News Archive
30/10/2020
Updated Schools Guidance For Covid Brings More Rules
Guidance on school safety has been updated to take account of public health advice and Scotland's new approach to suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19). The guidance, which outlines additional protection measures at all five levels in the Strategic Framework, comes into force on Monday 2 November.30/10/2020
Covid Cases In Highland Passes 900
Similar to the rest of Scotland, and indeed the UK, the number of COVID cases in Highland, Argyll and Bute are increasing. With the number of COVID cases across the whole of NHS Highland having now passed 900 since the start of the pandemic NHS Highland is reminding everyone on the importance of self-isolating for those who have confirmed COVID and those who are identified as close contacts.29/10/2020
Coronavirus Covid-19 Allocation Of Levels To Local Authorities Areas
New protection levels that will apply in each local authority area in Scotland from Monday 2 November 2020. Highland is allocated to Level One.[b] [b]COVID-19 Protection Level: 1 Socialising (different rules apply for children, further guidance will be issued shortly) 6/2 indoors (at times, depending on circumstances, we may need to stop indoor socialising in Level 1 in an area) i.e.29/10/2020
Face Covering Exemption Cards Launched - Supporting Everyone To Feel Safer
The Scottish Government has produced a face covering exemption card, to support those who are unable to wear one to feel more confident and safe when accessing public spaces and using public services. Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley Anne Somerville said: "Everyone who can do so is legally obliged to wear a face covering where it is mandated by law.
29/10/2020
BUYING LOCAL BOOM: Searches for supporting local businesses up 1581%
Many local businesses have made it through extremely testing times and now have a stronger, and more loyal, customer base than ever before. In the height of lockdown, many consumers began to see it as their duty to help support local businesses and see them thrive against all odds.
29/10/2020
Homeless Heroes: 87% Of Public Sector Workers Can't Afford A Mortgage In The UK
None of the selected eight public sector roles would be able to live in London. An NHS GP is the only public sector job that could solely afford a mortgage in eight regions across the UK.
29/10/2020
All Systems Go For UKs £55m Fusion Energy Experiment
Fusion energy is a step closer with the start-up of the MAST Upgrade tokamak at Culham Science Centre. Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (MAST) Upgrade device will tackle one of fusion's biggest technical challenges.
29/10/2020
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 29 October 2020
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October, 29th) sold 3,025 store sheep. Lambs (2,151) averaged £54.77 and sold to £78 gross (twice) for a pen of Texel crosses from 2 Cragganvallie, Kiltarlity and for a pen of Beltex crosses from Wester Coillemore, Invergordon.29/10/2020
How the super rich conquered London
This article was first published on The Conversation website and is shortened version of the book "The Alpha City" published in June 2020. It lays bare many aspects of the ill-divided society that the UK has become with London at the top of the list.
29/10/2020
Two Highland schools nominated for Phase 2 of Learning Estate Improvement Programme
At today's meeting of the Highland Council, elected members were updated on the Learning Estate Improvement Programme (LEIP), which is the Scottish Government's new funding model for school investment projects. This update follows on from a special meeting of Highland Council on 1 October 2020, during which elected members agreed that Broadford Primary School should be nominated as the Council’s priority for consideration by the Scottish Government for inclusion in Phase 2 of the LEIP.29/10/2020
Mortgage approvals soar to highest levels since 2007
The figures show that approvals climbed to a huge 91.5k, up from 85.53k on the previous month. Managing Director of Enness Global Mortgages, Hugh Wade-Jones commented: "Prospective home buyers have continued to fuel the furnaces of the UK property market with another huge uplift in mortgage approval figures.
29/10/2020
Welcome news on improving financial position heard by full Council
At today's meeting of the Highland Council councillors were asked to note a revenue budget update report, which indicated the possibility of a slight reduction in the £11.254m budget gap predicted at the beginning of October. However, the report also highlighted the future risks and potential challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.29/10/2020
Council confirms response to BT on proposed removal of phone boxes across the Highlands
The Highland Council has today (Thursday) agreed a response to BT's proposal to remove 107 of the 348 public call boxes from across the Highland area. Under Ofcom guidelines, the Local Authority is responsible for co-ordinating a consultation and responding on behalf of the Highland community.
29/10/2020
Call for urgent sick pay reform receives backing of Highland Council
At today's meeting of The Highland Council members gave their backing to a motion that highlights the need for the UK Government to review the sick pay system and reform it as a matter of urgency. Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chair of the Council's Recovery Board who put forward the motion along with Councillor Alex Graham said: "It has become more obvious than ever during the current Covid 19 crisis that there are clear and substantial long-standing inadequacies in the sick pay system.29/10/2020
Uk Transition | Time Is Running Out For Businesses
Time is running out for businesses to prepare for new rules from 1 January. Check what your business needs to do now HERE.
29/10/2020
Rhoda Grant Blast Scottish Government As They Consider Energy Batteries For Beleaguered Islands
In a galvanising speech in Holyrood in Wednesday 29 October, Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant urged Scottish Government to place communities at the heart of its Renewable Energy plans and urgently improve energy networks to capitalise on Scotland's natural resources. During a parliamentary debate on the future of energy in Scotland, Mrs Grant blasted the SNP Government for failing to secure jobs for Scotland's renewable energy sector and failing to encourage energy transmission from the islands.28/10/2020
Special Highland council Meeting Today To Discuss Covid Restrictions
The special Highland council meeting commences at 9.00am today and will be on webcast HERE.28/10/2020
Low supply, resilient prices and private sales are key features of the 2020 Scottish farmland market
Strong market in the South West of Scotland. Travel restrictions impacting the North East, though natural capital still a pull for buyers.28/10/2020
Alness Academy Pupils Are Welcomed Into Their New School Building
This morning (28 October 2020) pupils attending Alness Academy were welcomed into their new school building. Chair of Education Committee, Councillor John Finlayson, said: "Today is an exciting day for the school, it's pupils, its staff, and the wider Alness community.
28/10/2020
