News Archive
11/10/2012
The vibrancy of Scotland's creativity was in the spotlight as the recipients of this year's Starter for 6 investment were announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop. Among the successful companies are a former Hip Hop dancer whose global network is enabling dancers from the USA to Australia to share moves via an app on both the Apple and Android platforms; an innovative, high-tech fashion designer; and a product designer whose drum kit won't upset the neighbours.
11/10/2012
Tourism businesses urged to capitalise on Scotland's �1.5bn events and festivals market. Scottish tourism businesses are being challenged to look at ways of tapping into Scotland's world-class events and festivals programme in the run up to 2014, when the country will host The Ryder Cup, Glasgow Commonwealth Games and a year-long Homecoming Scotland celebration.
11/10/2012
A root and branch review of the way Scotland's �2 billion public construction contracts are awarded was launched recently. The review will look at how public bodies involved in construction-related procurement, including those involved in affordable housing, adopt practices that are streamlined and deliver value for taxpayers' money.
11/10/2012
Yes! Once again we are offering FREE advertising on the Caithness Business Index pages to help your business cash flow. In the run up to Christmas send in an article about your offers for Christmas.
11/10/2012
Senior Marine Scotland officials are to undertake a tour of Scotland's fishing ports for a series of quayside conversations. The officials will meet with fishermen and others involved in the seafood industry to hear first hand about their concerns.
11/10/2012
The European Commission proposed today fishing opportunities for the deep-sea fish stocks in EU and international waters of the North-East Atlantic for 2013-2014. In line with the scientific advice, the Commission proposes to increase total allowable catches (TACs) for 3 stocks, a decrease for 13 stocks, and maintain TACs at the current level for 8 stocks (including zero TACs for 6 stocks), compared to 2012.
11/10/2012
The Scottish Government is urging keepers of all breeding herds to think about their Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) testing before putting calves into the sales this autumn. As part of the Scottish BVD eradication scheme all breeding herds must be screened for BVD by 1 February 2013.
The first stage of the �23 million River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme, Inverness, which will protect approximately 800 homes and 200 businesses in the city centre, is due to start on 22 October. Work will involve the diversion of gas, water, electricity and telecommunication services required to accommodate the first phase of the construction of piled foundations, a seepage collection system and flood walls/ embankments on both sides of the river between the Ness Bridge and Friar's Bridge.
Three Shetland businesses to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for allegedly selling alcohol to minors. Northern Constabulary officers have reported three businesses in Shetland to the Procurator Fiscal for allegedly selling alcohol to underagers.
Use The Highland Council offer From Carillion. Trading Standards officers with The Highland Council are warning all residents to be on their guard when answering 'cold-callers' at their home offering 'free home insulation'.
John Erskine - the 6th Highland Youth Convener who took up his post at the beginning of September 2012 - is to step down early from his role to take up a position with the Scottish Parliament, working locally from Inverness. The Youth Convener post is unique in Scotland and is part of the area's commitment to better understanding and engaging with issues important to Highland's young people The search for a new Youth Convener will begin after the Highland Youth Voice Conference which takes place in November.
Advice for pedestrians and motorists ahead of the winter months from Northern Constabulary. The darker nights will soon be upon us and we are already seeing a notable reduction in daylight hours.
10/10/2012
Travellers in Scotland will soon be able to find out more about nature and landscapes seen from the carriage on train journeys around the country. In preparation for the Year of Natural Scotland in 2013, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is developing a series of new audio tours adding value to journeys by giving information about the natural environment around some of the main rail routes.
10/10/2012
One of the most significant contributions to the UK's climate change targets has moved a step closer as the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) today announced a *first-round pass grant of over �4million to restore Europe's largest intact expanse of blanket bog. Flow to the Future is an ambitious plan, co-ordinated by the Peatlands Partnership, to restore seven square miles of globally important peatlands (blanket bog) in Caithness & Sutherland.
10/10/2012
Wave, tidal and community renewables among priorities for �103 million fund. A multi-million pound renewable energy investment fund (REIF), geared to stimulating greater levels of private finance into innovative green power and renewable district heating projects in Scotland, was opened for business by First Minister Alex Salmond today.
10/10/2012
A new national campaign encouraging people across Scotland to help combat the environmental and financial impact of food waste was launched today. One-fifth of the food and drink we buy ends up being thrown away.
Thurso High School will have a new acting head teacher when pupils return from their October holidays. John McGilp, Head Teacher at Kinlochleven High School, is moving to Thurso High School as Acting Head Teacher until the end of the school session in June, next year.
8/10/2012
E.ON's Camster wind farm is in the process of receiving the delivery of 25 Vestas V80 2MW wind turbines. They began to arrive at Wick Harbour at the weekend and are now being transported by road in small convoys.
8/10/2012
Free charge points and vehicle grants make electric motoring affordable. Scottish businesses are set to enjoy motoring costs of under 2 pence per mile, with the Energy Saving Trust (EST) Scotland providing 100% funding for the installation of publicly accessible charge points - whether or not the business currently uses an electric vehicle.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is stepping up its efforts to ensure that businesses and communities across the region are able to harness the benefits of digital communications, including next generation broadband (NGB). Stuart Robertson, currently the development agency's Head of Digital and Broadband, as well as its Area Manager for Shetland, is to take on a new, dedicated role as Director of Digital Highlands and Islands.