News Archive

£660 Million UK Government Funding For Scotland

Scotland will benefit from additional UK Government funding for the NHS and social care services.   Scotland will benefit from £660 million of additional UK Government funding, as a result of last week's announcement by the Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock of a further £7 billion for NHS and social care services In total, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive £1.3 billion new funding.  

Scottish Secretary Speech On Defence In Scotland

Alister Jack delivered a speech at RAF Lossiemouth.   It's a privilege to be here, at this crucial RAF base from where aircraft and crews are poised 24/7, 365 days a year, to scramble and intercept potential threats to UK airspace.  

100% Non-domestic Rates Relief For Retail, Hospitality, Leisure And Aviation

Thousands of Highland business are to benefit from the extension of 100% Non-Domestic Rates Relief for the retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation sectors for the 12-month period starting on 1 April 2021.   In contrast to the relief available during the financial year ending 31 March 2021, the Scottish Government is requiring qualifying businesses to apply for the relief available from 1 April 2021.  

Support For People With Neurological Conditions

Over £700,000 allocated to projects around the country.   A total of 16 projects which support people with neurological conditions will benefit from a second round of funding to help drive the delivery of a five-year action plan.  

Three Ways Voters Can Cast Their Vote At The Scottish Parliament Election In May

On Thursday 6 May residents in the Highlands will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them in the Scottish Parliament.   Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot - in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.  

Deer Working Group Response

Measures ensuring effective and sustainable deer management which will help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss have been announced.   They follow an independent review of deer management in Scotland.  

Fair Pay For Social Care Workers - Staff to be paid at least the Real Living Wage

A commitment to ensure adult social care workers receive at least the Real Living Wage of £9.50 an hour has been agreed with COSLA.   Funding of £64.5 million will be committed to ensure adult social care workers will be paid at least the Real Living Wage from May 2021, backdated to April 2021.  

Tackling Race Inequality In Employment

Public sector organisations in Scotland are being urged to help break down the barriers faced by minority ethnic workers.   As part of a joint commitment, the Scottish Government is calling on employers in the public sector to review their recruitment procedures and publish the "pay gap" faced by minority ethnic groups in order to confront, and address, issues of race inequality.  

Evaluation Of The Near Me Video Consulting Service In Scotland During Covid-19, 2020

This report presents the findings of an external evaluation of the rapid scaling-up of the Near Me video consultation service across health and care services in Scotland during 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.   The evaluation explores the process of scaling-up and expanding the use of Near Me within hospital and community care settings, GP services and care homes.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 23 March 2021

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 23rd) sold 14 prime cattle.   Prime bullocks (3) averaged 236.2p (+16.2p) and sold to 239.0p per kg and £1,549.45 gross.