Local Authority News

Wick High School Consultation

The Consultation Report in relation to the proposal to build a new Wick High School on either the existing Wick High School playing field site or on Bignold Park, Wick, and to determine what community facilities should be included within the new school campus will be available from the 8th December 2010: This report can be accessed either � the Highland Council web-site via www.highland.gov.uk/schoolconsultations, or � hard copies will be available at Wick and Thurso Service Points and Wick and Thurso Libraries and the Area Education Culture and Sport Office, Rhind House, Wick.   If you have any comments in relation to this Consultation Report please either e-mail them to: ecsadmin[AT]highland.gov.uk or alternatively forward in writing to Ron MacKenzie Head of Support Services Education Culture & Sport Highland Council Glenurquhart Road, INVERNESS IV3 5NX All comments received will be summarised and made available to Elected Members who will consider this Consultation Report at the Education Culture & Sport Committee on the 13th January 2011.  

Highland Council's toilets come top in the UK

Cleaning staff responsible for looking after The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport service toilets are celebrating after scooping 6 national category awards, 4 major national awards and taking home the top UK Trophy for the best Local Authority Entries.   The Loo of The Year UK Awards took place in Birmingham on Friday and the first results to be announced were the 2010 National Category Winners for Scotland.  

Follow-through Inspection of Pennyland Primary School

As part of the inspectorate's ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities, a report has been issued on the inspection by HMIe of the quality of education at Pennyland Primary School.   The report from the interim visit is based on the initial inspection report of October 2009 and describes the improvements that have been made since that original inspection.  

School Closures 1st December 2010

SCHOOL Date Time Closed Reason BOWER PRIMARY 1.12.10 AM Bad weather CANISBAY PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather CASTLETOWN PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather CROSSROADS PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather DUNBEATH PRIMARY HALKIRK PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather HILLHEAD PRIMARY KEISS PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather LYBSTER PRIMARY MILLER ACADEMY PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather MOUNT PLEASANT PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather NORTH WICK PRIMARY PENNYLAND PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather PULTENEYTOWN ACADEMY PRIMARY REAY PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather SOUTH WICK PRIMARY THRUMSTER PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather THURSO HIGH SCHOOL 1.12.10 School open to local & pupils on main roads only WATTEN PRIMARY 1.12.10 AM WICK HIGH SCHOOL 1.12.10 School open but no pupils on side roads MOUNT PLEASANT SPECIAL EDUC.  UNIT, CASTLETOWN 1.12.10 AM CAITHNESS EARLY YEARS AUTISM CENTRE, WICK THURSO HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL ED UNIT 1.12.10 AM .  

Public Reminded Of Council Gritting Priorities

As forecasters predict snow this week in the Highlands, The Highland Council has published on its web site route maps setting out its snow clearing and gritting priorities for local roads.   Eight leaflets outline the Council's route and footpath priorities and provide advice and contact numbers for motorists.  

Highland Council Welcomes Scrabster Harbour Funding Boost

The Highland Council has welcomed the announcement by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to award Scrabster Harbour Trust �5 million to help develop the harbour as a key component of Scotland's renewable energy infrastructure.   Convener Councillor Sandy Park said: "The news of the approval of �5m from HIE should be very welcome not just in the north but throughout the Highlands.  

Council renews support for Highland community transport groups

Twenty community transport schemes in the Highlands will continue to receive financial support, totalling almost �500,000, from The Highland Council in the next financial year Members of The Highland Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee have agreed to extend grant support into 2011/12, providing that the community groups work with Council officials to identify combined efficiency savings of at least �15,000.   Committee members were informed that one service, the Sound of Mull Passenger Ferry, which is jointly funded by Argyll and Bute Council, has seen a reduced level of usage and is currently receiving a subsidy of �49.96 per passenger from The Highland Council.  

Council to press Network Rail for improved safety measures

Members of The Highland Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee have agreed that the Council will write to Network Rail to press for improved safety measures at automatic open level crossings in the Highlands.   The action follows an update to members on the report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) into the fatal accident at the Halkirk level crossing in September 2009.  

Successful Conference for Highland Tenants

Building on the success of the first Highland Tenant Conference held last year, 92 delegates from across the Highlands gathered in Inverness on Saturday for the 2010 event.   Achievements of tenant and resident groups across the Highlands were showcased.  

Highland Council Aims To Save Water

The Council has launched its 'Reduce Water Waste' campaign, which aims to raise awareness and promote water minimisation in schools and amongst all council staff and councillors.   Reducing water use will: Save money and energy Reduce our carbon emissions Contribute to the continuing health of our valuable ecosystems Visit www.highland.gov.uk/waterminimisation for useful tips on how you can save water.