News Archive
2/11/2017
Increasing number of nurses and midwives leaving profession
Increasing number of nurses and midwives leaving profession ‘highlights major challenges faced by health and care sectors' New figures published today by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) show that there continues to be an increase in the number of nurses and midwives leaving its register over the last 12 months. In July, the NMC released figures which showed that for the first time there were more nurses and midwives leaving the register than joining it.2/11/2017
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd Sale 2 November 2017
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (November, 2nd) sold 3,224 store sheep. Lambs (2239) averaged £41.26 and sold to £88 gross for a Texel cross from Wester Raddery, Fortrose.2/11/2017
Your Chance To Say No To Bus Pass Cuts
Rhoda Grant MSP is encouraging the people of the Highlands & Islands to make sure they have their say on the future of the bus pass in Scotland. Despite promising to protect the pass in their 2016 manifesto, the SNP Government has cut £9.5 million from the bus pass budget and are consulting on the future of the scheme.2/11/2017
Leader thanks Citizens' Panel for their views
Resident's from across the Highlands have provided positive feedback to the council's latest Citizen's Panel survey. Each year the panel of just over 2300 adults are asked for their views on the performance of the council and to provide information on their attitudes to a range of issues affecting them, their families and their neighbourhoods.2/11/2017
Bank Rate Increased To 0.50%
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, and in a way that helps to sustain growth and employment. At its meeting ending on 1 November 2017, the MPC voted by a majority of 7-2 to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 0.5%.
1/11/2017
Highland Remembers - Remembrance Parades And Services
Highland Councillors and members of the public will be joining parades and services to mark Armistice Day (Saturday 11 November) and Remembrance Sunday 12 November throughout the Highlands at various locations. Caithness and Sutherland On Remembrance Sunday 12 November: Remembrance week arrangements for the Wick, Canisbay and Latheron Districts Saturday, 11th November 2017 10.45a.m.1/11/2017
Highland ready for more refugees
Highland Community Planning Partners have confirmed that they are now ready to receive a number of Syrian refugee families to Dingwall in the next few months. A group of officers and volunteers from The Highland Council, Police Scotland, NHS Highland, and Highland Third Sector Interface are working together to put preparations in place for housing, education and health support for the families.1/11/2017
Highland Council Appoints New Depute Chief Executive
Following the decision of a Member recruitment panel today, Derek Yule has been appointed to the role of Depute Chief Executive which he will undertake alongside his new role of Director of Corporate Resources. Highland council have taken the opportunity to further reduce management level staff by combining two roles to make further savings.
31/10/2017
Caithness And North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Update
Weeks commencing 16th and 23rd October 2017. Energy & business services: It was great to be invited this week to take part in a visit to the area by Japanese nuclear industry and government representatives.31/10/2017
Measuring The Impact Of Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm
The £2.6bn investment in Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (BOWL) is one of the largest private sector investments ever in Scotland, nearly twice the investment of the £1.35bn Queensferry crossing. Once fully operational in 2019 this project, will see 84 wind turbines that will be able to generate enough to power up to 450,000 homes.31/10/2017
Continued Support For Low Income Households
Scottish Welfare Fund grants of £140 million. More than 265,000 households have received £140 million since the creation of the Scottish Welfare Fund in April 2013.31/10/2017
Record Number Of Small Businesses Accessing Relief
The Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS) provided record relief to almost 104,000 recipients in 2017-18. The increased number of recipients benefitting from total relief under the scheme, which removes or reduces their rates bills rose to £226 million - an increase of £46 million from £180 million from last year.31/10/2017
Improving Attainment In Early Years
An action plan to ensure quality is at the heart of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) expansion is published today alongside a report showing the higher the quality of ELC the greater its effect on children's development. Other findings from the NHS Health Scotland report include: all children, but especially those from a disadvantaged background, can benefit in terms of social, emotional and educational outcomes from high quality ELC compared to those with no experience, children who attended ELC had improved language and cognitive skills better educated ELC staff with appropriate training are more likely to improve children's cognitive outcomes fair working conditions which aid staff retention also affected child interactions and stability.31/10/2017
Higher Education Student Support For Scotland 2016-17
Scotland's Chief Statistician today published statistics on Higher Education Student Support in Scotland 2016-17. The figures show that the number of students supported and the amount of support provided by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for those studying in Higher Education increased in the 2016-17 academic session.31/10/2017
Pesticide Usage In Scotland
Scotland's Chief Statistician today published three reports in relation to Pesticide Usage in Scotland. These were: pesticide use on arable crops and potato stores in 2016, pesticide use on soft fruit crops in 2016 and rodenticides on arable farms 2016.31/10/2017
Scottish Welfare Fund Helps Over 265,000 Households
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. The Scottish Welfare Fund continues to help Scottish households in need.30/10/2017
Convention Of The Highlands And Islands
Issues including digital connectivity, Brexit and the integration of health and social care will be discussed at the Convention of the Highland and Islands (CoHI) in Oban on Monday. Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing will also outline plans to begin work to identify Scotland's first Aquaculture Innovation Sites.26/10/2017
Council to explore possibility of Rent Pressure Zones across Highland
Members of The Highland Council have agreed that the Council will examine and report back on the feasibility of applying under the provisions of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 for a Rent Pressure Zone for Inverness and for any other community in the Highlands facing similarly expensive housing rents. Members approved a motion presented by Cllr Richard Laird (Inverness Central Ward) and Cllr Ron MacWilliam (Inverness Ness-side Ward) which stated: "The Highland Council notes the unprecedented high rents for private sector housing in Inverness and many other areas in the Highlands and the pressure this places on both the Highland Housing Register and those individuals and families seeking a home in the city." Council Housing Officers will be asked to explore and examine the feasibility of applying for Rent Pressure Zones - if required - and to report back to a future meeting of the Council.26/10/2017
Highland Council calls for enhancements to control of local taxation
The Highland Council has agreed to work with CoSLA and other partners to undertake research on options to enhance local control of taxation. Leader of the Council, Margaret Davidson, who put forward the motion with Councillor Jimmy Gray, said: "Over the past 50 years the proportion of local taxation in Local Authorities has decreased from around 50% to some 18%.26/10/2017
