Local Authority News

Councillors Approve Process For Creation Of Firework Control Zones

A process for responding to community requests for the creation of Firework Control Zones in The Highland Council area has been approved by Members of the Communities and Place Committee.   The option of using a Firework Control Zone is one of the tools available to respond to serious firework misuse and the Council will work with communities and key partners to consider appropriate and proportional response to local firework issues.  

Pennyland Early Learning Centre In Thurso Positive Care Inspectorate Inspection Report

The Highland Council welcomes the positive Care Inspectorate Inspection report following a recent unannounced inspection visit to Pennyland ELC, Thurso.   Following the inspection, Pennyland ELC received the following: How good is our care, play and learning? - 5 Very Good How good is our setting? - 5 Very Good How good is our leadership? - 5 Very Good How good is our staff team - 5 Very Good.  

Significant Improvement To Housing Repair Services In Highland

Communication improvements within the housing service has helped to reduce the time taken to complete repairs over the past two years.   A performance report to the Council's Housing and Property Committee presented quarterly data which charted its continued improvement from 2022/23.  

Local Authority Pay In Scotland

Intervention by the Scottish Government has led to the suspension of planned industrial action by council workers, including refuse collectors, this week.   The action has been suspended by all three trade unions after the Scottish Government provided £77.5 million to fund an improved pay offer.  

Creating Economic Benefits For Local Communities - Still Time To Have Your Say

The Highland Council is reminding individuals and community groups that there is still time to take part in the consultation seeking views on the Draft Community Wealth Building Strategy.   This new strategy aims to ensure every area and community across the Highlands can participate in, and benefit from economic activity.  

Blue-green Algae Warning At Loch Watten, Caithness

The Highland Council's Environmental Health team is advising caution as blue-green algae has been found in Loch Watten, Caithness.   During periods of prolonged warm weather, the chance of Blue Green algae (cyanobacteria) affecting water courses, particularly ponds, lochs and canals (as well as rivers), increases significantly.  

New Law Ensures That Children And Young People Will Be Consulted On Highland Policy Making

The Highland Council welcomes the introduction of new legislation announced today (16 July 2024) by the Scottish Government that incorporates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).   Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: "The changes introduced will ensure that Highland's children and young people will be included in, and consulted with, on changes to existing policies and on the introduction of new policies being considered by The Highland Council.  

Early Learning And Childcare North Consultation Survey Launch

The Highland Council's Early Learning & Childcare (North) Consultation is now live, and we want to hear from those living in the Lairg, Dornoch, Golspie, Farr, Scourie, Durness, Kinlochbervie, Tongue, Wick and Thurso area.   The survey is open until Wednesday 31 July 2024.  

Ecology Strategy And Action Plan Consultation Now Open

Highland Council today (8 July 2024) launched a 12-week public consultation on its draft Ecology Strategy and Action Plan.   The draft Ecology Strategy and Action Plan was approved at May's meeting of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee and sets out an ambitious set of actions to tackle biodiversity loss and address the ecological emergency.  Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "The climate and ecological emergencies are interconnected, and biodiversity loss threatens our well-being and survival.  

New Public Toilets Finally Opened In Wick

A shining example of partnership in action has enabled the reopening of a much-needed public convenience in Wick which was closed for two years due to significant vandalism and anti-social behaviour.   The town of Wick has over 7,500 residents, is a community hub for the surrounding local rural area of East Caithness and has seen a considerable increase in the number of visitors due to the popularity of the NC500 and the increase in staycation visitors.