Local Authority News

Policy priorities for Highland in post BREXIT

Since the referendum decision to leave the European Union, The Highland Council has considered and made representations on a number of issues which have potential implications for the Highland economy and Highland communities.   EU funding has brought hundreds of millions of pounds of assistance to the region over the past 40 years which has been critical to the region's growth.  

Highland Council Supports Edinburgh Salmon Staff Secure New Jobs

Following the announcement on 28 November 2018 by Thai Union that they will close at the end of the year their Edinburgh Salmon plant in Dingwall, a multi-agency response to support the staff has commenced.  Known as the PACE initiative (Partnership for Continuing Employment) The Highland Council, together with local public sector agencies provide free, impartial advice to staff on dealing with the practical and emotional sides of redundancy, including support to get a new job.  

Another Big Moray Firth wind farm gets go ahead

A proposed objection to a massive Moray Firth wind project by Highland Council did not take place as planned.   Highland council planning officers had intimated that the council would lay an objection to the north planning applications committee and it was stated in the papers the week before but the objection was not put.  

Highland Council Statement - Car Parking In Lochaber

Lochaber Area Committee at its meeting on 7th November, 2018 decided to introduce two hours free car parking in the six weeks running up to Christmas for Fort William.   Cllr Allister Mackinnon Budget Leader said, "We are aware of the decision made by the Lochaber Area Committee to offer 2 hours free car parking in the run up to Christmas, however legal advice is that the decision has budgetary consequences and therefore it needs to be considered by the Highland Council when it next meets on 13th December 2018".  

Highland Council Budget 2018/19 - Have Your Say

The Highland council wants to hear the views of the public in what is another very difficult period of difficulties in deciding how to spend a reducing amount of money.   Events are taking place in Caithness and Sutherland at - Wed 21 Nov Caithness - 2.00pm - Market Square - Wick Precinct Wed 21 Nov Caithness - Wick 6pm to 7pm Caithness House Thur 22 Nov Caithness - 10am to 11pm Thurso Precinct Thursday 22 Sutherland - 2pm to 3pm The Kyle Centre Tongue Thursday 22 Sutherland - 7pm to 8pm Lochinver Village Hall See full details at - https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/670/consultations_complaints_and_compliments/668/our_budget.  

"Plot to plate" School cook is Highland Council's Employee of the Year

A Cook at Broadford Primary School on the Isle of Skye has scooped the Highland Council's Employee of the Year 2018 Award for her commitment to promote healthy eating and for inspiring pupils to get involved from "plot to plate" Annette Burfooot, who has been at the school for 11 years, is described as a skilled and dedicated member of staff who is passionate about promoting healthy eating and regularly goes into classrooms to chat to the children about nutrition and developing healthy eating habits.  She also encourages them to proactively get involved in the planning of menus for school meals making the most of fresh herbs and vegetables grown in the school garden.  

Highland Council approves new strategy to reduce single use plastics

Highland Council has become the first local authority in Scotland to develop a holistic strategy and action plan to reduce the consumption of single use plastics from its sites and schools, and the wider community.   The strategy and action plan was approved at a meeting of the Council's Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee today (8 November 2018).  

Illicit cigarettes uncovered by Highland Trading Standards with help from two four-legged friends

Thousands of illicit cigarettes have been uncovered by Highland Council's Trading Standards Officers with a little help from two specially-trained, four-legged detectives.   Spaniels Dixie and Daisy from Consumer Protection Dogs were enlisted by the region's Trading Standards team to detect the smell of tobacco.  

Nine candidates to contest Highland Council by-election

Nine candidates are standing for election to fill a vacancy for the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward of The Highland Council.   The by-election is being held following the resignation of Kate Stephen who was one of four Councillors representing Ward 5.  

Changes to weekend gritting on Highland Roads - are you ready for winter?

The Highland Council is ready for winter and prepared to grit council roads as the council's winter maintenance programme started on 14 October 2018.   Trunk roads in Highland are the responsibility of Transport Scotland and their operators Bear Scotland.