News Archive
20/5/2010
Highland Housing Register allocations policy updated
Changes to the criteria on how social rented housing is allocated in the Highlands have been approved by members of The Highland Council's Housing and Social Work Committee. From September 2010, The Highland Council and partners that allocate Council and housing association properties throughout the Highlands will implement a revised Highland Housing Register Allocations Policy.20/5/2010
Updated Plan for Gypsy Travellers
Highland Council updates Multi Agency Action Plan for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands Members of The Highland Council's Housing and Social Work Committee have welcomed progress on the implementation of a Multi Agency Action Plan for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands. Members also agreed to a new set of actions for inclusion in the plan and revisions to the Unauthorised Encampment Policy and Procedures.20/5/2010
National recognition for Highland Libraries
The excellence of The Highland Council's Library service in implementing new technology has won national recognition. Highland Libraries has become the first Library Service in Scotland to receive accreditation by the E4libraries project.
20/5/2010
Moving the Development Plan Forward
The Planning Environment and Development Committee of Highland Council will consider a report setting out the latest thinking on the vision and spatial strategy of the Highland wide Local Development Plan. This latest stage in the plan's preparation has been reached following an extensive public consultation held between August and November 2009.20/5/2010
Care Commission rates Highland Fostering and Adoption Services as excellent
A report published by the Care Commission on their inspections of The Highland Council's Fostering and Adoption Services has rated the service as "excellent" on all quality indicators. Members of the Council's Housing and Social Work committee welcomed the findings of the report and commended carers, staff and managers for their work.20/5/2010
Wind Farm Development Signs Agreement For Watten Community Turbine Ownership
Developers behind the Spittal Hill Wind Farm in Caithness, Steven and Tom Pottinger, have reached agreement with Watten Community Council over local community ownership of a turbine. The 30 turbine wind farm, situated on the eastern flank of Spittal Hill would have an installed capacity of up to 75MW, meeting the average energy needs of some 45,000 households and offsetting the annual release of over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.20/5/2010
Free sustainable Tourism Workshop - Thurso
We are delighted to announce that a FREE sustainable tourism workshop event will be held in Thurso on Thursday 27th May 11.00am - 3.15pm at The Park Hotel, where businesses can learn through interactive sessions and expert consultancy support from key partners. The main aim of the workshop is to promote business growth through the encouragement of sustainable business practices.20/5/2010
MAJOR OIL AND GAS EVENT TO BE HELD IN INVERGORDON
Key figures from the UK's oil sector will converge on Invergordon next month to discuss ways to strengthen the industry's links between Aberdeen and the Highlands. The two-day networking and awareness event - the first of its kind - has been organised by leading energy and engineering organisation North Scotland Industries Group (NSIG) and will be held on June 8 and 9.20/5/2010
OFFSHORE WIND CONSULTATION LAUNCHED
Plans published to harness Scotland's green energy potential Ambitious plans for the development of offshore wind energy projects in Scotland took a significant step forward today. The Scottish Government launched its 12-week consultation detailing draft plans to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and realise Scotland's multi-billion pound potential in renewables.20/5/2010
Council approves over £1.5M on education and leisure projects
Members of The Highland Council's, Education, Culture and Sport Committee have agreed to £1.79 million additional capital funding expenditure for five construction projects throughout the Highlands. At the Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William £370,000 will be spent bringing all the public areas up to full disabled access standards in addition to the £830,000 already committed for this project.20/5/2010
Council Budget blog on facilities
The Highland Council's budget blog switched its focus to swimming pools, museums and libraries. The blog was launched on Monday 10 May when the public was asked to comment on school issues and will continue to look at different aspects of the Council's spending every week until the blog closes at the end of June.17/5/2010
New operator for Wick district heating system
The Highland Council has moved a step closer to finding an operator to run the district heating scheme at Pulteneytown, Wick, currently operated by Caithness Heat and Power Ltd, a company owned and run by the Council. Following a procurement exercise, the Council has identified a preferred bidder to provide a suitable renewable energy solution for the existing customers of Caithness Heat and Power.17/5/2010
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd- Sale 18 May 2010
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (May, 18th) sold 62 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (43) averaged 162.7p (+2.9p) and sold to 176p per kg and £1,121.80 gross.16/5/2010
Blind Persons' Companion Reduced Travel Costs
The Highland Council and ScotRail have announced that from Sunday 23 May a scheme will commence allowing reduced cost rail travel for companions accompanying a blind person who has a Scotland Blind Persons Travel Card. The scheme will cover all internal rail journeys for companions within the Highland Council area and to and from Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow for a single fare of £0.50p or a return fare of £1.00.16/5/2010
Highland Director of Social Work to retire in August
Harriet Dempster, Director of Social Work Services, The Highland Council, is to retire in the summer after 36 years service in social work and 11 years at the helm in Highland. At its meeting on Thursday, the Council paid tribute to Ms Dempster's contribution to the council and wished her well in her retirement.16/5/2010
Vandalism Down In The North As Police Targeting Bites
Police success in tackling vandalism and anti-social behaviour in North Division Northern Constabulary's North Division achieved significant increases in detection rates for vandalism over the past 12 months. Vandalism is frequently raised as a concern for communities.15/5/2010
Wick Gala Embezzlement Court Case Continues
Reporter - Noel Donaldson A WOMAN who swindled a town improvements charity out of thousands of pounds while acting as its treasurer was given an ultimatum by a sheriff in Wick on Friday 14th May 2010. Sheriff Ian Cameron warned Karen Spruce at Wick Sheriff Court that she must raise a further repayment of £5000 or face jail.15/5/2010
Consumers warned to be on their guard for doorstep callers in the Highlands
Highland Council Trading Standard Service is calling on consumers, to be on their guard against rogue itinerant traders calling door to door. Vulnerable consumers such as the elderly appear to be targeted by gangs offering to carry out work on home repairs and maintenance.15/5/2010
Council budget blog launched
A budget blog opened on Monday 10th May 2010 on The Highland Council's web site: www.highland.gov.uk, giving the public the chance to have their say on options for achieving major savings over the next three years. The blog, fronted by the Council's Budget Leader Councillor David Alston, is an important part of the Council's budget consultation which will run until the end of June.12/5/2010
