News Archive

Local Government Boundary Commission consultation on councillor numbers

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland commences its public consultation on councillor numbers as part of its Fifth Reviews of Electoral Arrangements.   Issued on behalf of The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland commences a 12 week period of public consultation today, on its proposals for the number of councillors on each council.  

Churches Come out Strongly In Support Of Local Credit Unions

Today the church of England has once again set out the case for supporting a local credit union in their war against Pay Day Lenders.   In February they announced that they would their churches al over the country to promote the credit union network as being one of the best ways the local communities could help each other for low levels of finance without hitting people with high charges.  

Outlook on the Implications of Putin's Master 'Strategic' Stroke With Energy Deal Between Russia and China

Like him or loathe him, as Prince Charles clearly does, Vladimir Putin is a grand master of 'I want, does get'.  Whether it be the territorial windfall of Crimea or destabilising Ukraine so it becomes untenable for it to join the European Union or NATO, the result was intended from the outset.  

Tax Freedom Day - Could We Be Celebrating Earlier?

Andy Zanelli, head of retirement planning, AXA Wealth, comments on calculations from the Adam Smith Institute that show the average UK tax payer will hand HMRC 148 days of their salary in tax payments.   "For the first five months of the year the average British taxpayer works for the tax man and few of us want to pay more tax than we need to; could we be doing more to minimise the tax we pay? “There are some simple steps that we can all take to maximise the available tax breaks provided by the Government and mitigate our individual tax liability.  

Nationwide Lives Up to Mutual Heritage and Delivers Benefits for Mortgage Customers

Nationwide's full year results, announced today, clearly demonstrate the Society's sustained support for the housing market, helping more people to achieve a home of their own: Gross mortgage lending up 31% to £28.1 billion, a market share of 14.9% of UK residential mortgage lending Net lending up 52% at £9.9 billion Helping members to buy a home In line with its responsible lending approach, the Society's support for first time buyers includes its own Save to Buy product enabling customers to access 95% LTV mortgages after saving for at least six months.  More than 45,000 members are currently regularly saving in this scheme prior to applying for their first mortgage or moving up the property ladder.  

Paperless committees boost Council's Carbon CLEVER commitment

The Highland Council's Carbon CLEVER commitment to achieve a carbon neutral Inverness in a low carbon Highlands by 2025 took another step in the right direction today (28 May 2014) with Members' approval to reduce the council’s reliance on paper reports at committees.   Members of the Council’s Resources Committee approved a ‘Carbon Clever Committees’ initiative that will modernise the Council’s committees by reducing reliance on printed documents and providing access to electronic agendas and reports.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 27 May 2014

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (May, 27th) sold 50 prime cattle.  Prime bullocks (34) averaged 201.6p (-0.6p) and sold to 232p per kg and £1,487.40 gross.  

Sir Richard Branson calls on Scottish Entrepreneurs to make the dreams for renewable energy a reality

Media and airline businessman Sir Richard Branson is calling on Scottish entrepreneurs to challenge what he describes as ‘the climate change sceptics’ with the facts about the changing environment.   Sir Richard was speaking to delegates attending the 14th All Energy Conference and Exhibition in Aberdeen, Speaking live from his Caribbean island to Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Director of Energy and Low Carbon, Calum Davidson, Sir Richard confirmed that he was once a sceptic on climate change but he was persuaded to think again by former American Vice President Al Gore and a range of scientists.  

Jacks Furniture Wick - Sale on Carpet and Vinyls

Sale 20% off all carpets and vinyl floorcoverings at Jacks.   To make room for new stock we have a masive sale- 20%off all floorcoverings.  

200 Arrests and 1,000 offences detected in national doorstep crime campaign success

A national multi-agency doorstep crime operation, led by Police Scotland, has been a major success in preventing and beating the rogue traders and doorstep con men.   Police and other agencies detected over 1,000 offences during the dates of operational activity, with over 200 individuals being subsequently arrested.