Local Authority News

High Life Highland Is Bouncing Back

In a report being presented to The Highland Council's Recovery Board on 24th August, Steve Walsh, High Life Highland's Chief Executive, has outlined the charity's road to financial recovery thanks to its bounceback campaign.   Mr Walsh explained, "It now seems like an over-used phrase, but when the pandemic hit in March it was clear that High Life Highland, along with every other organisation was facing unprecedented challenges.  

Over £15m of capital investment to improve Highland housing stock

Members of The Highland Council's Housing and Property Committee have agreed a one-year capital investment plan of £15.667 million to be spent improving existing housing stock - £1 million of which will be specifically to fund aids and adaptations for disabled tenants.   The money will be allocated on an area-by-area basis with local members making decisions on projects to be carried out during 2021-2022.  

Committee discusses Council's work to address homelessness

Members of The Highland Council's Housing and Property Committee have had the chance to discuss the progress made to implement a Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan aimed at tackling homelessness.   In November 2018 the Scottish Government and COSLA published the "Ending Homelessness Together" Action Plan which included the recommendation that all local authorities produce Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans to document how they would tackle homelessness.  

COVID-19 school trip refunds - Corporate Resources Committee

Members of today's postponed Corporate Resources Committee have supported recommendations contained in item 9 of today's report, regarding critical issues around COVID-19 school trip refunds.   Those members who would have been in attendance at today's meeting were contacted by the Chair of the Committee, Cllr Alister Mackinnon, due to the importance of a decision being made on this item.  

SQA Results - Downgraded Results Scrapped; Qualifications To Be Based On Teacher Judgement

Pupils whose results were downgraded by the SQA are to receive new grades based solely on teacher estimates.   The SQA's alternative certification model was put in place after exams were cancelled due to coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Success achieved by school communities across Highland towards young people's education, wellbeing and skills

Members at yesterday's (6 August) meeting of Education Committee, heard about the success of schools across Highland communities and, specifically, drivers of success from Highland Head Teachers from Portree High, Dingwall Academy, Thurso High, Kingussie High, and St Clement's School in Dingwall.   Chair of the Education Committee, Councillor John Finlayson, said: "The achievements and resilience of our young people across the Highlands has to be congratulated along with the positive results we have heard about today.  

Drivers urged to slow down near schools

The Highland Council and Police Scotland are urging drivers to slow down near schools as term starts next week across Highland and pupils return to schools from 12th August onward.   Highland Council is warning parents and pupils that part time flashing 20mph signs around Highland Schools will not be operating as normal - due to a technical error caused by inactivity of the signs over the long period of lockdown.  

Good progress being made by Highland Council on recovery from COVID-19

Members were today asked to note the good progress being made in relation to the local authority's Recovery Action Plan despite the significant challenges faced because of the COVID-19 pandemic.   The report highlighted that important work on the 11 key priorities continues at pace.  

Highland Council Moves To Reduce Covid Assistance Programmes

Move towards a more sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance proposed as Highland navigates COVID-19 recovery phase.   Staff and Communities have been praised for their outstanding response to the Covid-19 emergency.  

Full Return For Education in Highland Following Scottish Government Confirmation

Today's announcement from the First Minister is very much what we have been anticipating and preparing for in our return to Highland education settings.  It is a great reassurance that we can now continue with our work to achieve a full return of pupils and staff, including those who were previously shielding, in August.