News Archive
16/3/2021
Painful time on the High Street As Thorntons Chocolates Announce Closures
Chocolate retailer Thorntons is the latest well-known high street brand to fall victim to the Covid crisis, announcing the closure of all its 61 stores, with the likely loss of 600 jobs. The Thorntons brand will remain on offer in supermarkets and other retailers, while its factory in Alfreton, Derbyshire, will make more chocolate for international markets.
16/3/2021
Crime In Scotland Almost Halved Over The Decade
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has welcomed official figures showing the volume of crime covered by the survey in Scotland is down 46% since 2008-09, with violent crime having fallen by nearly two-fifths (39%) over the same period. The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) 2019-20 of around 5,600 adults interviewed before COVID-19 restrictions came into effect - which includes incidents not reported to police – shows people are now less likely to be a victim – with one-in-eight (11.9%) of adults experiencing crime compared to one-in-five (20.4%) in 2008-09.16/3/2021
Scottish Government Workforce Statistics December 2020
The latest quarterly Scottish Government Workforce Information statistics have been published today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. These statistics cover the numbers of workers, staff sickness rates, and the diversity of staff up to the most recent quarter ending December 2020.16/3/2021
Scottish Government Spent £426,474 On Youtube Advertising Since 1st March 2020
A freedom of information request published today shows that Scottish Government spent £426,474 on advertising since 1st March 2020. No breakdown is given regarding the types of advertising concerned.16/3/2021
Should Highly Profitable Salmon Farms Be Receiving Grants
The Ferret online news web site has reported on the level of profits and grants received. Fish farms: £10m handouts, £900m profits and 300,000 tonnes of pollution.16/3/2021
Young Carer Grant Pays Out More Than £860k Since Launch
Over 2,900 applications authorised for eligible 16 to 18-year-olds. Figures released today, which coincide with Young Carers Action Day, reveal that The Scottish Government has paid out more than £860,000 to eligible young carers since The Young Carer Grant opened in October 2019.16/3/2021
Scottish Crime And Justice Survey 2019/20
Scotland's Chief Statistician today released the main findings of the 2019/20 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS). The volume of crime in Scotland, including incidents not reported to the police, has fallen by 46% since 2008/09.16/3/2021
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 16 March 2021
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 16th) sold 9 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (1) averaged 220.0p (+8.6p) and sold to 220.0p per kg and £1,342.00 gross.16/3/2021
COSLA Pay Offer Is A Slap In The Face To Scotlands Local Government Workers, Says Unison
UNISON, the union for local government workers, says a pay offer put forward by COSLA today (Tuesday) is a ‘slap in the face' for hard working local government workers who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic. Mark Ferguson, chair of UNISON Scotland's local government committee, says the offer falls far short of what local government workers deserve for keeping local services going in the most difficult of circumstances.16/3/2021
Coronavirus COVID-19 daily data for Scotland - 16 March 2021
597 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 17,208 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results - 3.8% of these were positive.15/3/2021
£20 Million Sme Brexit Support Fund Opens For Applications
The fund will help smaller businesses with changes to trade rules with the EU. Smaller businesses can today (15 March 2021) apply for grants of up to £2,000 to help them adapt to new customs and tax rules when trading with the EU.15/3/2021
Superfast Broadband Subsea Work To Start
Improving connectivity to 15 of Scotland's islands through R100 North contract. Work to lay new subsea cables to supply superfast broadband to 15 of Scotland’s most remote communities will begin this Spring.15/3/2021
Third Covid Wave Sweeps Across EU And Forces New Restrictions
A big increase in Covid numbers across Europe has sparked many stories in the news. A third wave of the Covid pandemic is now advancing swiftly across much of Europe.15/3/2021
Coronavirus COVID-19 daily data for Scotland - 15 March 2021
456 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 11,261 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results - 4.7% of these were positive.15/3/2021
Tackling Scotland's Population Challenges
New report stresses the need for a national response. Measures to address the falling birth rate, change working practices and encourage more families to settle in Scotland are proposed in a new report.15/3/2021
Urgent Act Fast Last Chance- Grant Scheme For BandBs And Self-catering Who Pay Council Tax
B&B's and Self-catering businesses who pay Council Tax, can now for one week only, apply for grant support from the Small Accommodation Providers Paying Council Tax Fund. If you miss this last date to apply you may not get anything.15/3/2021
100,000 More Affordable Homes
Plans to deliver 100,000 affordable homes over the next decade are set out today in a 20-year housing strategy. Recognising the importance of everyone having a safe and affordable home that meets their needs, Housing to 2040 - Scotland's first long-term housing strategy – outlines what the Scottish Government wants housing and communities to look and feel like for the people of Scotland, with actions on how to get there.15/3/2021
Negotiations On The Uk's Future Trading Relationship With The Australia: Update
The fourth round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Australia took place between Monday 22 February and Friday 5 March. During the two weeks, negotiators held 51 negotiation sessions, covering 27 different chapter areas.15/3/2021
Alumni Event Marks Three Years Of Pathfinder
A fully funded business growth programme aimed at nurturing life sciences and technology businesses is celebrating the completion of its third year. Pathfinder Accelerator was developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help businesses bring new ideas to market quicker.
15/3/2021
