News Archive

More Omicron Restrictions Take Effect In Scotland From Today

Temporary measures to limit the spread of the Omicron variant whilst the accelerated booster vaccination programme takes effect have come into force.   From 05:00 yesterday (26 December), attendance at large events has been limited to: 100 people for indoor standing events 200 people for indoor seated events 500 people for all outdoor events (seated or standing).  

Additional Teacher Recruitment For 2021/22

The Highland Council has received an additional funding grant from the Scottish Government to spend towards the recruitment of an additional full-time employment of 30 primary school teachers and 25 secondary school teachers for 2021/22.   Last year, the Scottish Government provided additional funding of £2,200,000 to the Council to support Highland's education recovery; the funding was wholly spent on additional teacher resource in schools.  

Reduce Waste Over The Holidays - Make The Most Of Recycling

The Highland Council is reminding householders and businesses to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible over the festive period to prevent unnecessary waste.   Christmas is a busy time for most households and businesses, and this generates a lot more waste than usual.  

Cats Still Need Homes In Caithness

This little chap is looking for a home in Caithness.   From Cats Protection - Caithness web site The Caithness branch of Cats Protection has only been around since early 2001.  

Request For Additional Military Personnel Approved

Requests for military assistance at three health boards in Scotland have been approved.   NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Grampian and NHS Lanarkshire will receive the support from service personnel to help manage growing pressures as a result of Omicron.  

Industry Given Certainty Around Seasonal Workers But Told To Focus On Domestic Workforce

Seasonal Worker visa route extended until end of 2024, to allow foreign workers to come to the UK for up to six months to pick both edible and ornamental crops.   The visa scheme to allow seasonal workers to come to the UK will continue, but the government has demanded a plan from the sector to cut the reliance on foreign labour.  

National Flu And Covid-19 Surveillance Reports Published

Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.   The main points from this week's national influenza and COVID-19 surveillance report are: COVID-19 activity has increased across the UK.  

107 Rowers Celebrate Christmas Day In The Atlantic

107 rowers from 36 global teams are currently making their way across 3,000 miles of the Atlantic Ocean between La Gomera, Spain and English Harbour, Antigua, as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, 2021.   The rowers will be celebrating in various ways tomorrow for Christmas Day.  

New - Hospitality Business Support Top-up Grant Scheme

The Hospitality Business Support Top-Up Grant Scheme will provide a one-off payment for businesses in the hospitality sector who have lost bookings during December 2021 and January 2022.   Business will receive either a grant of £4,500 or £6,800 depending on their rateable value.  

£21 Million To Support Culture And Events - Additional funds for organisations and freelancers

A £21 million support package to support cultural and events organisations and freelancers experiencing cancellations due to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant has been announced.   This is to help manage the significant impact of the new guidelines around social distancing and the limitations on the number of people who can attend events.