News Archive

Turbines Move From Wick Harbour To Camster Wind Farm

E.ON's Camster wind farm is in the process of receiving the delivery of 25 Vestas V80 2MW wind turbines.   They began to arrive at Wick Harbour at the weekend and are now being transported by road in small convoys.  

HIE appoints director to lead on broadband and digital economy

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is stepping up its efforts to ensure that businesses and communities across the region are able to harness the benefits of digital communications, including next generation broadband (NGB).   Stuart Robertson, currently the development agency's Head of Digital and Broadband, as well as its Area Manager for Shetland, is to take on a new, dedicated role as Director of Digital Highlands and Islands.  

New Street Art To Complement Flood Scheme In Inverness

Double boost for River Ness Flood and Streetscape Scheme The Highland Council's City of Inverness Area Committee has given a double boost to the River Ness Flood Alleviation and Streetscape Scheme.  The Committee has approved £1 million towards the cost of the streetscape element of the major works and £250,000 towards the cost of a public art programme to complement the streetscape works.  

Roll out of the Food Hygiene Information Scheme

More consumers in Highland will have a new way to find out how well local food caterers and retailers are performing thanks to more food businesses being covered by the Food Hygiene Information scheme.   The Highland Council is one of the 32 Scottish local authorities taking part in the Scheme.  

Pentland Housing Success In Carbon Challenge Award £101,767

Council Leader encourages communities to apply for Climate Challenge Fund.   Five communities in the Highlands have between them received over £420,000 from the 11th round of the Climate Challenge Fund and the Leader of The Highland Council hopes more community groups will be encouraged to come forward with projects that tackle climate change.  

Taxi Fare Review In Highland

The Highland Licensing Committee is recommending one change to existing taxi fares following an annual review.   The proposed change, which would take effect from Monday 21 January next year, is to permit Tariff 2 to be charged from 9.00pm until 7.00am instead of from 10.00pm to 7.00am as at present.  

Wick Airport Renamed - Wick John O'Groats Airport

A new name for the gateway to Caithness & North Sutherland - Wick Airport rebranded 'Wick John O' Groats Airport' Wick Airport is to be renamed Wick John O' Groats Airport later today in a bid to promote the airport as the gateway to the UK's most northerly mainland settlement.   The move was suggested by the Airport Consultative Committee in order to reflect the status of John O'Groats as a world famous tourist destination and highlight the close proximity of the airport to the village, which is undergoing a multi-million pound transformation.  

Highlands Awarded Fairtrade Zone Status

The Highlands have been awarded Fairtrade Zone Status by the Fairtrade Foundation.   The good news was announced at The Highland Council's Finance Housing and Resources Committee by Council Vice-Convener Councillor Hamish Wood, who has led the Fairtrade campaign over the past two years.  

Wick Woodland With Community Spirit

The new Newtonhill Croft Woodland established by the Forestry Commission for Scotland on the outskirts of Wick is coming together with help from the local community who have played a vital role in shaping the new site.   Several projects have recently reached completion and have enhanced the woodland site for enjoyment by the local community.  

Special meeting date set to discuss midnight door entry policy

The Highland Licensing Board has agreed to hold a special meeting on Tuesday 6 November at 2:30pm to consider consultation responses received on its door entry policy for premises with late night opening hours, which requires admission by midnight.   A report presented to the Licensing Board today (2 October) said the special meeting will allow more time for members to read and consider all responses and invite a number of parties from each of the "for/against" sides of the argument to make a presentation to the Board on their position.