News Archive
9/6/2020
Community Funding Maps
A new collection of digital maps is to display the funding being given to support communities across Scotland affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). The online dashboard enables users to view financial support by local authority across four main funds.9/6/2020
Action Against Inequality
A new expert group will work with the Scottish Government to provide a clearer picture of the impact on minority ethnic communities of coronavirus (COVID-19). Following indications that minority ethnic communities may face higher risks from COVID-19, the group will consider evidence and data being gathered by the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland, National Records of Scotland and the NHS, and advise on policy actions to mitigate any disproportionate effects.8/6/2020
Highland Council staff share their views on lockdown, home working and the future in new video series
Highland Council has been speaking to staff about their wellbeing during the coronavirus lockdown, working from home and how they see their roles developing in the future. Today, the local authority launched the first in a series of video interviews with staff, who offered honest accounts of how the crisis has affected them and how it has changed their roles.
8/6/2020
NHS Highland has admitted five hospital patients were discharged to Home Farm Care Home
NHS Highland has admitted five hospital patients were discharged to Home Farm Care Home in March before ministers introduced routine testing. The disclosure was made following questions from Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant.8/6/2020
Algal toxins affecting shellfish in coastal waters - East Isle of Skye - Kyles of Scalpay
The Highland Council's Environmental Health Team has identified raised levels of naturally occurring Algal Toxins following routine monitoring at Kyles of Scalpay, off the east coast of the Isle of Skye. Eating shellfish such as mussels, cockles, oysters or razor fish from these areas may pose a health risk arising from the consumption of these algal toxins.8/6/2020
Asia offers opportunities for UK red meat exports
Coronavirus has significantly impacted global trade, but there remains a myriad of opportunities for UK red meat exports - particularly in the Asian marketplace. During the first AHDB export webinar, around 180 delegates were told that while the pandemic presents serious challenges for the sector, the UK is ‘weathering the storm' and continuing to ship red meat to key target markets.8/6/2020
Oil Company BP To Cut 10,000 Jobs Worldwide
Oil company BP (BP.L) today (Monday 8 June 2020) that it was to cut 10,000 jobs at the company.,The slump caused by the Covid 19 pandemic and the resulting slump in oil prices has meant profits turning to losses. The company is aiming to reduce capital expenditure by $3bn (£2.4bn) in 2020, and operating expenditure by $2.5bn.7/6/2020
Caithness Voluntary Group Awarded £200,000 From The Aspiring Communities Fund Of The European Community
Eleven community organisations in the Highlands and Islands have been awarded a total of £1.5m to develop and deliver long-term solutions to tackle poverty based on local priorities and needs The Aspiring Communities Fund, which levers in European Social Funds, was launched by the Scottish Government in 2017 to help reduce poverty and enable inclusive growth in disadvantaged and fragile communities across Scotland. Regional development agency, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), helped community organisations in the region to apply to this recent round of funding.7/6/2020
Video Explains The Impact Of Covid-19 On Highland Council
Highland Council has created a video to explain some of the impacts of COVID-19 on communities and on the Council. Leader of the Council, Margaret Davidson said: "The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on many individuals, businesses and communities across Highland.
7/6/2020
More than 17,000 helped to get home from across Africa
UK Government charter flights have now flown over 150,000 miles enabling over 8,400 stranded travellers to return home from across Africa. UK Government charter flights to bring Brits home from countries in Africa have now flown over 150,000 miles, bringing people back from across six different time zones and enabling over 8,400 stranded travellers to return home from across Africa in addition to over 9,000 the FCO have helped to return home on commercial flights.7/6/2020
Urgent Call For Charity Funding Clarity
Tens of millions of pounds of lifeline funding has been fast-tracked to charities by the Scottish Government since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis despite delays in clarity over Barnett consequentials, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell has said. Highlighting the key role the third sector has played in delivering vital support during the pandemic, Ms Campbell urged the UK Government to be clear in its support for vital services, by indicating when a £10 million shortfall in funding would be resolved.6/6/2020
Council gives health and safety advice and support to businesses
The Highland Council is responsible for the ‘policing' the new The Health Protection (Coronavirus)(Scotland) Regulations and coronavirus restrictions such as physical distancing and enhanced hand hygiene controls in a range of business premises including shops, hotels, offices and leisure industry. The new law was made in response to the serious and imminent threat to public health which is posed by the incident and spread of coronavirus in Scotland and came into force at the end of March 2020.6/6/2020
Wellbeing of pupils to be prioritised
Guidance for education authorities and teachers published for next academic year. New guidance will help teachers and councils prepare for the ‘blended model' of both classroom and home learning when schools re-open in August.6/6/2020
Important Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)
Important dates - what you need to know now. The scheme will close to anyone who hasn't been furloughed for 3 weeks by 30 June, so you will only be able to claim for employees after that if they have been furloughed for a full three-week period at any time before the end of June.6/6/2020
Scale Of Economic Challenge In Scotland Highlighted
Scotland's economy faces a gradual recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, according to updated modelling published today. Highlighting the scale of the challenge facing the nation, analysis by Scottish Government Chief Economist Gary Gillespie suggests that economic output may not recover to pre-crisis levels until the start of 2023.6/6/2020
Smoking Ban Proposals
Full analysis of consultation on smoking outside hospitals. The majority of respondents to a consultation on banning smoking near hospital buildings support a 15-metre enforcement zone to protect people from the dangers of second-hand smoke.5/6/2020
Caithness Business Fund COVID-19 support scheme now open - first round closes 12 June
The Caithness Business Fund is pleased to announce that, thanks to a generous contribution of £100,000 from Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL), it will be running a series of application rounds designed to support local businesses in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This support will be provided in the form of grants ranging from £500 up to a maximum of £5,000, and will be made available initially to eligible businesses in Caithness and North Sutherland which require assistance towards costs incurred in reopening business premises as a result of COVID-19.5/6/2020
Winners Announced In The North Atlantic Corona Challenge
The 48-hour challenge was aimed at 18-30-year olds from the north Atlantic region (Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Coastal Norway and Scotland). Their task was to come up with ideas and develop solutions to save communities, save businesses and save lives during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
5/6/2020
Highland's young people encouraged to apply without delay for Education Maintenance Allowance
All eligible young people are being encouraged to apply for a weekly, term time allowance of £30 per week from August. The Highland Council administers Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in respect of eligible young people from across its 29 secondary schools.5/6/2020
