News Archive
4/3/2016
Highlands and Islands (Labour) MSP and Scottish (Labour) Transport Spokesperson, David Stewart, has written to Lord Ahmad, the Under Secretary of State for Transport, over anomalies with drivers requiring to be re- assessed for driving after a medical condition meant their licences had to be suspended. I have been in dialogue with DVLA and the Driving Assessment Centre in Edinburgh over the lengthy waiting list for drivers re-sitting their test.
Its Generation Game for Kenneth. The Caithness Agricultural Society has a new President with Kenneth Sutherland Jnr taking the reins for the society's 175th Anniversary show this year.
DINGWALL, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 2nd) sold 719 store cattle Bullocks (457) averaged 228.9p and sold to 310.3p per kg for a 290kg Limousin cross from Balvullich, Muir of Ord, and £1,300 gross for a 750kg Limousin cross from Cambusmore Estate, Dornoch. Heifers (254) averaged 219.8p and sold to 288.5p per kg for a pair of 260kg Limousin crosses from Refouble, Glenferness, and £1,260 gross for a pair of 550kg Simmental crosses from Bunchrew, Inverness.
3/3/2016
Highlands & Islands (including Moray) MSP and Scottish (Labour) Spokesperson for Transport, David Stewart, has championed the cause of drivers who have had their licences suspended because of medical reasons and who are having to wait up to seven months before being offered a re- test. David Stewart said " For the last couple of years now I have been working away on two constituent cases in particular in relation to this issue.
An audience of around 60 north forestry professionals will gather in Inverness this week to hear how the future is shaping up for the sector. Three speakers will provide updates on the economic value of forestry in Scotland; progress towards driving up health and safety standards in the industry; and local forestry priorities for the north.
Workshops sponsored by businessgateway. Book your spot early.
1/3/2016
Time is running out to have your say on the Caithness and Sutherland Proposed Local Development Plan (CaSPlan). The publication of the Proposed CaSPlan represents another major step forward in the preparation of a new planning framework for Caithness and Sutherland over the next 20 years and beyond.
Week Commencing 22 February 2016 Energy & Business Services: Good to see in Gordon Calder's piece in today's John O' Groat Journal the upbeat views from Project Director David Taaffe on the likely jobs impact of the MeyGen tidal energy project. The news is also given a balanced and thoughtful welcome in the paper's Leader Column.
Energy & Business Services: It was good to speak last week with Magnus Davidson of Thurso's Environmental Research Institute (ERI) about the transnational EU-funded project called REGINA. The project aims to reduce the vulnerability of small communities in remoter areas of the Nordic Arctic and Scotland which face the development - or closing down of - large-scale industries.
20/2/2016
HGVs to have 24hr access. The Forth Road Bridge is to fully reopen today Saturday 20 February at 11.00pm.
20/2/2016
Unemployment level down five thousand over the quarter. More Scots are in work than ever before according to the latest labour market statistics released today.
Highland Council is set to achieve a balanced Budget when Council meets on 25 February 2016 to agree proposals. The papers are published online at http://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/committee/52/the_highland_council Leader of the Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson said: I am relieved to say that we have managed to deliver proposals for a balanced budget to be considered at Council next Thursday.
DINGWALL, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (February, 16th) sold 32 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (17) averaged 190.8p (+1.7p) and sold to 208p per kg and £1,318.65 gross.
17/2/2016
Employability Course 26th Feb - 22nd March - 10:00 - 15:00 at the Brora learning Centre, Brora.
Through a project jointly funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), Caithness Chamber of Commerce is offering business support and mentoring aimed at aspiring businesses in the Caithness & North Sutherland area. If you are considering setting up your own business (either full time or part time), then the Chamber is able to offer guidance and support in areas such as:· · Business planning and writing business plans · Employment responsibilities · Establishing and registering a business · Intellectual property / trademarks · Market research · Marketing and sales This project is open to those looking to start up as a new business or those who have started a business which is less than 6 months old.
Week Commencing 8th February 2016. Enabling Activities: Last Saturday (6th February) saw the annual "Jobs and How to Get Them" event, developed again by a group of agencies/ organisations (including CNSRP partners Skills Development Scotland and Highland Council) and managed by Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
The Board of Highland Opportunity Ltd (HOL) has agreed to commence the wind up of HOL and its subsidiaries and to transfer some of its services to The Highland Council. Chair of Highland Opportunity Ltd.
Scottish Natural Heritage and The Highland Council need your help with a short survey about Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) In the past drainage techniques have traditionally been below ground tanks and pipes, which transported water away as quickly as possible, leading to rivers becoming overloaded and causing flooding. SuDS are designed to act more like natural habitat.
Budget discussions between the Council's Administration and Political Groups and Unions are continuing in the lead up to The Highland Council’s budget meeting on 25 February. The Council held a special meeting on 21 January to consider the results of the budget consultation and the full range of savings proposals are being discussed prior to the finalisation of the Council’s papers next week.
The Highland Council Leader, Margaret Davidson, gave a cautious welcome to the engagement of key stakeholders in talks with the MCA over the future protection of Highland's coastal waters. Only weeks away from the threatened withdrawal of the last remaining Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) in the UK, she was joined by a wide range of interested parties all equally determined to make the case for the Highlands and Islands to be properly protected.