News Archive

10,000 Caithness homes and businesses have access to new broadband networks

New locations announced as three million UK superfast broadband milestone is reached.   More than 10,000 homes and businesses in Caithness can now access next generation fibre broadband through the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) roll-out.  

Fantastic More Plastic

The Highland Council is introducing further new materials to the blue bin recycling service at the end of August.   Following on from the recent introduction of aerosols, envelopes and cardboard food and drink cartons, from Monday 31st August residents will also be able to recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays.  

Talks continue on future status of site

Discussions on the Glen Roy National Nature Reserve with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Lochaber Geopark Association, which raises awareness of geology, are continuing.   The site was originally acquired in 1970 to protect it against proposed tree planting, as at the time Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) legislation was weaker than today.  

Still Time To Have Your Say on The Marine Consultation

Have your say on Pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan.   A consultation is being launched on a plan that will be used to guide development activity in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.  

Employability Fund Programme - Work Placement Scheme

Pulteneytown People's Project is contracted to deliver The Employability Fund Programme for Skills Development Scotland (SDS).  The purpose of the programme is to prepare people for employment or further training opportunities in their chosen work interest area, by supporting them to improve their knowledge and basic skills required for their chosen sector.  The programme focuses on work-based knowledge, skills and experience to be gained both within our training centre and on work placements, with any relevant training needs being addressed as per each participant’s individual training plan.  

Future of Land-based Education Directed by New Report

Scottish colleges offering land-based education and training must engage more effectively with industry, schools and the wider community to ensure the sector's growing employment needs are met, according to a new report, published today (06.08.15).   Greater engagement would make colleges more aware of employers' demands for robust skills training to ensure learners are equipped with the abilities they value, says the National Strategy for Land-based Education and Training.  

From Caithness to the World

A ceremonial turf cutting ceremony marked the official start of building work on the new archive that will store nuclear records from across the UK.   David Flear, chairman of the Dounreay Stakeholder Group, dug into the ground at the Wick site where the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's Nuclear Archive will start to take shape over the next 12 months.  

Duke of Rothesay Tours Dunnet Bay Distillery

Today, Friday 31st July 2015, The Duke of Rothesay took a tour of Dunnet Bay Distillery, the thriving Caithness distillery, where husband and wife team, Martin and Claire Murray, handcraft Rock Rose Gin.   This acclaimed gin features botanicals that are hand foraged from local cliffs and forests to create a gin with a unique and award-winning flavour profile.  

Dounreay announces new managing director designate

DSRL have announced the new managing director designate, Phil Craig.   With more than 20 years' experience in the nuclear industry, Phil’s career has focused on supporting the UK nuclear decommissioning, defence and existing power generation sectors.  

New research facility takes shape

An advanced nuclear materials research facility is being built at Culham.   Construction of the new Material Research Facility (MRF) is progressing to schedule and is due to be completed this autumn, in time for opening in December 2015.