News Archive

Interest Rate Stays At 0.75% Says Bank Of England

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, and in a way that helps to sustain growth and employment.   At its meeting ending on 1 May 2019, the MPC voted unanimously to maintain Bank Rate at 0.75%.  

Economy Growth Through Exports

Plan to increase the value of exports by 2029.   An ambitious growth plan will aim to increase the value of exports from 20% to 25% of Scotland's GDP over the next 10 years.  

Scotland Will Go Greener, Faster With World-leading Targets

Scotland will stop contributing to climate change within a generation under new, tougher climate change proposals.   Amendments to the Climate Change Bill have been lodged to set a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest with Scotland becoming carbon neutral by 2040.  

Scottish GDP and Quarterly National Accounts for 2018 Quarter

Scottish GDP growth is confirmed at 0.3% during the fourth quarter of 2018, according to updated statistics announced today by Scotland's Chief Statistician.  For 2018 as a whole, annual GDP growth was 1.3% compared to 2017, revised down slightly from the first estimate published on 20 March 2019.  

Safe NHS Staffing Law Passed

Health And Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Bill passes Stage 3.   Legislation to support staffing across health and social care services has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.  

Council keeps drains and roads clear of sand in Thurso

The Highland Council's Community Services has recently (Wednesday 1 May 2019) carried out a clear-up in an effort to tackle wind-blown sand affecting the local community in Thurso.   The Council is continuing to monitor its roads and drains under its responsibility near Thurso Beach and is in dialogue with environment partners in Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage and SEPA.  

Ross and Cromarty Councillors to liaise with communities over changes to festive lighting and decoration support

Ross and Cromarty Councillors are to liaise with Community councils and local community groups wishing to provide festive Christmas lighting and decorations.  It follows a new uniform policy that has come into place in order for the Highland Council to recover the costs associated with providing festive lighting and decoration assistance to communities.  

Leask Marine Successfully Complete Decommissioning Of Ola Pier Linkspan

Leask Marine have recently completed the decommissioning of the redundant 160 tonne Ola Pier linkspan as part of the redevelopment at Scrabster Harbour, Caithness.   The project included the preparation works of dismantling of the linkspan ramp from the existing pier, placing in temporary support beams to the linkspan prior to the cutting works, removal of the tar from the linkspan road surface, cutting and dismantling the support towers and cutting the actual linkspan into firstly pieces.  

GMB Union Concerns As Four Seasons Health Care Goes Into Administration

Four Seasons Health Care Administration.   Responding to this morning's announcement that one of the UK's biggest care home providers, Four Seasons Heath Care, has entered administration, GMB Scotland Senior Organiser Drew Duffy said: "This is yet another case in point of the crisis in our care sector.  

The race is on! Showcase your success stories at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2019

The National Apprenticeship Awards 2019 are now open for applications - until Friday 24 May 2019.   Calling all employers who fire up their business with apprenticeships, inspirational apprentices who blaze their own trail, rising stars with the drive to succeed and individuals who champion apprenticeships with passion: the National Apprenticeship Awards 2019 are now open for applications - until Friday 24 May 2019.