News Archive

Serco Awarded £450m Contract For Northern Isles Ferry Services

Serco, the international service company, has been selected as preferred bidder to continue managing and operating the lifeline Northern Isles Ferry Services for passengers and freight between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, providing essential access and supplies for the islanders.   The outcome of the tender was announced by the Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands to The Scottish Parliament this morning.  

Community Projects Benefit Over £80k In CNS Fund Latest Funding

Seven community projects are to benefit from over £80k of funding following the Caithness & North Sutherland Fund's latest grant awards.   CNSFund Chairperson David Glass said "Our latest funding includes improvements to youth activities, community and recreational facilities as well as progressing an ambitious project to establish a major visitor attraction in Caithness.  

Shining Examples Of Safety And Wellbeing In The Nuclear Industry Have Been Honoured At A Top Awards Ceremony

The first Safety and Wellbeing Awards, held by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), recognised the exceptional work being done across the group.   Eleven winners picked up awards in front of around 250 people at the ceremony, held in Manchester.  

Müller confirms Aberdeen depot closure - USDAW supporting devastated staff

Müller Milk & Ingredients (MMI) has confirmed that it is to wind down operations at its Aberdeen depot with the potential loss of 45 jobs.   Kate Cumming - Usdaw Area Organiser says: "This decision is devastating news for our members.  

Brexit Uncertainty Impacting The Economy

Following a period of sustained economic growth, Scotland's gross domestic product (GDP) has contracted by 0.3% in the second quarter - the three months after the original EU departure date at the end of March.   This contraction follows relatively robust growth (0.6%) in the first quarter in 2019, which was supported by a notable acceleration in manufacturing sector output as firms stockpiled and moved to complete orders prior to the original Brexit deadline.  

£1.5 million for social landlords to work with families

Low-income families will be protected against homelessness with a £1.5 million fund.   The Homelessness Prevention Fund will support housing associations and social landlords to work with their tenants to prevent crisis, and stop families from becoming homeless.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 17 September 2019

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 17th) sold 17 prime cattle.   Prime Bullocks (4) averaged 196.7p (+2.2p) and sold to 209.0p per kg for a 540kg Limousin cross from Ashley, North Kessock selling to Messrs Fraser Brothers, Butchers, Dingwall and £1,301.50 gross for a 685kg Simmental cross from Bridgend Farm, Dingwall selling to Messrs John M Munro Ltd, Dingwall.  

New Funeral Payment Launches

A new benefit to help low income families meet the costs of a funeral is open for applications.   The payment - which is being delivered by Social Security Scotland - will help towards the cost of a funeral.  

Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards - Short List

Local food and drink businesses are celebrating after being named finalists in the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards (HIFAD) 2019.   HIFAD celebrate passion, quality and innovation throughout the region.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 12 September 2019

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 12th) sold 8,231 store lambs.   Cheviot lambs averaged £44.06 (+£0.34 on the year) and sold to £70 gross for a pen of ewe lambs from Ardchronie, Ardgay.