices.   The Scottish Borders saw one of the biggest increases of all UK regions, with prices creeping up by +£15 (+3%).  

Still time to have your say on Longman Materials Recovery Facility

Following a pre-planning drop-in session at the end of September 2018, The Highland Council has given the public a further 28 days to share their views and comment on the proposal for a new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Longman landfill site in Inverness.   The public can now visit the Council's website to find out more about the MRF and to share their views on the proposal.  

Annual NHS Estate Update

Satisfaction with the hospital environment has risen since 2011 and now stands at 92%, according to the latest annual appraisal of NHS assets and facilities.   The proportion of NHS buildings classified as being in a good condition has improved from 58% in 2014 to 72% in 2017.  

New Head of Education appointed by Highland Council

Dr James Vance, Head Teacher at Culloden Academy has been appointed as interim Head of Education Services with The Highland Council's Care and Learning Service.   Dr Vance, who starts his new employment in January 2019, will be based at the Council's headquarters on Glenurquhart Road, Inverness.  

Dunnet Bay Distillers Wins Top Regional Food And Drink Award

Dunnet Bay Distillers from Caithness are celebrating after being named winner of the Best Distilled Drink category at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards.   The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards celebrate passion, quality and innovation across the region.