News Archive

National Saving cuts interest rates and adds another nail to the coffin of UK saving products

It has today been announced that National Saving has slashed its interest rates and Premium Bond prizes dealing yet another blow to the nation's savers who have already suffered due to continuously low interest rates.   Founder and MD of Sourced Capital , Stephen Moss, commented:"Yet another blow for those trying their best to accumulate any kind of savings pot and perhaps the final nail in the coffin for the vast array of savings based products available to the consumer, as more and more are opting to move away from these traditional options due to the pitiful returns they now provide.  

Taxi Fares Held Level For Another 18 Months In Highland And Tuk Tuk Licence For Wick Refused

Following a review taxi fares in Highland have been held at the same level by the Highland Council Licensing Committee held on 18 February 2019.   The papers and the debate on this issue can be seen at items six on the webcast - https://highland.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/469655 There is a 14 Day period for appeal.  

Scottish National Investment Bank looks hardwired for failure - here's why

Ross Brown, Univeristy of St Andrews.   Scotland is a step closer to launching the UK's first national investment bank after the Scottish parliament passed plans to create this new source of funding for Scottish businesses.  

Satellite Launch Site Plans - Another View

The latest generation of small communications satellites could be launched into Earth orbit from the northern Highlands of Scotland within the next two years.   Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has submitted a planning application for a vertical launch site, Space Hub Sutherland, that it plans to construct on the A' Mhoine peninsula, Melness, near Tongue.  

Meeting The Costs Of Brexit

The UK Government should give an immediate commitment to cover the cost to business and government of leaving the EU, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said.   With the UK Government acknowledging there will be additional checks and certificates required for trade with the EU, Mr Ewing said it is vital they commit to meeting the resulting additional costs incurred by Scotland becoming a ‘third country'.  

Spaceport Planning Application

On 14th February 2020 the Highland council place an advert in the Northern times newspaper regarding the Spaceport planning application as follows.  - THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (SCOTLAND) ACT 1997 TOWN and COUNTRY PLANNING (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2017.  

Uk's First Industrial Contribution To International Space Station Ready For Take Off

UK-built technology that will revolutionise the science astronauts carry out on the International Space Station is due to launch today (14 February 2020).   Called COLKa for ‘Columbus Ka-band Terminal', the system will allow astronauts and researchers to benefit from a direct link with Europe at home broadband speeds, relaying data from experiments on the ISS back to Earth almost instantaneously.  

Labour Say More Cuts On The Way Following SNP Budget

Yesterday, during the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee, the minister from Public Finance and Digital Economy, Kate Forbes, stated that local authorities are not "collapsing" in Scotland.   This is despite warnings from COSLA ahead of the budget statement that stated local authorities were under immense pressure and in need of massive investment.  

Council Tax Scam warning

Highland Council Trading Standards are again warning unsuspecting residents of the emergence of a new Council Tax scam.   Today a call was received by the Council from a Council Tax payer alerting to a Council Tax scam whereby scammers are now texting people and informing them that they are due a Council Tax rebate.  

More Questions Asked On Chronic Pain Delays At Nhs Highland

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, David Stewart, has tabled more questions in the Scottish Parliament in his bid to see waiting times improved at NHS Highland's chronic pain clinic.   Mr Stewart, who is also Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, was approached by constituents who complained about the waiting times for first appointments in the north, advising that in some cases there can also be more than a year's wait for follow up appointments.