News Archive
18/12/2019
Brussels Fishery Talks On Quotas
The traditional end-of-year European Union fishery negotiations have concluded with agreement on a range of quotas and management measures. But the talks - potentially Scotland's last as a member of the EU - took place against difficult scientific advice.
[Builders]
17/12/2019House Design Advice From Thermohaus
What are the elements of a good design? Who is going to design your new house? Do you need an architect? There are number of constraints on design: Standard House Types Most self-build package providers offer standard house designs but you need to be sure they suit both your site and personal needs. This said, most providers will either modify their standard designs or create bespoke designs.
17/12/2019
Worrying Trends As Scottish Local Authorities Need To Make More Cuts and Increase Charges
Audit Scotland today (17 December 2019) has published its report on Scottish Councils funding highlighting the problems of ever decreasing budgets. Despite the last few years of redesign and cuts more is necessary unless Scottish Government increases funding.
17/12/2019
Thousands of dangerous cars on the roads this Christmas
Thousands of dangerous cars on the roads this Christmas Drivers are being urged to check their vehicles before taking to the roads this Christmas, as figures show almost 50,000 cars that were late for their MOT test last December were classified as dangerous. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) statistics reveal that in December 2018 of the 1.5 million cars tested, 385,859 had a late MOT and were driven illegally.
17/12/2019
Latest Economic Commentary By Fraser Of Allender Institute
The latest Economic commentary has today been published by Fraser of Allender Institute. The outcome of the UK General Election has resolved one element of uncertainty in the UK economic policy landscape - the UK will now leave the European Union on the 31st January 2019.
17/12/2019
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 17 December 2019
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December, 17th) sold 12 prime cattle. Prime heifers (12) averaged 196.6p (-0.9p) and sold to 204.0p per kg and £1,254.00 gross.17/12/2019
Accounts Commission Report Underlines The Challenge Ahead For Setting Highland Council Budget
As Highland Council prepares to begin its budget engagement process in January 2020, the local authority notes the recent Accounts Commission report published this week. A call from the Chair of the Accounts Commission, Graham Sharp, who said,"There's a need for councils to continue rethinking how they deliver services, as well as look at ways to increase their income.17/12/2019
Labour Market Overview For UK - December 2019
Main points for August to October 2019. The UK employment rate was estimated at 76.2%, 0.4 percentage points higher than a year earlier but little changed on the previous quarter; despite just reaching a new record high, the employment rate has been broadly flat over the last few quarters.17/12/2019
Hiding in plain sight? Why economically inactive people aren't in ‘hidden unemployment'
The Office For National Statistics publishes a wide range of information and a few blogs. Hiding in plain sight? Why economically inactive people aren't in ‘hidden unemployment' by David Freeman.16/12/2019
New vehicle restrictions at Highland Council Household Waste Recycling Centres
From the 3rd February 2020, The Highland Council will be introducing changes at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC). These changes will be introduced in two phases with phase one focussing on vehicle restrictions which will commence on 3rd February 2020.16/12/2019
Highland Council's Strategic Committees To Increase In 2020
The number of Highland Council's strategic committees will increase whilst the number of committee members on each will reduce. This is part of the initiatives to improve performance an save money.16/12/2019
Policing In Scotland - Six Year Plan
Strategic priorities set direction for police over the next six years. Policing priorities to ensure the service responds to future demands over the next six years have been published.16/12/2019
50% cut in the North Sea cod quota for 2020
Fisheries Talks Conclude - Deal Reached Between Norway And EU Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing has expressed disappointment at the outcome of fishery negotiations between Norway and the European Union, which have concluded after a third round of talks in Brussels. A significant 50% cut in the North Sea cod quota for 2020 was agreed, reflecting scientific advice on declining numbers.16/12/2019
MSP at a loss why no reply from Scottish Government on Bullying Compensation question
Highlands and Islands MSP, David Stewart, is still to get a reply from the Scottish Government about if it was asked by NHS Highland to step in to fund a compensation scheme for bullying and harassment victims. Mr Stewart, who is also Labour's Shadow Public Health Minister, put down a Parliamentary Question on November 26, but, despite Health Secretary Jeane Freeman saying it would be answered on December 11, she has now said she will reply "as soon as possible".16/12/2019
Rural Planning To Be Prioritised
The need for planning permission could be removed for certain types of rural developments to help tackle depopulation and support local economies. Small scale developments such as the conversion of agricultural buildings to deliver more homes in rural areas could automatically be given the go-ahead under a review of planning laws.16/12/2019
Sustainable health and social care services
UK's first integrated workforce plan published. Scotland will introduce the UK’s first integrated health and social care workforce plan, which includes the creation of a new national thrombectomy service.16/12/2019
Financial Stability Report And Financial Policy Committee Record And Stress Testing Results - December 2019
The Bankof England has published the latest Financial Stability Report, Financial Policy Committee Record and stress testing results. See the full report HERE.
15/12/2019
Growth Spurt: 1.6 Million Small Businesses Double Their Revenue In A Month
• 1.6 million small businesses say they double their revenue in some months. • 53 per cent of Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) reported an increase in revenue in past year.15/12/2019
Scottish Drivers Unprepared For Winter Weather Breakdowns
NFU Mutual and RAC urge drivers to prioritise in-car safety equipment. Car owners in Scotland are more likely to carry an umbrella than basic safety equipment 57% of Scottish car owners have broken down in their lifetime NFU Mutual and RAC partner to provide advice to Scottish drivers Having surveyed more than 1,500 UK-wide car owners on their ability to cope with a winter breakdown with worrying findings for those in Scotland and the UK, a rural insurance company is urging Scottish drivers to prioritise in-car safety equipment.15/12/2019
