News Archive

Be aware! Council Tax scammers still targeting Highland

The Highland Council has once again been alerted to a Council Tax scam where scammers are now writing to customers and claiming that the resident is due a council tax refund or can have their Council Tax band reassessed upon payment of £150.   Council Tax bands are determined by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer who is independent from the Highland Council.  

£3 million boost for ultrafast broadband

Extra funding of almost £3 million is to be invested in broadband for the Highlands and Islands after take-up rates across the region's Digital Scotland fibre network topped 60%.   Hundreds of additional homes in some of Scotland's most rural areas will be able to access ‘full' fibre direct to their homes (also known as Fibre-to-the-Premises or FTTP) through the funding boost.  

The Pensions Regulator Authorises Combined Nuclear Pension Plan Master Trust

This latest approval brings the total number of schemes authorised by TPR up to 35, following the approval of the University of Oxford Staff Pension Scheme earlier this month (8 October).   CNPP is an industry-wide scheme, set up in 2006, for workers in the nuclear decommissioning industry.  

Scottish Government Underspent The Budget By £778 Million In 2018/2019

The Scottish Government has substantially reduced the value of £140 million-worth of loans and guarantees to private companies, says the public spending watchdog.   The 2018/19 audit of the government's consolidated accounts were unqualified and show that the overall budget of £36,915 million was underspent by £778 million.  

The impact of Brexit uncertainty has cost the Scottish economy around £3 billion

Moving toward a deal, but long-term challenges just about to start: Fraser of Allander Institute Economic Commentary.   Make or break for UK's exit from EU in coming days - but uncertainty to remain for foreseeable future.  

Social Security (scotland) Act 2019 - Benefit Take-up Strategy

Fairer Scotland Duty assessment of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 - Benefit Take-up Strategy - October 2019.   The aim of the Strategy is to promote take-up of assistance available under the Scottish Social Security system.  

Uk Borrowing Up £7.2 Billion In First Half Of 2019-20

Report by the Office of Budget Responsibility - September 2019.   Mid-way through 2019-20, borrowing is up £7.2 billion on the same point last year, with strong growth in public spending outweighing more modest growth in receipts.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 22 October 2019

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October, 22nd) sold 18 prime cattle.   Prime Bullocks (2) averaged 189.5p (N/C) and sold to 192.0p per kg and £1,262.25 gross.  

Public advised to follow safety signs as works on West Link 2 progress

The Highland Council is advising walkers and cyclists using the Caledonian Canal towpaths that temporary diversions will be in place on a section of the route while work on Stage 2 of the Inverness West Link continues.   People using the tow paths, between Torvean Bridge in the west to Inverness Rowing Club, will notice signs going up providing information on diversions that will be in place next month for safety reasons while work to install a new swing bridge crossing is underway.  

Top season for Council owned harbours

Harbours owned and operated by The Highland Council have had their busiest cruise ship season ever.   During the summer months 140 ships have visited, carrying 29,000 passengers and leading to a revenue contribution of over £210,000 in harbour dues.