News Archive

Scottish Insolvency Statistics: July To September 2019 - Insolvencies Increase

Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) has released official statistics reporting personal and company insolvencies in Scotland for the second quarter (July to September 2019) of 2019-20.   There were 3,466 personal insolvencies (bankruptcies and protected trust deeds (PTDs)) in Scotland in 2019-20 Q2, more than the 3,077 personal insolvencies in the same quarter in the previous financial year (2018-19 Q2).  

Parking Charges Debate - New Off-street Parking Charges Could Generate Local Investment

A new off-street parking policy which could generate income for local investment, will be considered on Thursday by members of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure (EDI) Committee.   Depute Leader Cllr Alasdair Christie said: "Every area has unique local priorities, whether this is gully cleaning, pot hole repairs, resurfacing or just managing traffic and tourism pressures.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts - Sale Portree 21 October 2019

PORTREE, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (October, 21st) sold 295 rams at its annual sale.   Rams (295) sold to £800 gross for a Blackface shearling from Newton of Crathie, Ballater.  

Council Tax Dwellings And Tax Base Figures For 2019 Published

Scotland's Chief Statistician has published Council Tax base statistics for 2019 on Council Tax dwellings in local authorities.   Scotland's Council Tax base increased to 2.015 million Band D equivalents in September 2019.  

Scotland's Population Projections

Inward migration the only driver of population growth.   Scots are expected to live longer but inward migration will be essential to ensure the country's population continues to grow, according to national statistics published today.  

Is It Crunch Time For Car Parking? Special Meeting Of Environment, Development And Infrastructure Committee

A special meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee of Highland council has been called for Thursday 24th October 2019 at 10.30am in council chambers in Inverness.   The only agenda item is off street parking but as of today (Sunday 20 October 2019) the paper has still to be published on the web page - https://bit.ly/33GiUBc The Redesign Board of Highland council have already considered parking in great detail and paper was considered on 1 May 2019 and provides all the information that is possibly to be considered on Thursday 24th October 2019.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 18 October 2019

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October, 18th) sold 5,585 store sheep.   Lambs (3,793) averaged £47.43 and sold to £71 gross for a Cheviots from Free Farm, Tomatin.  

Tackling human trafficking and exploitation in the Highlands

COSLA has today (Friday 18 October 2019) unveiled human trafficking guidance for Scottish local authorities and The Highland Council has taken this opportunity to confirm its commitment to tackle trafficking and exploitation.   Mark McGinty, The Highland Council's Trading Standards Team Leader, said: "Sadly human trafficking is something Trading Standards Officers have to be aware of on a day to day basis.  

The Highlands named deadliest area for drivers in Scotland

New analysis reveals the deadliest parts of the UK for car accidents, along with the most dangerous transport methods and police attendance rates.   Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands are the most dangerous areas in Scotland, with 2,618 casualties and 35 fatalities reported between them in 2018.  

Seed Potato Brexit Concerns

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon has written to Minister of State at DEFRA George Eustice seeking urgent clarification and assurance that Scottish seed potatoes can continue to be exported to third countries, such as Egypt, in the event of a ‘no deal' Brexit.   This is all the more urgent given that the UK will not be a listed third country for seed and other plant propagating material if the UK leaves the EU in a 'no deal' scenario and will therefore be unable to continue our exports to the EU.