News Archive

Irish Economic Performance: Implications for the Scottish Debate

In a guest blog, Frank Barry, Professor of International Business & Development at Trinity College Dublin, looks at the history of the Republic of Ireland's economic policy and lessons for an independent Scotland.   Ireland's separation from the United Kingdom in 1922 was achieved under very different circumstances from those prevailing today.  

Self-Employment Rises as Fewer People Leave

Of people who were self-employed in 2009, 23% were no longer so by 2014, the lowest outflow rate from self-employment for any period over the last 20 years, a new report from ONS has found.  Therefore the rise in self-employment can be accounted for by fewer people leaving self-employment than in the past.  

Boost to employment opportunities in the Highlands

In the Highlands over the last 3 months 149 employment opportunities have been created through the Council's advisory and business support services.   During a meeting of the Council's Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee held today (Wednesday 20 August) members heard that 71 new businesses have been supported by Business Gateway to start up and a further 122 Highland businesses already serving local markets have accessed advice over the last quarter.  

Wind Farm at Glen Kyllachy near Tomatin Refused Planning Permission

On Tuesday 19 August 2014 members of The Highland Council's South Planning Applications Committee have refused to grant planning permission to RWE Innogy UK Limited for a 20 turbine wind farm at Glen Kyllachy near Tomatin.   The motion, moved by Councillor Bill Lobban and seconded by Councillor Carolyn Caddick was that the application be refused on the grounds that it contravenes Policy 67 of the Highland Wide Local Development Plan in that the development will have a significant detrimental visual impact, both taken cumulatively with Farr Wind Farm and on its own, at areas of regional and local significance, notably, as viewed from the Slochd, Strathnairn, Loch Ashie, Abriachan , and consequently, the Great Glen Way.  

Engagement with Europe - a priority for the Council

Over the last year The Highland Council gained approval of £634k of EU grant funding, drew down a further £1m of grants for existing projects, processed £4.33m of grants through its LEADER project and another £481,000 via the EFF Axis 4 Programme.  In an annual report considered today (Wednesday 20 August 2014) at the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, it was highlighted that the Council has also been successful, together with its partners, in making the case for control of €192 Transition Funds.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 19 August 2014

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (August, 19th) sold 41 prime cattle.  Prime bullocks (10) averaged 206.9p (-5.2p) and sold to 228p per kg and £1,457.80 gross.  

Students Should Swot Up to Make Savvy Financial Decisions

Cash strapped students preparing to start university should check their finances to ensure they're getting the best possible deals, advises MoneySuperMarket.com.   Current accounts - don't over-do your overdraft Many students will end up relying on an overdraft to make ends meet between loan payments, so securing one with a decent limit is crucial.  

Cost of Divorce Reaches £44,000 for UK Couples

Money matters take 11.5 months to settle following a break-up Total annual cost of divorce in UK adds up to £5.7 billion 57% increase in cost of divorce since last study in 2006 UK couples are spending more than £44,000 on average when they divorce or separate, totalling £5.7 billion per year* across the nation.  A new study from life insurer Aviva reveals the hidden cost of divorce as £21,979 per person or £43,958 per couple.  

Pensioner Families to Suffer Social Security Cuts Worth Over £6bn a Year

Pensioner families across the UK will suffer social security cuts worth £6.38bn a year by the time the government's welfare reforms have taken full affect, the TUC warns today (Sunday) ahead of a new report on the impact of social security cuts published later this week.   In the run-up to the last general election, David Cameron pledged to protect pensioner benefits.  

July sees record increases in permanent placements and starting salaries

The recovery in Scotland's labour market moved up a gear in July.  The latest Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs showed survey-record increases in both the number of permanent placements and starting salaries.