News Archive
4/11/2011
UK Government Wants Simpler Regulatory Landscape
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk today called for a more mature relationship between business and regulators. He also talked about the need for a more accountable and transparent system of local regulation and a simpler regulatory landscape.4/11/2011
Beat Bogus Callers in Highlands and Islands with Scottish Water's 3 C's
With the clocks going back and the nights drawing in, Scottish Water is advising communities throughout the Highlands and Islands to beat Bogus Callers by using 3 C's: CARD, CHECK and CALL. * Card - You can ask callers to pass their ID card or letter through the letter box in order to verify their identity.4/11/2011
Christmas Warning From North Police
FOLLOWING a report of an alleged dishonesty in Shetland, Northern Constabulary are reminding householder's about some simple steps that can be taken to prevent opportunity crime in the run up to Christmas. Chief Inspector Angus MacInnes said, "In the run up to Christmas people will have high value items in their house and may well have additional cash in their possession as they prepare to buy presents.4/11/2011
Scots Revealed As Top Nature Lovers
Results of a new YouGov survey for Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) show that the Scottish public have a deep affection for nature. While this is true across Scotland, priorities vary slightly from area to area.4/11/2011
New Nature Grants System Launched
Organisations and community groups across Scotland, who are running projects to do with managing and enjoying nature, are to benefit from a new online grants service. The service, launched this week, is available on the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) website where customers can apply for a grant and access grant information and advice.4/11/2011
Council Wants Bids To Replace Footbridge
Council seeks contractor for replacement footbridge at Highland beauty spot. The Highland Council is inviting contractors to express their interest in a contract for replacement of the suspension footbridge at Rogie Falls near Contin.3/11/2011
The Challenges Facing Britain's Libraries
In recent weeks a corner of north-west London has become an unlikely battleground, with scenes that could eventually play out across the country. Brent Council's decision to close six of its 12 libraries has been met with a staunch protest movement and on-going legal challenges, but following an approval from high court judges the council looks to be finally getting its way.3/11/2011
Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration P'Ship - Update
Week commencing 24th October: Energy: Following last week's announcement of a consultation on revised ROC bandings for renewable energy sources, further positive news for the wave and tidal industry in the form of a Scottish Government announcement that £18M is to be made available to "improve capability and infrastructure, as well as helping fund technology solutions and the roll out of marine arrays". The Scottish Government is to consult with the industry about the nature of projects to be supported by the fund.3/11/2011
Highland Recycling Rates Best Yet
Recycling rate tops 40% for the first time thanks to public support. The Highland public is being congratulated for helping The Highland Council achieve for the first time a recycling rate of more than 40 per cent.3/11/2011
Government sets out its offer on public service pensions
The Government today set out details of its offer to workers on public service pensions. This new offer will mean that while most workers will still have to work longer and pay more, the pension that most low and middle earners working a full career will receive pension benefits at least as good, if not better, than they get now.3/11/2011
Beatrice Offshore Windfarm - Public Information Event In Wick
Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (BOWL) is the joint venture partnership formed between SSE Renewables (75%) and Repsol (25%) (formerly SeaEnergy Renewables). In February 2009.3/11/2011
Three Steps To Happier Home-working
Do you work at home or take your work home with you? You are not alone. In the US almost 50% of workers take their work home.3/11/2011
Go Ahead For Ambitious University Plans
Beechwood campus plans at Inverness approved. The Highland Council's Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Planning Applications Committee has unanimously approved a number of outstanding issues surrounding plans by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to establish an educational campus at Beechwood, Inverness.3/11/2011
Online government services - don't get conned
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is investigating websites that charge people for government services that are available directly from government, either at no cost or for a lower fee. A number of private services have been set up online, which often sound and look like the official service.2/11/2011
Appointment of Director of Finance in Highland
Derek Yule was Head of Finance and Section 95 Officer in Aberdeenshire Council, has been appointed Director of Finance with The Highland Council. He started in his new post with highland Council opn m,onday 31st October 2011 He will take over as Director of Finance from Alan Geddes, who retires at the end of September after 40 years in local government and 13 in his current post.
2/11/2011
Funding Alert - Climate Challenge Fund
GENERAL The 9th round of the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) opened recently £10.3m is available in Scotland for projects that help communities tackle climate change by reducing their carbon emissions Maximum grants of £150k are available but, in previous rounds, the awards have been significantly less than the maximum amount: a few thousand or tens of thousands of pounds rather than hundreds of thousands of pounds The application deadline date is 2nd December 2011 Funded projects must be completed by 31st March 2015 WHAT IS IT? CCF applications will be judged against three main criteria:- · Communities must be at the heart of the decision-making processes · Funded activities funded must lead to significant and measurable CO2 emissions · Funded activities must result in a positive legacy for the community In the current round, a proportion of the funding will be allocated to the Junior Climate Challenge Fund for projects that help under 18s become involved in a low carbon future. Both revenue and capital funding is available.31/10/2011
Aberdeen & Northern Marts - Quoybrae Sale 31/10/2011
Monday 31st October 2011 QUOYBRAE, Aberdeen and Northern Marts (October 31st) sold 145 store and breeding cattle. Bullocks (65) averaged 181.7p per kg to 234p for two 312kg Charolais from J A C Campbell, Mayfield, Weydale, Thurso and £1,000 gross for a 537kg Simmental from Mrs A Flockhart, Sunray Cottage, Huna, Wick.31/10/2011
Ranger Services In Scotland Make A Difference
Ranger services across the country make a big difference to the people and nature of Scotland, a new report by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has confirmed. Working with people to help them enjoy, understand and care for the outdoors, the report recognises the vital part ranger services play in helping to improve public health, well-being and supporting the economy.30/10/2011
New Edition of SAC Farm Management Handbook
High Prices and High Costs Make Business Planning Essential The continued high costs of livestock feeds mean merchants no longer have stocks of materials available at discount (as many did last winter). In the new 32nd edition of SAC's Farm Management Handbook the budgeted cost of feed and forage for beef finishers is 35% higher than anticipated this time last year.27/10/2011
