News Archive
23/12/2019
Highland Council staff and members dig deep for charity this festive season
Big-hearted Highland Council staff and members have dug deep into their pockets at an already expensive time of year to help two important charities in the region. Staff at Highland Council headquarters have been fundraising for the Highland Hospice through a charity raffle, coffee morning and staff pantomime.23/12/2019
Where You Shop Really Matters
Whether it's that last-minute gift or Christmas lunch essentials, your local shops are ready and waiting to help take your Christmas-stress away. It’s also your last chance to enjoy the Christmas buzz.
21/12/2019
Scottish Firefighters Urged To Reject New Pay Proposal
Scottish firefighters are urged to reject a new pay offer from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), after employers have failed to fully address the concerns raised by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). The new proposal comes after the initial pay offer was resoundingly rejected by firefighters in Scotland in July, forcing SFRS back to the table for further negotiations.21/12/2019
Improving Debt Advice Services
Plans to develop a free debt advice system have been published. The plan, which will focus on service users, sets out a number of improvements to how people find and experience debt advice, including: funding helpline services that reflect Scotland's circumstances developing a workforce strategy to support those providing advice driving technological innovation for the delivery of debt advice Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: "Problem debt can increase stress and strain on families and friendships and it often affects those who are already struggling.21/12/2019
Queen's Speech December 2019 In Full
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons. My Government's priority is to deliver the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on 31 January.21/12/2019
Survey Shows Region's Businesses Responding To Climate Emergency
The vast majority of businesses in the Highlands and Islands are responding to the global climate emergency and exploring ways of reducing their impacts on the environment. A thousand businesses took part in the latest survey conducted between 30 September and 30 October.
21/12/2019
Grouse Moor Management
Licensing option under consideration. A review into grouse moor management has recommended the introduction of a shooting licensing scheme if breeding populations of raptors show no marked improvement.21/12/2019
Consultations Launched On Offshore Wind Policy And New Marine Plan
The Scottish Government has launched two key consultations to inform the pipeline of future offshore wind development in Scotland and improve understanding on its role in meeting ‘net zero' targets. Views are being sought on the draft Offshore Wind Policy Statement in addition to the much anticipated draft Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy, which outlines how the Scottish Government proposes to maximise the opportunities that offshore wind presents, with due regard for the marine environment, other users of the sea, and planning responsibilities.21/12/2019
Employment, Unemployment And Inactivity For Young People 16-24 Years Scotland
New statistics from the Annual Population Survey have been released which show that 336,000 young people aged 16-24 years were in employment in Scotland in October 2018 to September 2019. The employment rate for young people was 59.0 per cent, higher than a year ago (57.9 per cent).21/12/2019
Project To Use Food Waste To Tackle Plastic Pollution
An international collaboration project to develop plastic-free food packaging material from food waste, initially langoustine shells, has been awarded £268,284. The research and development project called the Celtic Crustacean Collaboration is being led by Argyll based firm, CuanTec Limited, working with the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS).
20/12/2019
Two Caithness Residents Benefit From First Wind Farm Education And Training Fund
* Bad á Cheò Wind Farm Education & Training Fund created to benefit residents. * First local beneficiaries to undertake qualifications in Kiltmaking and Accounting.
20/12/2019
Highland Council gives notice that a procurement for Corran Ferry service may be coming
Highland Council will be testing the market by contacting prospective contractors (scheduled to be sent out 6th January 2020) to give notice that a procurement for the Corran ferry service may be coming forward. A questionnaire will seek the views of suppliers and potential suppliers of ferry services to the Council.20/12/2019
Highland Council Service Arrangements For Christmas And New Year
The Highland Council notifies its service users and customers of its opening hours and service arrangements over the festive period. The Highland Council Service Centre will close at 4pm on 24 December 2019.20/12/2019
This Christmas let's reduce our waste in Highland as much as possible!
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 often a time of excess waste, particularly when it comes to food.20/12/2019
Maintaining Scotland's Tenements - Changes To Legislation Considered
New measures will be introduced by the Scottish Government to improve and maintain tenement flats across Scotland. Legislative changes being considered include, compulsory owners' associations, building inspections every five years and a national reserve fund for repairs.20/12/2019
Support Tidal Stream Energy For A Greener, More Prosperous UK And Planet
To meet the challenge of climate change we must harness the power of our oceans. A very interesting short film about tidal energy and well worth our support.
20/12/2019
North Broadband Delayed Yet Again
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, who has campaigned for a decade for better broadband in the Highlands and Islands has said she is dismayed to hear that the procurement of the R100 contract for the north will be delayed again, causing untold frustration for constituents throughout the region. The MSP was informed of this by way of a government inspired question from Paul Wheelhouse, the Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, who advised that BT plc has been selected as the preferred bidder for the contract covering the north area and the government had intended to finalise governance and sign this contract in coming weeks.20/12/2019
MSPs Embark On Inquiry Into Ferry Procurement
The Scottish Parliament's Rural Economy and Connectivity (REC) Committee has launched an inquiry into the ferry procurement and construction process following the collapse and subsequent nationalisation of Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL). The inquiry will look to identify and address challenges and opportunities in the procurement of new vessels to support Scotland's ferries network, including the impact of the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on the future award of new ferry construction contracts.20/12/2019
Work Place Pensions
How often do you get comfy on the sofa (like the families on Gogglebox) and talk about how you're planning and saving for your retirement with your family, partner or friends? A short film from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)..
20/12/2019
