News Archive
16/5/2016
Commission on Highland Democracy To Build On Localism Agenda
A Commission on democracy in the Highlands is to be launched in June. The Commission will investigate the current state of democracy in the region, and start conversations about the kind of democracy we want to have.15/5/2016
Council enhances employability support
The Highland Council is re-designing the way it delivers Employability Services to offer more comprehensive support to people who find themselves experiencing unemployment. In line with similar developments across Scotland, the Council has adopted a Skills Pipeline which has become a key element in Highland's employability and employment strategy.15/5/2016
Highland Council Waste Services
Watch a short video..
15/5/2016
Turf cutting ceremony marks the start of West Link Stage 1
A turf cutting ceremony was held on 10 May 2016 to mark the start of Stage 1 of the West Link which will provide the link between the southern distributor and the A82, including the Canal Parks Enhancement works. Stage 1 of the project is due for completion in late 2017.
15/5/2016
Study examines feasibility of extending Air Discount Scheme
Research is being carried out to explore the feasibility of the Scottish Government reintroducing the Air Discount Scheme for all types of business users and extending the scheme to include local authority personnel, as well as individual travellers. HITRANS, the regional transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands, has commissioned a study to examine the benefits and costs of the scheme, which significantly reduces the cost of air travel for those living in eligible geographical areas of the Highlands & Islands.14/5/2016
2016 Ready Steady Work course is open for applications
If you will be in 4th, 5th or 6th year in 2016/17 and you are unsure what path to take when you leave school then this course may be for you. This course will provide you with the practical skills and information required to support your success in moving into employment.
14/5/2016
Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership - Update
Energy & Business Services: As previously covered in this update Atlantis Resources Ltd has now completed the acquisition of tidal energy assets from Scottish Power Renewables. http://renews.biz/102590/atlantis-seals-tidal-expansion/ I was delighted to meet Cameron Smith of ARL this week, and to take him to meet Scrabster Harbour Trust in a week that the port was very busy with large oil & gas industry vessels (see our online blog page for pictures).14/5/2016
Council enhances employability support
The Highland Council is re-designing the way it delivers Employability Services to offer more comprehensive support to people who find themselves experiencing unemployment. In line with similar developments across Scotland, the Council has adopted a Skills Pipeline which has become a key element in Highland's employability and employment strategy.13/5/2016
Businesses invited to China food and drink event
Food and drink businesses in the Highlands and Islands interested in exporting to China have the opportunity to access specialist information and advice at a free event in Inverness this month. Organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), in partnership with the China-Britain Council (CBBC) and the EU SME Centre, the event takes place on Tuesday 24 May at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness from 9:30am-4:15pm.11/5/2016
Final preparations in hand to welcome refugees to Highland
Highland Community Planning Partners have confirmed that they are now ready to receive 4 Syrian refugee families to the Highlands in the next few weeks. A working group of officers and volunteers from The Highland Council, Police Scotland, NHS Highland, and Highland Third Sector Interface have been putting final preparations in place for housing, education and health support for the families.6/5/2016
Gail Ross (SNP) Elected As MSP For Caithness Sutherland and Ross
The result in Caithness , Sutherland and Ross. Gail Ross - SNP - 13,937 Jamie Stone - Scottish Lib Dems - 10,024 Struan Mackie - Scottish Conservatives - 4912 Leah Francetti - Scottish Labour - 3334 Turnout 58.4%.
6/5/2016
Highland students taking steps to success
--- More than 200 students enjoy Inverness College UHI CREATE event ---. --- Highland entrepreneurs offer advice on starting out in business ---.
6/5/2016
Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan - Information Event
A pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan has been developed by a working group consisting of Marine Scotland, Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council and has received endorsement from both councils and ministerial approval. We are holding events in Thurso (24 May, Caithness Horizons) and Stromness (25 May, Warehouse Buildings) where you can come along to hear more about the Marine Spatial Plan.
6/5/2016
Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership - Update
Weeks commencing 29th March to 2nd May Energy & Business Services: · JGC Engineering Services announced an important contract award in late March. The company has been awarded a major contract to support the £1.3bn Rampion offshore windfarm development off the south coast of England.6/5/2016
Experts Comment On 2016 Scottish Election Results
Commenting on last night's election results, the political challenges they imply for the Scottish Parliament and the diversity of the newly elected MSPs, Friends and Fellows of the Centre on Constitutional Change made the following observations: Professor Michael Keating (1) said,"The main story is that the SNP did not exceed their 2011 performance but that that is disappointing only in comparison with 2015. The Conservatives have moved forward in gaining constituencies and Labour had a very bad night.
6/5/2016
List MSPs Elected For Highland Region
Scottish Conservatives Douglas Ross Edward Mountain Donald Cameron Scottish Labour Rhoda Grant David Stewart Scottish National Party Maree Todd Scottish Green Party John Finnie The full results of all 129 seats for the Scottish Parliament are - SNP - 63 Conservative - 31 Labour - 24 Greens - 6 Liberal Democrats - 5 Overall SNP do not have a majority and will form a minority administration. They fell short by 2.5/5/2016
Reaching customers overseas - Caithness event
Local business support organisations in Caithness are coming together on Thursday 12th May 2016 in Thurso to host an event as part of an ongoing initiative to help local businesses find out about, and harness, the support available to do business overseas. Entitled ‘Reaching Customers Overseas', the event will take place at Caithness Horizons between 1-4pm.5/5/2016
Communities to be consulted on public conveniences
The budget for operating public conveniences across Highland was reduced by £250,000 in 2016/17 and a further £344,000 in 2017/18, at Highland Council in February 2016 as part of the overall budget savings, leaving a budget of £639,000 thereafter. The council operates 102 public conveniences and 27 comfort schemes with annual costs of £1.233 million.3/5/2016
RECRUITMENT UNDERWAY FOR NDA ARCHIVE
Wednesday 11th May - 09:00am -19:30pm Thursday 12th May - 09:00am - 21:00pm Pulteney Centre, Wick: Huddart St, Wick, Caithness KW1 5BA The event will be a chance for people to learn about the new Archive as a whole, and find out what jobs are on offer by meeting the various different subcontractors, security, highlife highland etc. Recruitment has begun in earnest for the new NDA Archive based in Wick.
2/5/2016
