News Archive
19/2/2020
UK announces new points-based immigration system
The new system takes effect from 1 January 2021. Home Secretary Priti Patel will today (Wednesday 19 February 2020) launch a new points-based immigration system which will open up the UK to the brightest and the best from around the world.19/2/2020
UK House Price Index Scotland: December 2019
*the average price of a property in Scotland was £151,603. *the annual price change of a property in Scotland was 2.2% *the monthly price change of a property in Scotland was -1.5% *the index figure for Scotland (January 2015 = 100) was 112.3.
19/2/2020
Scottish Government Response To UK Goverment's Immigration Proposals
Scotland's Migration Minister Ben Macpherson said:"The UK Government's immigration proposals are an insult to Scotland - they completely disregard the needs of our employers, our public services and our communities. "There is a clear need for a fundamentally different approach to migration policy to reflect Scotland's distinct demographic and geographical needs.19/2/2020
World's first timing centre to protect UK from risk of satellite failure
The UK's emergency service responders and other critical services could be set for more resilient time systems through the world's first National Timing Centre here in the UK. - - £36 million investment in new, world-first National Timing Centre to provide additional resilience to public services and the economy against the potential impact of satellite systems failure - - the centre will aim to provide accurate time to 999 responders and the energy grid without relying on satellite technologies a further £40 million will be invested in a new research programme, - - Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics, to help the UK lead the world in unlocking the benefits of quantum technologies.19/2/2020
Horizon 2020: what it is and how to apply for funding
How UK businesses and researchers can continue to access Horizon 2020 funding even after 31 January 2020. UK scientists, researchers and businesses can continue to participate in Horizon 2020 programmes and receive EU grant funding for the lifetime of individual projects, This includes projects finishing after 1 January 2021.
19/2/2020
£500 Million Boost For UK Film Industry From US Firm
A US firm has announced its plans to build a £150 million film studio in Reading. The UK's creative industry is expected to benefit from a £500 million boost following an announcement today (19 February) of a major investment planned by a leading US film studio.19/2/2020
Our message to the world: Britain is open for business
Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, writes for City AM outlining the benefits of the new points-based immigration system for businesses. Three weeks ago we delivered on our promise when the UK became a sovereign nation for the first time in 50 years.
18/2/2020
Driving Theory Test Changes: 14 April 2020
From 14 April 2020, the car theory test will include 3 multiple-choice questions based on a short video you'll watch. The way the theory test works in England, Scotland and Wales will change from 14 April 2020.
18/2/2020
Trades Services Framework Standstill Period Extended In Highland Council Area
The standstill period under the Council's Trades Services Framework agreement was due to close with effect from Monday 17th February 2020, with the intention of a proposed go live date with the new arrangements and contracts of 24th February. The standstill period is a defined period of time between the notice of the contract award decision and the award of the contract.18/2/2020
DVLA Hits The Road With Clear Warning To Tax It Or Lose It
DVLA is back on the road targeting motorists across the UK with a communications campaign that has a clear message for those who take a chance on not taxing their vehicle - tax it or lose it. The campaign is targeting the 20 regions of the UK where vehicle tax evasion is higher:.
18/2/2020
Study Into Corran Narrows Fixed Link Options
A study is underway into the feasibility of replacing Scotland's second busiest ferry service with a fixed link bridge or tunnel. The Highland Council, HITRANS and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) are joint funding the study at the Corran Narrows in Lochaber.
18/2/2020
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 18 February 2020
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (February, 18th) sold 11 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (1) averaged 180.0p (-17.5p) and sold to 180.0p per kg and £1,323.00 gross.18/2/2020
Fiscal Policies For Women's Economic Empowerment
By Stefania Fabrizio, Daniel Gurara and Lisa Kolovich. When governments actively promote policies to increase female labor force participation, more women do indeed join the labor force.18/2/2020
Taxi Fares Held Level For Another 18 Months In Highland And Tuk Tuk Licence For Wick Refused
Following a review taxi fares in Highland have been held at the same level by the Highland Council Licensing Committee held on 18 February 2019. The papers and the debate on this issue can be seen at items six on the webcast - https://highland.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/469655 There is a 14 Day period for appeal.
18/2/2020
£1.2 Billion For The World's Most Powerful Weather And Climate Supercomputer
>£1.2 billion investment confirmed for state-of-the-art supercomputer to improve severe weather and climate forecasting. >the latest supercomputing technology will unleash the full potential of weather and climate data for the UK.18/2/2020
RWM sets out approach to evaluating sites for a GDF
This item refers to England and Wales but as there is big interest in all things nuclear in Caithness it may be of interest. ----------------------- Safety, opportunities for communities, and protection of the environment will be key considerations as part of the evaluation of sites to ensure they are suitable for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
18/2/2020
£90 Million Uk Drive To Reduce Carbon Emissions
Households and businesses will benefit from £90 million to cut carbon emissions in industry and homes. £90 million package announced to tackle emissions from homes and heavy industry - including funding for Europe's first hydrogen plants which could generate enough clean energy to heat over 200,000 homes £24 million for local energy projects set to reduce housing emissions by up to 80% and save consumers money on their energy bills.18/2/2020
National Saving cuts interest rates and adds another nail to the coffin of UK saving products
It has today been announced that National Saving has slashed its interest rates and Premium Bond prizes dealing yet another blow to the nation's savers who have already suffered due to continuously low interest rates. Founder and MD of Sourced Capital , Stephen Moss, commented:"Yet another blow for those trying their best to accumulate any kind of savings pot and perhaps the final nail in the coffin for the vast array of savings based products available to the consumer, as more and more are opting to move away from these traditional options due to the pitiful returns they now provide.
17/2/2020
Satellite Launch Site Plans - Another View
The latest generation of small communications satellites could be launched into Earth orbit from the northern Highlands of Scotland within the next two years. Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has submitted a planning application for a vertical launch site, Space Hub Sutherland, that it plans to construct on the A' Mhoine peninsula, Melness, near Tongue.
17/2/2020
