News Archive
26/7/2012
SNH Advice for Hill Walkers
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is advising hill walkers to check online about deer stalking on estates before heading out for the hills. The stag stalking season (1st July to 20th October) is a popular time of year for walkers, so three years ago SNH set up the Heading for the Scottish Hills website, www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/hftsh.26/7/2012
West Coast Fishing Concern
The Scottish Government is considering urgent action to address exceptionally high levels of prawn fishing activities in the West of Scotland. Recent months have seen a shift of vessels that normally fish for prawns in the North Sea, where prawns have been scarce this year, moving to the West causing much greater fishing activity than expected.‪ While quota is projected to last the year and overall prawn fishing is at a similar level to 2011 and 2010, the displacement means the annual 'time at sea' constraints for the West Coast - the set limits for each geographic area under the EU's Cod Recovery Plan - will be breached without action being taken.26/7/2012
High Compliance Rate On Sheep Tagging
Only a handful of farmers inspected in 2011 breached the read rates for sheep electronic ID (EID) tags - and very few received any form of penalty. Of the 650 flocks inspected, just 64 received any form of cross compliance penalty - 0.3 per cent of Scottish sheep producers.26/7/2012
State of the Economy
The Finance Secretary today called on the Chancellor to take action, through an immediate stimulus to capital investment, to address the UK double-dip recession and prevent Westminster's economic policy from further hampering Scotland's economic recovery. Mr Swinney's comments follow the quarterly State of the Economy report published today by the Scottish Government's Chief Economist, Dr Gary Gillespie, which provides both an update on recent developments in the Scottish economy and on outlook of future growth prospects.25/7/2012
Future Of Wave and Tidal Leasing
The Crown Estate today opened an industry engagement exercise to shape the future of wave and tidal leasing in the UK. With 37 sites leased to date, the UK already has a global lead in the wave and tidal industry and the exercise aims to help the industry grow further.24/7/2012
Applications Open For Community Transport Fund
The Highland Council is inviting applications from voluntary groups to operate community transport projects for the 2013 - 2014 financial year. 19 voluntary groups are coming to the end of their current funding agreements and they will now be able to apply for new revenue funding.24/7/2012
Renewable Obligation Banding
Commenting on the Department for Environment and Climate Change (DECC) announcement of new Renewable Obligation banding levels, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "I welcome the UK Government's decision to follow Scotland's lead and set its own onshore wind band at 0.9 ROCS, but I am concerned at the UK Government's decision to only set this band for one year, until 2014, pending the outcome of yet another review. "The onshore wind sector needs certainty to enable it to make investment decisions, which is why last week the First Minister wrote to Ed Davey to indicate that the Scottish Government will keep its onshore wind band at 0.9 ROCS for the next four years.
24/7/2012
Radical Rethink On Land Reform Underway
A radical review of land reform will deliver a more successful Scotland with stronger communities and economic growth, First Minister Alex Salmond said on Wednesday 24th July 2012. Speaking in Skye where a summer cabinet meeting was convened, Mr Salmond revealed details of a new Land Reform Review Group that will oversee a wide ranging review of land reform in Scotland.24/7/2012
Same Sex Marriage To Be Legalised In Scotland
The Scottish Government intend to legislate to allow same sex marriage, it was announced today. However, legislation will be accompanied by important protections for freedom of speech and religion.24/7/2012
177 Speeders Caught Last Weekend
Police express frustration over the number of speeding drivers who continue to ignore warnings. Northern Constabulary's Head of Road Policing has expressed frustration that many motorists are continuing to speed and put other road users lives at risk, despite repeated warnings.23/7/2012
TAKE OFF FOR EUROPCAR AT WICK
Europe's leading car hire provider Europcar is to open Wick Airport's first car hire location, offering improved service for passengers. Airport Station Manager William Sutherland said the new car hire location would improve the airport's appeal to business users and inbound visitors.19/7/2012
Increased Whale Sightings in the Far North This Summer
Sightings of whales and dolphins have been coming fast and furious this summer in the north as many more are being reported than usual. the Se Watch Foundation has been highlighting the sightings ahead of their annual whale watch that runs on 27th, 28th and 29th July at many points in the UK.
19/7/2012
Graduate Placements Set To Help Highland Businesses Grow
With more graduates than ever finding it tough to get into the workplace a new scheme to help them get a foothold into business, whilst at the same time helping Highland companies get the right kind of help to grow, launches this month. The Highland Council Graduate Placement Programme is a work placement scheme being delivered by Business Gateway Highlands' Recruitment Service.19/7/2012
Planning Review Body Rejects Forss Wind Farm Extension
Highland Councillors who are members of the Planning Review body rejected the application to extend the Forss wind farm with anther five turbines. Councillors on the review body visited the site on Thursday 19th July 2012 and decided that the planners had previously made the correct decision based on the intrusion to the views in the area.19/7/2012
Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Raided By North Police
Police seize commercial cannabis cultivation at a house at Gollanfield, between Nairn and Inverness, A96. Police have seized a cannabis cultivation with an estimated street value of £100,000 from a property just off the A96 at Gollanfield, between Inverness and Nairn.19/7/2012
Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Update
Enabling Activities: Enabling those who are currently out of work to find employment, helping school students to identify paths towards employment and supporting those seeking transition opportunities within the current workforce were the three drivers for a meeting I convened this week with colleagues from North Highland College, Skills Development Scotland, Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Highland Council's Employability team. The discussion was to progress plans for an event that promotes access to skills opportunities in new and emerging sectors with relevance to the area.18/7/2012
Local MP John Thurso Appointed To UK Banking Inquiry
Far North MP John Thurso has been appointed to the UK Parliamentary commission on standards in banking established to investigate the unfolding LIBOR interest rate fixing scandal and the culture behind it. John Thurso, who sits on the influential Select Committee, is one of five MPs from all the major parties who will be looking into standards in the banking industry.
18/7/2012
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 18 July 2012
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (July, 18th) sold 1,308 store cattle at the Anniversary show and sale. The Judge, Mr D.18/7/2012
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 18 July 2012
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (July, 18th) sold 1,308 store cattle at the Anniversary show and sale. The Judge, Mr D.18/7/2012
