Local Authority News

Options For New Wick High School

The public is being invited to a "drop in " session and a public meeting later this month to consider the options open to the Council for the upgrade/replacement of Wick High School.   The "drop in" session is being held on Monday 28 June at the Assembly Rooms, Wick, between 10 am and 5 pm.  

Substance Abuse training Aims To Save Caithness Children's Lives

People who work with children and young people in Caithness have recently been trained to identify and understand the signs of solvent abuse.   Training was organised and sponsored by The Highland Council's Youth Action Team and Caithness Drug & Alcohol Forum and delivered by the charity Re-Solv that specialises in volatile substance abuse training.  

Making It Easier To Pay Council Bills

The Highland Council is to consult with the public over plans to extend the number of ways the public can pay Council bills, such as Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and rent.   A bonus for the Council is that it can save at least �400,000 per year through changing the way it collects payments.  

Funding Releases Huge Boost For Marine Tourism

The Highland Council has agreed funding of �100,000 over the next three years to complete a funding package which will expand the marine tourism industry between the west of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.   This will see new infrastructure and ancillary harbour services provided at Mallaig and Lochaline and project development work carried out for Kinlochleven, Inverie and the Small Isles.  

Council Reaffirms Support For Scotland's Housing Expo

1st - 31st August At Inverness - Scotland First Housing Expo Over 50 New Houses - See The Competition Winners All Building Now The Highland Council has reaffirmed its continued support for Scotland's Housing Expo which will take place throughout the month of August at Milton of Leys, in Inverness.   Members of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee on Wednesday 26 May 2010 agreed to underwrite the event up to a maximum of �100,000 to provide resources for the Board until ticket sales and all sponsorship funding is received.  

Highland Schools Introduce National Music Programme

Schools throughout the Highlands are to benefit from a training event being held this weekend in Inverness which will see participants learning how to deliver the national programme "Active Learning through Music".   On Saturday 22 May around 70 participants attended the event held at Millburn Academy.  

Highland Wins National Competition For Internet Safety Resources

A Highland play aimed at protecting children from cyber-bullying has won a national award and is to be used as a national teaching resource.   Earlier this year the Scottish Government announced the launch of an action plan and marketing campaign to improve the safety of children on the internet and prevent problems such as cyber bullying, internet fraud and online grooming.  

Updated Plan for Gypsy Travellers

Highland Council updates Multi Agency Action Plan for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands Members of The Highland Council's Housing and Social Work Committee have welcomed progress on the implementation of a Multi Agency Action Plan for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands.   Members also agreed to a new set of actions for inclusion in the plan and revisions to the Unauthorised Encampment Policy and Procedures.  

Moving the Development Plan Forward

The Planning Environment and Development Committee of Highland Council will consider a report setting out the latest thinking on the vision and spatial strategy of the Highland wide Local Development Plan.   This latest stage in the plan's preparation has been reached following an extensive public consultation held between August and November 2009.  

New operator for Wick district heating system

The Highland Council has moved a step closer to finding an operator to run the district heating scheme at Pulteneytown, Wick, currently operated by Caithness Heat and Power Ltd, a company owned and run by the Council.   Following a procurement exercise, the Council has identified a preferred bidder to provide a suitable renewable energy solution for the existing customers of Caithness Heat and Power.