News Archive
23/3/2015
Highland Council to review Area Committees
‘One-size does not fit all' - was the message received at the last meeting of The Highland Council (on 12 March) as members agreed to a Review of Area Committees over the next two years. Reporting to The Highland Council, Carron McDiarmid, Head of Policy and Reform thanked Area and Group Leaders who helped shaped a report on the Area Committee Review.22/3/2015
Attracting world-class talent
Cross-Sector report strengthens calls for reinstatement of post study work visa. Scotland needs to attract and retain the best international student talent to support and strengthen our economy, Minister for Europe and International Development, Humza Yousaf said today (Sunday March 22).21/3/2015
LGBCS consults councils on ward boundaries
The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland has begun its consultation with councils on proposed wards for each council area as part of the 5th Reviews of Electoral Arrangements. Its proposals contain recommendations for councillor numbers in each of Scotland's 32 council areas and the number and boundaries of wards for the election of those councillors.21/3/2015
Chancellor Did His 'Fuel Duty' - AA
The AA welcomed the extension of the fuel duty 'big freeze' beyond September as it continues relief for drivers hit by pump price surges but also because it warns any future government that they would get a frosty reception if tempted to raise fuel duty in the short term. However, UK road fuel tax continues to be the highest in the EU.
21/3/2015
Euro boost for Royal Highland Show
European Commissioner accepts invitation to attend Royal Highland Show. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead announced today that the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, has accepted his invitation to attend this year's Royal Highland Show.21/3/2015
Whisky review 257 - Old Pulteney 12yo
Old Pulteney reviewed..
21/3/2015
IAM Aren't 'Sat-Nags'. Let Us Map You to Happy Motoring
This week, the IAM's chief examiner, Peter Rodger, is sharing advice with drivers about operating a satellite navigation system safely. Here are his top seven tips to help navigate you through your journey.21/3/2015
Marine economy
Marine Industry contributes £4.5 billion to Scottish economy. The marine industry was worth £4.5 billion to the economy and employed 45,700 workers in 2012, according to latest report published by Marine Scotland today.21/3/2015
Scottish Public Sector Employment
Public Sector Employment Statistics for Scotland, released today by Scotland's Chief Statistician, show that over the year to Q4 2014, employment in the public sector in Scotland has decreased by 24,100 to 545,100. The decrease is largely due to the National Accounts reclassifications of Lloyds Banking Group plc.21/3/2015
A union of business partners
FM urges Scottish businesses to seize on European opportunities. Forging new relationships with businesses in Europe will see exports of Scottish goods rise and result in economic growth, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.21/3/2015
Workforce gender gap closing
Employment level continues to increase. Labour Market Statistics published today by the ONS, covering November 2014 to January 2015, show that 2,611,000 people are now in work in Scotland, an increase of 48,000 compared to this time last year.21/3/2015
£76 million windfall for Scotland's low carbon economy
Scottish scheme to receive backing from 2014-20 European Structural Funds. A new £76 million scheme to boost jobs and economic growth in Scotland's low carbon sector was unveiled today.21/3/2015
Winter plantings steady, moderate increases in some livestock
The results of the December Agricultural Survey show that livestock numbers have generally increased since last year, though poultry numbers fell sharply. Scotland's Chief Statistician today released the latest results from the December Agricultural Survey.21/3/2015
New social security powers
Scottish Government sets out first details on devolved benefits. Detailed information on the scale and reach of social security benefits to be devolved to Scotland has been published.21/3/2015
Significant progress towards delivering major infrastructure projects
Almost 70 projects totalling around £7 billion will be under construction in 2015. Progress is well underway towards delivering major infrastructure projects across Scotland, Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said today.21/3/2015
Further £200m to support health & social care integration
Two-year additional funding package to deliver landmark change. Funding of £200 million is to be allocated over two years to support the implementation of health and social care integration, the Health Secretary has announced today.21/3/2015
CAP delivery priority
Rural Affairs Secretary: latest farm stats ‘underline need' for support. Delivering the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is an 'absolute priority' for the Scottish Government, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has said.21/3/2015
Food matters
Food Secretary welcomes plans for network of Local Good Food Champions. The decision of the Food Commission to establish a network of local good food champions to encourage the sourcing and selling of locally produced, in-season food in their areas, has been welcomed by Food Secretary Richard Lochhead.21/3/2015
Moratorium on 20mph Speed Limits Demanded
No new 20mph speed limits should be allowed until a Department for Transport study is published in 2017, says the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD). In 2014 the Department for Transport (DfT) began a three-year study into all the impacts of 20mph speed limits, including their effects on actual speeds, accidents, emissions and whether they encourage more people to walk or cycle.21/3/2015
