News Archive
23/12/2020
Financial Support For Students in Financial Difficulties
An additional £5 million is being made available to students who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Students across Scotland can apply to their college or university's Discretionary Fund for help if they are struggling to meet accommodation and other costs.23/12/2020
Parliament Backs Scottish Election Bill
Legislation will ensure safety of 2021 poll during pandemic. New legislation to make sure next year's Scottish parliamentary election can take place fairly and safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been backed by MSPs.22/12/2020
Changes to the start of term for Highland schools after Christmas
The First Minister announced at the weekend (19 December 2020) new plans for the return of Scottish schools in the New Year. The Scottish Government has extended the school holiday period for all schools nationally until 11 January 2021.22/12/2020
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 22 December 2020
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December, 22nd) sold 16 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (2) averaged 216.0p (+16.6p) and sold to 216.0p per kg twice and £1,285.20 gross.22/12/2020
Brexit Deal Or No Deal, Food Bills Are About To Get A Lot More Expensive
This article was first published at The Conversation web site on 21st December 2020. Authors Tony Heron, Professor of International Political Economy, University of York and Bob Doherty,Professor of Marketing and Chair of Agrifood, University of York With just a few days until the end of the transition period, and with British freight hauliers temporarily banned from travelling to France, we still don't know if a free trade deal will be struck between the UK and EU.
22/12/2020
Advice for Holiday Accommodation in Level 4 COVID Protection Area
From Boxing Day (26 Dec 2020), the Highland Council area will be in a Level 4 Protection Area when ALL holiday accommodation requires to be closed to tourists. Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts and self-catering can remain open for essential customers only.22/12/2020
Schools Guidance From Scottish Government - Updated measures for pupils and staff
Guidance on arrangements for the phased reopening of schools in January 2021 has been updated to take account of public health advice and Scotland's on-going work to supress coronavirus (COVID-19). This guidance has been issued in response to the First Minster's announcement of 19 December and aims for a full return to school buildings and face-to-face learning and teaching for all children from 18 January.22/12/2020
Is $900 Billion Too Little Too Late? - The United States passes the biggest stimulus package but suffering is huge
The United States is suffering badly in the pandemic and the Washington Post has had many stories and podcasts on the topic. The US government has just agreed the biggest stimulus package so far.
22/12/2020
Industrial action announced at HIAL airports over remote towers
Prospect, which represents air traffic control staff and other in Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, has announced that its member are to take industrial action over the company's remote towers plan. Unless HIAL changes tack nearly 50 staff will be made redundant with HIAL needing to recruit a similar number in Inverness at very significant expense to the taxpayer.22/12/2020
Young Carers Grant Has Had Low Uptake - Do You Know A Young Carer - Let Them Know
Its over a year since Social Security Scotland launched their Young Carers Grant (YCG), uptake of this grant in Highland has been low. YCG is an annual payment of £305.10 for young carers aged 16 to 18 who live in Scotland.22/12/2020
Support For Outdoor Play And Learning
New funding of £1 million will mean more children can reap the benefits of outdoor play and learning, whatever the weather. Nurseries and other Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings can apply to the fund for help to buy winter clothing for young children who need it.22/12/2020
Strengthening Support For People With Dementia And Their Carers
People living with dementia and their carers will have increased access to respite and community services and post-diagnostic care under new plans. The Dementia and COVID-19 National Action Plan outlines steps to build on the action taken since March to ease the impact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had on people with dementia and carers.22/12/2020
Public Urged To Stay Close To Home
Homeware stores and garden centres will close in all level 4 areas from Boxing Day with the exception of click and collect. Members of the public within level 4 are also being urged to stay close to home where possible to help stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID19).21/12/2020
Norscot Closing Soon For Christmas and New Year
Norsot closes for the holiday period on Wednesday 23 December at Noon. Reopening again at 9.00am on Monday 11th January 2021..
21/12/2020
Revitalising The River Clyde
Funded projects will create green jobs and benefit communities. A scheme to expand and transform one of Scotland's busiest arts venues into a greener, year-round cultural destination is among the projects being supported by the Clyde Mission Fund.21/12/2020
Building A New Energy Sector - Hydrogen Policy Statement Published
The hydrogen sector will receive £100 million over the next five years to support a green recovery and Scotland's just transition to net zero. Scotland is set to become a leading hydrogen nation, with an ambition to generate 5GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen by 2030 - enough to power the equivalent of 1.8 million homes.
21/12/2020
£104 Million Tourism And Hospitality Lifeline
Tourism and hospitality businesses across Scotland are to benefit from a £104.3 million package of support in the New Year. The funding is part of the short term response to the Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce recommendations and follows lengthy discussions with industry to target support specifically where it is needed the most.21/12/2020
Big business gives over 27,600 people in Scotland food, tech and care essentials to get through COVID-19
A charity set up by The Prince of Wales has got businesses to step up and help more than 27,600 people in Scotland as they struggle to get the food, digital technology and care essentials that they need to survive the impact of COVID-19 on their jobs, lives and communities. Local business leader Alison Rose has hailed the initiative as the best way for businesses to show that they care about the communities around them as the pandemic wreaks havoc.
21/12/2020
Coronavirus Covid-19 Update: First Minister's Speech 21 December
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing in St Andrew's House, Edinburgh on Monday 21 December 2020. Thanks for joining us.
21/12/2020
