The ballot for Pentland tenants to decide if they want to transfer to Cairn Housing Association has opened with participants able to easily vote by post, phone, text message or online. The transfer will only go ahead if a majority of tenants vote YES before the ballot closes on 2nd November.
A virtual public exhibition on the forthcoming application for the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm is now live. You can access the virtual exhibition at: https://openplans.uk/pentland/ The project team will be available for a live question and answer session on the proposals between 12:00 - 14.30 hrs and 18.00 - 20.30 hrs on Tuesday 5 October 2021 via a live chat function in the virtual public exhibition.
2,693 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 40,540 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 7.2% of these were positive.
Next groups receive invitations as updated strategy is published. Invitations for coronavirus (COVID-19) booster injections are now being issued to people aged 70 and over and those aged 16 and over who are at highest risk.
Proof of status now needed at higher risk venues. The Coronavirus vaccine certification scheme comes into effect today in Scotland meaning people will have to show proof of their vaccination status to enter some events and higher risk venues.
National roll-out of £2 million initiative to reduce trauma. A ground-breaking approach to interviews for vulnerable child victims and witnesses is to be rolled out across Scotland.
New system proposed to place consumer interests at its heart. A new system of regulation to promote accountability, transparency and independence is being proposed to meet the needs of the legal sector and consumers.
Companies secure contracts from global showcase. Around 12 companies across Scotland are providing services worth more than £8 million to the World Expo 2020, which opens today in Dubai.
Ward 4C at Raigmore Hospital is closed to new admissions and visiting following the detection of a very small number of cases of COVID-19. Patients are being clinically assessed and monitored with normal patient care continuing.
Virgin Money will close 31 of its 162 branches in the coming months as more customers shift to online banking. The Wick branch was part of the Clydesdale network before being acquired by Virgin.
A new report launched (Wednesday 29th September 2021), commissioned by Caithness Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership, demonstrates the economic benefits that Space Hub Sutherland will bring to the North Highland and Moray areas. Space Hub Sutherland - a new satellite launch site - will bring huge employment and tourism benefits to the Scottish Highlands.
The two-gigawatt proposal - named the West of Orkney Windfarm – has the potential to power more than two million homes and is currently being assessed by the Crown Estate Scotland. The bid is the culmination of five years of engagement between the consortium and stakeholders in Caithness and Orkney, which includes Memorandums of Understanding with Orkney Harbour Authority and Scrabster Harbour Trust to enhance port infrastructure and position the area more competitively to support offshore wind projects in the future.
Up to 100 jobs created to help access Scotland's social security services. Disabled people will benefit from a ground-breaking new advocacy service which will support access to Scotland’s social security services.
The Chinese property giant Evergrande is suffering under an enormous pile of debt, reportedly worth US$305 billion (£220 billion). There have been angry protests at its headquarters, shares have tumbled, and the eyes of the financial world remain anxiously focused on its future.
The pandemic is far from over as shown by the figures showing deaths in the past few weeks. The number of people in hospital in Scotland is still very high.
New powers come in to force to rehome animals quicker. Legislation has come in to effect today which will enable animals taken into possession to protect their welfare to be rehomed far more efficiently.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging Working Tax Credit (WTC) customers to check if they need to update their working hours if these have reduced as a result of coronavirus. During the pandemic, WTC customers have not needed to tell HMRC about temporary short-term reductions in their working hours as a result of coronavirus - for example if they were working fewer hours or were furloughed.
Immigration changes required to tackle labour shortages. The consequences of the UK Government's decision to press ahead with Brexit despite the COVID-19 pandemic are to be debated in the Scottish Parliament.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 29th) sold 535 Continental cross store cattle, yearlings and weaned calves at their annual show and sale kindly sponsored by Watson Seeds. The judge Mr D Budge, Brae Edge, Caithness awarded the overall campion to a 435kg British Blue cross heifer from Invercharron Mains, Ardgay realising £1,920.
Scholarship programme to repair links with Europe. Hundreds of EU students will be supported to study in Scotland through a new £2.25 million scholarship programme.
