News Archive

Scrutiny Lead responds to Inverness Control Room closure date announcement

In response to Police Scotland's statement on the closure of the Inverness Area Control Room and Service Centre, Highland Council Scrutiny Lead Matthew Reiss said: "We appreciate the statement from Police Scotland regarding the intended closure of the Inverness Control Room next week.   It is important that everyone is aware of the change in local arrangements.  

Confirmation that European Funding is still available

The message that money from Europe remains available to support business and employment opportunities in Highland was confirmed at today's meeting of the Council's Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee.   Over the years European funding has played a key investment role in the economic development and growth of the Highland economy including safeguarding and creating jobs and helping the area’s most deprived communities seek support.  

Scottish Welfare Fund helps hundreds of thousands of households

Since the creation of the Scottish Welfare Fund in April 2013, 275,690 households have received rewards of more than £148 million.   Latest figures show that between July and September 2017 councils received 42,760 applications for Crisis Grants, an increase of 3% on the same quarter the previous year.  

Budget Stage 1 - Greens Rally Round

Scotland's NHS, the economy, public sector workers and the low paid will benefit from the Scottish budget, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said today as he confirmed he had reached an agreement that will see the financial plan passed at all stages by the Scottish Parliament.   The budget takes steps to mitigate UK Government cuts, increases funding for the NHS by £400 million, invests in the expansion of early learning and childcare, delivers on our commitments to broadband, supports the building of 50,000 new homes, backs small businesses and innovation and provides essential funding for our frontline police and fire services.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 30 January 2018

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (January, 30th) sold 14 prime cattle.   Prime bullocks (2) averaged 217.5p (+8.5p) and sold to 218.0p and £1,253.50 gross.  

Planning approval for £130M alloy wheels plant in Lochaber

Highland Council's South Planning Applications Committee has approved a major planning application for an alloy wheel manufacturing facility at Fort William in Lochaber.   The facility involves an investment in excess of £130 million which will sustain and create around 570 jobs; expand business opportunities and provide a value added product for the UK motor vehicle manufacturing industry which could reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.  

Inverness City Centre Roads Temporarily Closed For Snowman Rally

Several roads in the centre of Inverness will be temporarily closed to traffic on the morning of Saturday 10 February as the city gears up to host the opening ceremony of the 2018 Snowman Rally.   Drivers are being advised that from between 7.30am and 12 noon the following roads will be closed to all vehicles: Eastgate closed at its junction with Crown Road to its con-junction with the High Street; The High Street closed at its con-junction with Eastgate to its junction with Castle Street; Hamilton Street closed at its junction with Academy Street to its junction with Eastgate.  

Scottish Crown Estate - Landmark legislation published.

Plans to reform the Scottish Crown Estate, and give local communities more control of its assets, has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.   The Scottish Crown Estate Bill will establish a framework for changes in the management of Scottish Crown Estate assets and give communities a stronger voice in how these assets are managed.  

Norscot In Line For National Innovation Award

A kit home and window manufacturer with operations in Caithness and Inverness has been shortlisted for a national award for innovation.   Norscot is one of three finalists in the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2018 Innovation of the Year category, after developing a system for clients to view their new homes on site virtually before building work starts.  

Top Accolade For Nuclear Record-keeping

The meticulous approach to managing historical records at the Nucleus archive has secured the highest accolade from the government's records regulator.   ‘Place of Deposit' (PoD) status was granted by The National Archives at Kew (TNA) and National Records of Scotland in December 2017, on schedule, after a comprehensive assessment of all operational aspects at the £20 million facility near Wick.