Local Authority News
24/9/2023
Unlocking Growth - SME Debt Finance Roadshow
At a time when the debt market is transforming, the British Business Bank is bringing a debt finance roadshow to the Highlands and Moray. In partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Highland Council, the roadshow is a hands-on event tailored for SMEs looking to secure debt financing.
22/9/2023
Glass Recycling Update 22 September 2023
Following a period of disruption to the glass bottle and jar recycling service, The Highland Council, would like to provide an update to the public. The Council's glass collection contractor, Biffa Waste Services spokesperson said: "Due to an unforeseen resource issue we find ourselves falling short of the required level of service expectations we provide to the Highland Council.
21/9/2023
The Highland Council Growing Business Growth Fund
Businesses looking for financial support for their growth plans could be eligible for a Growing Business Growth Fund grant of up to £10,000. Applicants can potentially access 50% of the costs of their growth project.19/9/2023
Still Time To Apply For The First Decision Making Round Of The 2023/24 Nature Restoration Fund
The Highland Council have extended the deadline for applicants to apply for the first decision making round of the 2023/24 allocation of Nature Restoration Funding by 12 noon, Wednesday 4 October 2023. Chair of the Council's Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Eligible applicants can apply between £2,000 - £25,000 towards nature restoration projects.19/9/2023
Thurso High School Heating Oil Leak And River Thurso - Update 19 September
The Thurso High School heating oil leak investigation work continues to identify the cause and the extent of the leak. This involves considerable site analysis to enable The Highland Council to know the extent of the contamination and will inform the scale of the site clean-up.18/9/2023
Chief Social Work Officer 2022/23 Annual Report
The Highland Council's Chief Social Work Officer presented this year's annual report to Members. The report provides an informed view of some of the challenges and notable achievements from this year, and the impact that these will have on future service delivery.
14/9/2023
New Highland Youth Convener, Orla Macleod, Appointed For 2023-24
Orla MacLeod has taken up the role of Highland Youth Convener as of Monday 28th August 2023, becoming the 15th Youth Convener since 2007. This full-time role is a bursary position that will run for 12 months.
14/9/2023
Thurso High School - Heating Oil Leak Update 14 September
A Highland Council spokesperson said: "The Thurso High School heating oil leak investigation work continues to identify the cause and the extent of the leak. This involves considerable site analysis to enable us to know the extent of the contamination and will inform the scale of the site clean-up.14/9/2023
Community Council Elections 2023 - Still time to apply to be the voice of your community
The Highland Council is reminding anyone considering joining their local Community Council that there is still time to submit their nomination. This is your chance to help represent the views of your community to The Highland Council and other public agencies.
12/9/2023
Highland Skills Challenge Fund - An Opportunity For Businesses To Develop Their Green Skills
The Highland Council, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is inviting Highland businesses to apply for funding to support the costs of green skills training for their workforce. Cllr Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee explained: "This Challenge Fund has been set up to support Highland businesses who wish to invest in their workforce and develop their green skills.8/9/2023
Prioritising Homes For Living In - Council Tax On Second Homes To Double From April 24
Local authorities will be able to charge a premium of up to 100% on council tax for second homes under legislation aiming to increase the availability of housing. If approved by Parliament, the secondary legislation would bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes, which can already be subject to a 100% premium on the full rate of council tax.4/9/2023
Highland Council's New Chief Executive Welcomed
Derek Brown takes up the post of The Highland Council's Chief Executive from today, 4th September 2023. Derek comes to the Highlands with extensive experience in his previous roles as Deputy Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Local Authority, a Professional Advisor on the National Improvement Framework, Derek started his career in teaching.
4/9/2023
Community Council Elections 2023 - Opportunity To Be The Voice Of Your Community
From Monday 4 September, nominations are invited from people seeking election to all Community Councils. This is your chance to help represent the views of your community to The Highland Council and other public agencies.
3/9/2023
Update On Projects To Maintain Burial Ground Capacity And Crematorium Services For The Highlands
A report was presented to members of the Communities and Place Committee yesterday (Thursday, 31 August) outlining a number of Bereavement Services projects currently being progressed to maintain burial ground capacity and crematorium services within the Highlands. The update focused on matters around the progress of burial ground extensions and also on work which has been commissioned to review the options for a cremator replacement at Inverness Crematorium.3/9/2023
Upcoming Changes To The Treatment Of Upholstered Furniture At Council Recycling Centres
Members of the Communities and Place Committee of Highland council were briefed on an imminent legislative change being brought forward by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), concerning the collection, storage and treatment of Upholstered Domestic Seating at Council facilities throughout the region. Currently the Council directs all Upholstered Furniture to landfill, however, yesterday's update outlined the operational and financial implications to the Council in adopting this legislative change and diverting Upholstered Furniture from landfill.26/8/2023
Health And Social Care Service Plan Approved By Highland Councillors
Highland Councillors on the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee have welcomed and approved the Health and Social Care Service Plan for 2023/24. The plan's vision is: "for all of Highland's children, young people, families and adults supported by the Council to have the best possible outcomes in life.24/8/2023
£90k Worth Of Community Regeneration Funding Awarded By Caithness Councillors to Wick Campsite Toilets
Members of the Caithness Area Committee, who met on Monday, 21 August 2023, considered and agreed funding for an application submitted to the area's Community Regeneration Fund. The Wick Development Trust successfully secured £90,000 towards Phase 2 of their overall development plan, with this phase focusing on the development of a Toilet Block & Facilities building at Wick River Campsite.
24/8/2023
High Life Highland's Adult Learning For Refugees Team Hosts Traditional Kite-making Session To Inspire Hope In Afghan Families
High Life Highland's Adult Learning for Refugees team recently hosted a creative project for Afghan resettler communities, funded by the Scottish Refugee Council as part of the ‘Scottish Refugee Festival'. The theme of the Festival this year was ‘Hope' hence the event was aptly titled ‘The Afghan Kites of Hope' in honour of the tradition of kite-making, a custom now prohibited by the Taliban in their home country.
21/8/2023
2023/24 Winter Maintenance Plan Approved For Caithness
The priorities by which The Highland Council will treat roads in Caithness this winter have been approved. At the Caithness Committee meeting today (Monday 21 August 2023) members approved a winter maintenance plan for the area which includes priority road lists and maps showing the priority gritting routes.20/8/2023
