News Archive

Councillors Agree To Utilise UK Shared Prosperity Fund To Support Castle Recruitment & Training

Economy and Infrastructure Committee members today (2 May 2024) agreed to direct £100K from the Council's share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to fund a new staff training programme at the Inverness Castle Experience.   The funding will enable the project team to provide specialist visitor attraction training to young people identified through partners at Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).  

Road Upgrades in Caithness During May

Transport Scotland is investing a total of £185,000 to carry out essential surfacing improvements on the #A9 north of Inverness at three locations: south of Achrimsdale, Dunbeath and Georgemas Junction.   The works will be carried out by BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland's trunk road operator.  

UKAEA Signs Agreement With CVŘ To Progress UK Fusion Plant Design

The agreement for a first-of-a-kind test rig will provide critical data for the design and development of Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP).   The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Czech Republic research organisation Centrum výzkumu Řež (CVŘ), have signed a multi-year use of facility agreement to enable unique testing of High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) tapes, critical for the development of the UK's prototype fusion energy powerplant, the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP).  

Highland Councillors Agree Community Regeneration Support For Communities To Continue

At the meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee members had the opportunity to review the last two years of the Community Regeneration Funding Programme before agreeing changes to how the 2024/25 programme will be delivered.   Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Following a successful two years, it is a good time to review what has gone well and what can be done better so we can continue to build on success, and seamlessly move the focus onto how best to support the delivery of projects." "With 279 live projects and over £6million of committed funds still to be claimed, there is no doubt as to the value and impact of the programme's potential.  

Would You Like To See Your GP, Or Know That The Government Is Restricting Your Access Using Cast-iron Fiscal Rules?

Richard Murphy shines a light on why we really cannot see a GP and exposes the lie of GP shortages.   One of the greatest source of disquiets about the NHS is not that there are long hospital waiting lists - although no-one is overly chuffed by that - but that people cannot get to see their GP.  

Protecting Fans From Ticket Touts - Views sought on EURO 2028 legislation

Proposals which will help to protect people against the threat of ticket touts at UEFA EURO 2028 are the focus of a new consultation launched today.   Glasgow is one of 10 host cities for EURO 2028 and an expected three million tickets will go on sale for the whole tournament, allowing more fans than ever before access to a UEFA EURO tournament.  

Taking The Leap - What You Need To Know Before Cohabitating With Your Partner

Moving in with a partner is a huge milestone - and can mark one of the most exciting times in your life.  But there are also many factors to consider when cohabitating and taking this next step, whether it's bills, legal implications, or overall housing decisions.  

Inflation Always Goes Away - Richard Murphy

If the Bank of England was to be believed the only reason inflation has gone away is because they have taken action to control it.  But data since 1200 (that's 800+ years ago) shows that after a bout of inflation, prices always either fall or the rate of inflation at least returns to normal.  

April Sees Slowing In Annual House Price Growth

UK house prices fell 0.4% month on month in April.   Annual rate of change slowed to 0.6%, from 1.6% in March.  

Parents Urged Not To Miss Out On Disability Support

Over £500 million in Child Disability Payment paid to families Parents of disabled children are being urged to make sure they're not missing out on vital financial support from the Scottish Government.   Child Disability Payment is money to help families cover the extra costs of looking after a child or young person who is disabled, has a long-term health condition or is terminally ill.