News
One of Britain's most complex environmental restoration projects is taking on 23 new apprentices. The decommissioning of the former centre of fast reactor research and development at Dounreay is continuing to create long-term opportunities for young people.
An 8% rent increase has been agreed for council homes in 2025/26, in order to meet increasing costs and the need to provide future housing options while keeping rent affordable for tenants. An attempt by a group of councillors to keep he rise to 6 % was voted down by the SNP led administration.
Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee have had the opportunity to be updated on progress being made for the Community Wealth Building action plan when they met on Thursday 13 February 2025. They have given their backing to a stand-alone Highland Social Value Charter update report coming to their May 2025 committee.
Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have agreed the council’s response to the National Speed Limit Review Transport Scotland is currently running on behalf of the Scottish Government. The review seeks views on proposed changes to speed limits in Scotland.
Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have unanimously endorsed the Regional Economic Strategy produced by the Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership. The Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP) is a partnership of public, private, third sector and academic organisations, working together to realise the regions' economic potential in a sustainable and inclusive way.
# 13 February 2025 Update on UK Shared Prosperity Fund Delivery Plan progress An update on the progress being made across a range of interventions under the UK Government funded UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) priorities of Communities and Places, Supporting Local Business and People and Skills was noted by Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee today (Thursday 13 February 2025). The report included reference to the Highland UKSPF allocation for 2025/26 and the work being progressed to establish a Delivery Plan for the coming financial year.
The public will be invited to submit their views on how to make the Council Tax system fairer, as part of wider efforts to explore options and build a consensus for potential reform. As part of a joint programme of engagement by the Scottish Government and COSLA, independent analysis will also be commissioned to examine the Council Tax system accounting for market changes, reforms, and improvements.
Ambitious plans to create a major new renewables hub in Orkney have been accelerated with a £5m grant to help take the project to the next stage. The funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will further the development of a new harbour facility for the assembly of offshore wind turbines at Scapa Flow - the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed a new report into the economic potential of wave and tidal energy for Scotland. The study was carried out by the Policy and Innovation Group, part of the Institute for Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh (UoE).
Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will have the opportunity to discuss progress being made for the Community Wealth Building action plan when they meet next week. The Council's Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024 - 2027 provides an alternative approach to economic development and a practical response that aims to keep wealth within a local area.
Yesterday (Tuesday 4 February) the Leader of The Highland Council Cllr Raymond Bremner along with the Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee Cllr Ken Gowans visited the depot of D&E Coaches. This followed the completion of the deal for the council to acquire the business.
Several public drop-in sessions are being held across Caithness during February with displays of options for the future masterplanning for the area. Council officers will be on hand to explain the proposals and answer any questions.
Anyone interested in wishing to stand as Candidate for the Community Council's listed below have until 12noon on Monday 10 February. Complete and submit the online nomination which is available on the Council's website https://www.highland.gov.uk/ccelections.
Good progress is being made to create sustainable tenancies in Caithness by enhancing the appeal for re-letting of low-demand void council housing. The Council's Void-Plus Policy involves improvements being made to voided properties to increase the appeal of these homes.
The Highland Council is preparing a new and important planning document called the Highland Local Development Plan. The plan will ultimately be used to determine planning applications and steer future development and investment in your area.
An estate agent offering best value has opened in Caithness. Crawford and Coghill is tucked away near Wick Harbour next to Wick Heritage Centre.
The Highland Council's Leader Councillor Raymond Bremner attended Scottish Cities Week in London (20-22 January) to promote investment opportunities in Inverness, the Highlands and the Highland Council area. Scottish Cities Week aims to provide a focused opportunity to create and develop long-term strategic partnerships, with a wide array of investors and developers.
The Highland Council has appointed Ruth Fry as Chief Officer - Human Resources and Communications and Paul Reid as Chief Officer – Facilities and Fleet Management. The appointment of Ruth Fry completes the new senior management structure of the Council's Corporate service cluster under the leadership of Allan Gunn, Assistant Chief Executive – Corporate.
NDA utilises innovative technology to bring to life progress in delivering its nationally important mission at ‘Nuclear Week in Parliament'. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group utilised innovative technology to bring to life progress in delivering its nationally important mission at the Nuclear Industry Association's ‘Nuclear Week in Parliament' (NWIP).
The Highland Council is pleased to announce, that following a period of negotiation and due diligence, it intends to acquire the entire shareholding of D&E Coaches Limited. Provision of home to school transport is a high-cost statutory function of the Council which has caused significant budget pressures in recent years.