LLWR Manager Hannah points the way forward on International Women in Engineering Day. As a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Hannah Kozich could comfortably be a role model for women contemplating a career in engineering.
Highland Council Leader Margaret Davidson has said she is looking forward to welcoming tourists and visitors back to the Highlands when restrictions are expected to be lifted on 15 July. The Scottish Government recently published guidance for Scotland's tourism and hospitality sector which would allow them to re-open safely on or after that date.
Households will be sent information explaining how the Test and Protect system works and setting out what to do if someone develops coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. NHS Test and Protect is being delivered by NHS Scotland to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
The chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery. Alistair Dodds said the report underlined the potential of rural regions to make a strong contribution Scotland's economic recovery.
To support the economic recovery in the Highlands, the Council has today (Monday 22 June 2020) launched a guide for shops and businesses to assist them with their plans to safely welcome back customers. Following the overarching guidance provided by the Scottish Government, the Supporting Economic Recovery in Highland - A Guide for Businesses - contains lots of information, advice and support for shops, leisure facilities and other businesses likely to experience an upsurge in visitor numbers as lockdown restrictions are eased.
This article was published today 22 June 2020 on the web site of the European Bank for Development and Reconstruction. The Author is Vanora Bennett.
A new ad campaign, aimed at increasing the record number of public service workers who've joined UNISON Scotland since the start of the pandemic, is being launched by the union today (Monday). The 60-second animated advert is being screened on Sky, ITV, Channel 4 and YouTube with the message that no worker should feel alone in these uncertain times.
Guidance to support Scotland's tourism and hospitality sector to reopen safely has been published. The industry has been asked to prepare for reopening on 15 July, if sufficient progress is made to move to phase 3 of the route-map.
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery. The group, led by Benny Higgins, was tasked with recommending solutions to ensure transition towards a greener, net-zero and wellbeing economy, and to advise on measures to address different challenges the economy will face as Scotland recovers from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Urgent care to be made widely available. Dental practices can resume seeing see NHS patients in need of urgent care from today (22 June 2020).
Capgemini and the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD) have announced a five-year contract for the provision of the MOD's IT Service Centre. Under this agreement, Capgemini will work with the MOD's Defence Digital unit to provide the next generation of services aligned to its needs both now and in the future.
An article from The Conversation web site 18 June 2020. Author - Anna Leask - Professor of Tourism Management, Edinburgh Napier University Tourism has virtually stopped thanks to the COVID-19 lockdowns.
New approach put in place as Scotland moves to Phase 2 of recovery. Face coverings will become mandatory on public transport from Monday 22 June, as part of operators' preparations for progress towards recovery and to reduce the risk of transmission.
Following on from the statement today (18 June 2020) by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and a subsequent board meeting High Life Highland has initiated the first tentative steps of its own plans to fit in with the Scottish Government's "Scotland's Route Map through and out of the crisis". Ian Ross, Chair of the High Life Highland Board informed fellow Directors, "A substantial amount of work has gone on before and during lockdown to protect customers, staff and the wider services provided by the Charity.
The COVID-19 small business and self-catering grant scheme, set up to help companies stay in business during the coronavirus crisis, has now paid out over £63 million to 5,892 Highland businesses. Councillor Trish Robertson, Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: "Our staff that are processing applications are still working very hard and thanks to their efforts and to applicants for providing the correct information when they apply, the percentage of grants processed is currently at 99%.
New powers and measures to align devolved Scots law with those in the European Union after the end of the Brexit transition period have been published. The UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill will allow or provide for continuity of provision that would otherwise be lost on withdrawal from the EU.
Progress continues but caution urged to suppress COVID-19 Further changes to lockdown restrictions in Scotland have been announced today (Thursday, 18 June 2020) by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Those shielding are now able to go outdoors for exercise from today.
HMRC contacted employers today with an update on VAT. As part of the government's support for businesses during COVID-19, HMRC gave businesses the option of deferring their VAT payments if they were unable to pay on time, without incurring late payment interest or penalties.
The £2 million Towns and BIDs Resilience and Recovery Fund, announced by the Scottish Government on 12th June 2020, is intended to support localised response activities contributing to town centre and high street resilience and recovery. Overview £1 million of this funding will be allocated directly to towns to address immediate priorities as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.
Further measures have been announced to support Scotland's zoos and aquariums. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that from 29 June outdoor areas of zoos and gardens will be able to open to the public, provided appropriate measures are put in place to ensure physical distancing and compliance with phase 2 restrictions.
