Local Authority News

Partnership for Procurement - Supplying to the Public Sector

A Partnership for Procurement event was held in Inverness today (Thursday 6 March) to raise awareness and the capability of the third sector to successfully bid, supply and deliver services for the public sector.   Partnership for Procurement (P4P) is a new initiative funded through the Scottish Government's 10 Year Social Enterprise Strategy; supporting social enterprises and third sector organisations to better access public contracts and build partnerships.  

Highland Council winter road condition and school closure report for Monday 5 March 2018

There is still a yellow weather warning in place until tomorrow for snow and ice across areas of the Highlands Maps of the Council's gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.  It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.  

Highland Council calls on retail property owners to inspect glazed canopies

Following incidents in Inverness retails parks where glazed walkway panels have failed, Highland Council is recommending as a precaution that all building owners with glazed canopy type arrangements check that they have adequate inspection and maintenance arrangements in place.   Such maintenance checks should ensure that the glazing, including the method of fixing and support, has been properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.  

Bellwin Scheme triggered

Ministers will consider financial assistance for local councils under the Bellwin Scheme following recent heavy snowfalls.   Scottish Borders Council requested the scheme was triggered and it is now open for applications from all councils severely impacted by recent weather events, or those at risk from flooding as the snow melts.  

Ross and Cromarty roads update 11.46am Today

The A835 Ullapool- Ledmore Junction remains closed, An additional 6 inches on the route this morning with further snow showers forecast, drifting snow and high winds hampering treatment of route.  Additional workforce has been brought in to the area helping the local squad who are attempting to push back the closure to Strathcanaird to allow access to Rhue, Blughasary and Strathcanaird.  

Highland Council to generate income through solar energy

The Highland Council is to progress with plans to generate over £4 million profit and significantly reduce its carbon emissions by installing solar panels on its estate.   The Council's Corporate Resources Committee yesterday (28 February 2018) approved a self-financing project using £2.3 million of capital to install 2.5 megawatts of solar panels on sites across the Council estate.  

Council's Benefits Service commended for outstanding performance

People in the Highlands claiming Housing Benefit are receiving the best service provided by any local authority in Scotland.   This accolade for Highland Council will be presented to the Council's Corporate Resources Committee on 28 February 2018 in a report highlighting the leading performance achieved for housing benefit recipients across the Highlands.  

Highland recognised for Earth Hour support

Ahead of WWF's annual Earth Hour on Saturday 24 March 2018, The Highland Council is again celebrating after being awarded WWF Scotland's Earth Hour Local Authority Runner-up Award for its contribution to the success of Earth Hour in 2017.   Some of the Highland's best known landmarks, including Inverness Castle, Spey Bridge, Ruthven Barracks and Eilean Donan Castle, joined the likes of the Eiffel Tower and Sydney Opera House in switching off for an hour last March.  

Record enquiries about filming in Highland

Last week saw The Highland Council's film unit receive its 200th enquiry of the year - a new record that illustrates the level of appeal the area now has as a location for everything from high end movies to online commercials.  Enquiries are already 19% ahead of the previous financial year even before what is traditionally the busiest period of production development in March.  

Gaelic In-Service gets Full Marks

Close to 100 professionals met yesterday for what is one of the largest Career Long Professional Learning (CLPL) events of its kind in the country that specifically targets Gaelic Education staff.   The event took place in Merkinch Community Centre, Inverness for Highland Council's annual Gaelic Education In-Service.