News Archive
17/4/2020
Thousands Of Businesses Benefit From Support Grants
More than £215 million has been awarded to over 18,000 Scottish business ratepayers in just two weeks. The money has been allocated under two new schemes to help firms combat the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.16/4/2020
Highland Council Trading Standards warns about council tax scam
Highland Council Trading Standards is again warning unsuspecting residents of the emergence of another council tax scam. Today a call was received by the Council from a council tax payer alerting to a council tax scam whereby scammers are now emailing people and informing them that they are due a council tax rebate.15/4/2020
Furlough Scheme Cut-off Date Extended To 19 March
Thousands more employees will able to receive support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) after the eligibility date was extended to 19 March 2020, the government announced today. *eligibility cut-off date for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended to 19 March 2020.15/4/2020
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 15 April 2020
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April 15th) sold 486 store cattle and 17 OTM cattle. Store bullocks (266) averaged 221.4p and sold to 256.4p per kg for a 195kg Charolais cross from Whitebog, Rosemarkie, and £1,070 gross for a pen of 436kg Charolais crosses from Glaick, Ardross.15/4/2020
The UK Just Committed £200m To Fight Coronavirus In Developing Countries And Conflict Zones
The funds will help people in war zones and areas with little healthcare. The UK government has pledged £200 million in aid funding to support the World Health Organization (WHO), UN agencies, and international nonprofits to help step up the COVID-19 response in developing countries.15/4/2020
Additional Support For Business - Scheme Extended
Second phase of funding to protect against the effects of COVID-19. Around £220 million of further grants are being made available for businesses - including the recently self-employed - to help them deal with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.15/4/2020
Support For Aquaculture - Shellfish growers and trout farmers share £3 million
Aquaculture businesses threatened by the effects of COVID-19 can now get financial support from the Scottish Government. Hardship payments of up to £27,000 are being made available for around 100 businesses which make a full time living from shellfish growing and trout farming.15/4/2020
Just Enterprise Business Resilience Support
As you may already be aware, the Just Enterprise programme is currently offering business resilience support for social enterprises who are experiencing a significant loss of trading income due to COVID-19. The purpose of the Just Enterprise Business Resilience programme is to ensure social enterprises are equipped to manage the additional challenges arising from COVID-19.14/4/2020
Support For Those At High Covid-19 Risk
National helpline established for those who do not have family or community support. A new national helpline is being set up to provide essential assistance to those who don't have a network of support but who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19.14/4/2020
Wellbeing Fund Open For Bids
Charities invited to apply for cash help. Third sector organisations across Scotland are being encouraged to apply for emergency funding to help cope with the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19).14/4/2020
Pay Rise For Social Care Staff - Immediate wage increase and sick pay provision
Social care staff are to receive an immediate 3.3% pay increase backdated from 1 April 2020. The move, agreed between the Scottish Government and COSLA, means staff will not need to wait for the pay to be backdated at a point later in the year following negotiations, as has happened in previous years.14/4/2020
Serco NorthLink Ferries cracks down on non-essential travel
Serco NorthLink Ferries continues to request that travellers stay at home and help to save lives as the company was forced to refuse travel to 23 passengers since 22 March. As part of the national effort to deal with the current public health crisis, NorthLink Ferries has been monitoring passengers' reasons for travelling, which are captured during the booking process, and denying travel to or from the Northern Isles to those who disclose non-essential reasons.14/4/2020
New Mental Health Support
Additional support to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing during and after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The support includes an investment of more than £1 million towards the expansion of the Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme to help people in distress, and the launch of a new mental health marketing campaign across television, radio, print and online.14/4/2020
Office Of Budget Responsibility - A Scenario on Government Deficit
Coronavirus lockdown to deliver large (but hopefully temporary) shock to the economy and public finances. In addition to its impact on public health, the coronavirus outbreak will substantially raise public sector net borrowing and debt, primarily reflecting economic disruption.
14/4/2020
Criminal Trials During Covid-19 Outbreak
Discussion paper published ahead of talks and update to Parliament. Potential options for progressing serious criminal cases during the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency and its aftermath have been published by the Scottish Government.14/4/2020
Transport community to help COVID-19 efforts
Plans to help people attend medical appointments. New arrangements are being put in place to tap into the groundswell of support from the transport community to help people with suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms attend urgent but non-emergency medical appointments.14/4/2020
Reassurance For Students During Coronavirus Outbreak
Extra time for prospective students to decide. Prospective university and college students are being reassured that they will receive their results on time, and universities and colleges will assess qualifications as part of the admissions process.14/4/2020
Support For Coastal Businesses
Scottish Crown Estate revenue available for COVID-19 pressures. Coastal businesses and third sector organisations affected by COVID-19 can now benefit from a £7.2 million Scottish Crown Estate fund which is devolved to councils.14/4/2020
New Measures To Protect Business Tenants
Notice period for commercial leases extended from 14 days to 14 weeks. The notice period before a commercial lease can be terminated for non-payment of rent has been extended, as part of new measures to help businesses introduced in the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act.11/4/2020
