News Archive

#protectnorthhighlands Launches Offering Free Test And Protect Solution Across Caithness And Sutherland

Caithness Chamber of Commerce's new Test and Protect service, #ProtectNorthHighlands, goes live today (26 August) across Caithness and Sutherland.  Offering a simple, secure way for businesses to store customer data in line with Scottish Government's requirements for Test and Protect, the service is free to all businesses across the region thanks to the generous support of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.  

New Payment For People Self-isolating In Highest Risk Areas

People on low incomes who need to self-isolate and are unable to work from home in areas with high incidence of COVID-19 will benefit from a new payment scheme.   Government to implement new payment for people on low incomes in areas with high rates of COVID-19, who need to self-isolate and can't work from home.  

New Signs For John OGroat Trail

The John o' Groats Brewery has provided signs to mark the start/finish of the John o' Groats Trail just outside the brewery location near the harbour in the village.   The John o' Groats Trail is a charitable project to develop a coastal trail in Caithness and Sutherland with additional links in Easter Ross to connect to Inverness, allowing a continuous trail walk to or from as far away as Land's End.  

12-minute Covid Tests - £6.76m Deal Will Benefit Scottish Manufacturing

NHS Scotland has agreed a £6.76 million deal to purchase new machines capable of turning around coronavirus (COVID-19) tests in 12 minutes.   UK-based life sciences company LumiraDx will supply 300 rapid testing machines as well as a minimum of 500,000 tests.  

Audit Scotland Report - Covid-19: Financial Impact

Public spending must adapt to Covid-19 Covid-19 will have significant consequences for public spending in Scotland now and well into the future.   1 The public health crisis caused by Covid-19 has had a significant and profound effect on every aspect of Scottish society.  

NORTH politician extolls the virtues of Highlands & Islands

Enterprise and seeks trade minister's agreement budget should be spared instead of cut A NORTH politician extolled the virtues of Highlands & Islands Enterprise today in Holyrood’s Debating Chamber - and said it was crucial its budget is spared from further cuts.   MSP David Stewart asked Scotland’s Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation Ivan McKee to recognise the "first-class work" being done by Lifescan and the Centre for Health Science in Inverness, and in particular the focus that is being made on diabetes research and development.  

Do You Have Employees Working From Home?

From HMRC.   During the past few months, many employers have asked employees to work from home - sometimes providing mobile phones and internet to help them.  

Highland Council Designs New Branding To Signpost Visitors To Nearest Comfort Scheme Toilets

Highland Council has revealed new branding for its Comfort Scheme which its hoped will help people identify premises that have opened their toilets for public use.   The Comfort Scheme also includes premises where a community has taken charge of ex-Council toilets for the public to use.  

Why Are Fertility Rates are Plummeting Around the World?

Around the world, fertility rates are falling dramatically.  Researchers have described the decline as "jaw-dropping" and the impact that it is going to have on societies is difficult to fathom.  

Face Coverings In Schools

Guidance for pupils and staff on the use of face coverings in schools and on school transport has been updated.   In light of the latest scientific and public health advice, including World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, face coverings should now (unless exemptions apply) be worn: in secondary schools, by adults and all pupils moving around the school, such as in corridors and communal areas where physical distancing is difficult to maintain on dedicated school transport by all children aged five and over, bringing it into line with guidance for public transport While staff and students can continue to wear face coverings if they wish to, face coverings will not generally be necessary in the classroom as there is greater scope for physical distancing and face coverings can have an impact on learning and teaching.