Local Authority News

Highland Road Conditions Report - Thursday 18 January 2024 - Caithness Main Roads Passable

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.  

Launch Of New Access To Trades Initiative

The Highland Council's Employability Service and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) are delighted to announce an exciting collaboration to offer a pre-employability programme which seeks to support out-of-work young people on a pathway to the trades.   Supported through the Scottish Government's No One left Behind Employability Funding, the Access To Trades initiative will provide a pathway for young people up to the age of 29 years to progress on to the CITB's Scottish Academy for Construction Opportunities (SACO) Programme.  

Highland Road Conditions Report - Tuesday 16 January 2024

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.  

Still Time To Take Part In Highland 20mph Consultation

The Council is reminding the public and community groups that there is still time to submit feedback on the Highland-wide 20mph roll-out project.   125 Highland settlements are part of the project which equates to around 610km of roads across the Highlands, 590km of which are on Local Authority Roads.  

Council Tax Reduction Scheme Helps Households Save £3.5bn

Minister urges those eligible to apply for support.   Scottish households have saved more than £3.5 billion in council tax since the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme was introduced a decade ago.  

A Visitor Levy In Scotland Looks Almost Certain As The Bill Passes The First Stage

MSPs on a Holyrood committee have backed calls for the introduction of a visitor levy in local authorities, and have said that it would be 'unlikely' to deter tourists.   Also known as the tourist tax, the legislation would allow councils to introduce an overnight accommodation levy - which Highland Council has been in support of.  

Councils Predict Cuts And Job Losses Following Closer Examination Of The Scottish Budget

he Scottish Government has delivered a major blow to communities and has put councils at financial risk with a cash cut to Local Government in its draft Budget (published on 19th December) and no provision for inflation or pay increases, COSLA said.   COSLA Leaders described the draft Budget as not only leaving councils at real and significant financial risk for the coming year, but as it stands, it will mean cuts in every community in Scotland and job losses across Scottish Local Government.  

Response To Education Reform Bill Consultation By Highland Council

The Highland Council is supportive of the Scottish Government's Education Reform Bill, however the local authority stresses the need for adequate funding, resources and a focus on place-based solutions in the area to meet its vision.   Cllr John Finlayson, Education Chair said: "It is important that we look to the future of Scottish Education from a Highland perspective.  

Black Isle And Easter Ross Area Committees Of Highland Council Amalgamated

Members of Highland Council, who met today, Thursday, 14 December 2023, have agreed to amalgamate two local area committees.   The former Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committees will be merged to form a single area committee.  

Council Confirms Priority For Gritting During Wintery Weather And Urges Everyone To Take Extra Care

Following a week of very icy and cold wintry weather, the Leader of The Highland Council has acknowledged the difficult conditions that recent adverse weather has created for road and footway users and is encouraging everyone to take extra care and allow additional time for journeys.   Councillor Raymond Bremner said: "Ice, thaw and freezing rain sustained over a pro-longed period of time in many areas of the Highlands have meant that our gritting crews have had to take longer getting round all the routes agreed in the Council's Winter Maintenance Policy.