Latest News

First Flagship UK Government Hub In Scotland Completed

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's unwavering commitment to strengthen and sustain the United Kingdom took a crucial step forward today with the completion of Queen Elizabeth House, the new UK Government flagship hub in Edinburgh.   The hub will house nearly 3,000 civil servants from 11 departments, to deliver a bigger, better and more coordinated service to people and businesses.  

Water Quality Regulator says Scotland's tap water quality remains high

The Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) for Scotland's latest annual report shows that Scottish Water's compliance with the stringent standards for drinking water remains high at 99.92%.   The report, covering Drinking Water Quality in Scotland during 2019, states that a total of 310,605 regulatory tests were carried out on Scotland's drinking water last year.  

More pain than gain: How the U.S.-China trade war hurt America

Lost jobs.  Sagging GDP.  

Tackling Unfair Delivery Charges - Online map shows pricing by postcode

What all of us have know for a very long time is that in the far north and the islands we have much higher delivery charges.   A very comprehensive report now confirms this in fine detail.  

Care Home Visiting Expanded - Next stage of family visiting introduced

Care home residents will be able to receive more outdoor visitors from Monday, 10 August 2020, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has confirmed.   From this date care home residents will be able to have up to three outdoor visitors from no more than two households provided their home meets strict criteria, with infection control measures remaining in place.  

Children and schools must come before pubs and shops in planning for future Covid-19 lockdowns

Anne Longfield, Children's Commissioner for England, has published a new briefing setting out the key actions needed to ensure children are at the heart of planning for any future coronavirus lockdowns, including making sure all children are back in school in September.  The Children's Commissioner argues that if any local or national lockdown takes place, schools should be the last places to be locked down, after pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops.  

Stay Alert To Covid-19 When Attending Licensed Premises - Especially After the Latest Aberdeen Lockdown

The Highland Council, NHS Highland and Police Scotland are working closely to ensure that we all stay alert to the threat of COVID-19.  The public are being asked to be vigilant and observe all guidance especially when attending licensed premises.  

More People To Get Free Flu Jab If They Want It

Vaccine programme expanded to protect those most at risk during COVID-19 pandemic.   Social care workers, people over 55 and household members of those who are shielding will all be eligible for the free seasonal flu vaccine.  

Coronavirus support measures help 65,000 businesses in Scotland

New data published today reveals more than 65,000 businesses in Scotland benefitted from over £2.3 billion of support through government-supported loan schemes.   over 63,000 loans worth over £1.8 billion have been offered under the Bounce Bank Loans Scheme over 2,600 loans and support worth £587 million have been offered under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme 29% of employees furloughed and 155,000 people supported through the SEISS More than 65,000 businesses in Scotland benefited from over £2.3 billion of support to bounce back from COVID through government-supported loan schemes.  

Investing In The Food Industry

Food and drink businesses across Scotland have been awarded a share of £5 million to invest in infrastructure, purchase new equipment and upgrade or replace facilities.   In total 30 businesses will receive Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation (FPMC) grants to support the food supply chain, safeguarding 1,386 jobs and creating 97 new ones.