News Archive
28/3/2015
This item applies mainly to schools in England but may be of interest to anyone looking at how children in Scotland learn their tables etc. School Reform Minister Nick Gibb speaks to the London Thames Maths Hub Primary Conference.
Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division today renewed its commitment to eradicating the scourge of doorstep crime and bogus callers. Operation Monarda drives home the message: "If In Doubt, Keep Them Out".
The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland has begun its consultation with councils on proposed wards for each council area as part of the 5th Reviews of Electoral Arrangements. Its proposals contain recommendations for councillor numbers in each of Scotland's 32 council areas and the number and boundaries of wards for the election of those councillors.
People involved in the development of wave energy technology in Scotland will be able to find out more about a £7million support fund in a special online webinar next Tuesday (31 March). Wave Energy Scotland (WES), part of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is funded by Scottish Government.
27/3/2015
Industrial action by Prospect: statement by HIAL . HIAL rejects unreasonable 30% pay claim.
Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP has launched a new three-year operating plan for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The new plan is launched as HIE marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of its predecessor, the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB), which began operating in November 1965.
26/3/2015
Start Up Loans are available to businesses yet to launch or those that have been trading for up to 12 months, although in certain circumstances this may be extended to 24 months. The scheme provides free business planning prior to taking any monies ensuring applicants are in the best possible position to receive funding.
With assistance of a Grant from Historic Scotland, the Mackintosh Brothers have transformed their Dingwall newsagent's premises back to its former Victorian glory and the recent work is attracting very favourable comments from the local community. No 4 High Street, Dingwall is one of a series of Victorian shop premises at the West end of the High Street.
Six-times World Snooker Champion Steve Davis presents award. Caithness and Inverness based window and door company Norscot Joinery has won a prestigious national award for customer satisfaction! Norscot's trophy comes from the respected trade organisation Network VEKA, which polled nearly 16,000 households over the year, before declaring Norscot the winner for Scotland.
MUT, WATERSPORTS, WICK ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE NOW A SERVICE POINT FOR SEA SAFE. THEY OFFER A SERVICE AND CERTIFICATION FOR ANY LIFEJACKETS THAT ARE FOR COMMERCIAL USE.
25/3/2015
Police issue warning and appeal for information following 'Ringing the Changes' scams across Inverness-shire and Ross-shire. Police are appealing for information following a series of 'Ringing the Changes' scams which took place at four local Post Offices across Inverness-shire and Ross-shire on Tuesday 24th March 2015.
High Life Highland has unveiled expanded and improved facilities at Inverness Botanic Gardens. The new facility was officially declared open at a garland cutting ceremony by Provost of the City of Inverness, Councillor Alex Graham on Monday.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts, (March, 25th) sold 2,436 sheep of all classes. Lambs (972) averaged £54.20 and sold to £107 gross for Cheviot ewe lambs from Tighnahinch, Alcaig.
There was a good turn out to the recent public exhibition outlining the Phase 4 proposals for flood protection measures in Smithton and Culloden and the Council is reminding members of the public that there is still time for them to pass on their comments. During the drop-in event, which was held on 10 March in Smithton Free Church, The Highland Council and the scheme designer, JBA, presented works that have been undertaken in phase 1 to 3, to tackle issues and proposals for phase 4 were presented.
A NEW partnership agreement has been signed to develop and deliver training required at the Dounreay site during decommissioning work and help staff gain the qualifications they need to transfer to other employment sectors as the site closure progresses. Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), responsible for the clean-up and demolition of Britain's former centre of fast reactor research and development, has established a memorandum of understanding with North Highland College UHI and the University of the Highlands and Islands to help close collaboration working and academic links across further and higher education and the nuclear industry.
Scrabster Seafoods Ltd, based at Scrabster Harbour in the far north of Scotland, primarily exports white fish landed at the harbour to mainland Europe and the Far East. The company has identified an opportunity to diversify and take advantage of the 2,000 tonnes of crab landed by fishermen at the harbour every year.
The Highland Council's Trading Standards team are warning local businesses about a scam that is currently doing the rounds and is targeting small businesses within the Highland area. A number of complaints have been received from local businesses receiving a letter headed "UK - DATA CONTROL - Missing information about your VAT Registration Number" with ‘Scotland Business' prominently stated at the top of the first page.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 24th) sold 64 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (33) averaged 208.6p (+2.2p) and sold to 224p per kg and £1,435.00 gross.
Wave Energy Scotland (WES), a new research and development body funded by the Scottish Government, is open for business with the launch of its first international technology innovation competition. Part of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, WES is issuing a competitive project call for innovative power take-off (PTO) systems.
‘One-size does not fit all' - was the message received at the last meeting of The Highland Council (on 12 March) as members agreed to a Review of Area Committees over the next two years. Reporting to The Highland Council, Carron McDiarmid, Head of Policy and Reform thanked Area and Group Leaders who helped shaped a report on the Area Committee Review.