News Archive
1/2/2008
Highland Council Invests £431,000 In Home For Elderly At Pulteney House, Wick
Pulteney House, Wick, a care home for 18 older people, was officially reopened today (Friday 1st February) following a £431,000 refurbishment. This is the sixth Highland run care home to be refurbished under the Council's programme of improvements at a total cost so far of £2.3 million.29/1/2008
Spate of oil theft sparks homeowner fears
~ BoilerJuice warns of thieves targeting oil-powered homes in rural areas ~ Concern is growing about a home heating oil theft epidemic, according to BoilerJuice. The company, which provides a cost-effective way to buy domestic heating oil online, believes that criminals are exploiting the rising cost of oil.28/1/2008
Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 28th November 2008
FORT WILLIAM, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (November, 28th) sold 78 store cattle, 12 adult head of breeding cattle, 32 OTM cattle and 822 sheep of all classes at its Christmas Sale of store and breeding cattle and sheep. Bullocks (39) averaged 128.9p and sold to 192.1p per kg for 229kg Simmental crosses from No.LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR CAITHNESS JOURNALIST
Noel Donaldson, reporter with the Caithness Courier and John O'Groat Journal, is the winner of this year's Barron Trophy, which recognises lifetime achievement in journalism in the Highlands and Islands. Noel (62) will receive his award from Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond at the Highlands and Islands Press Ball being held at Nairn on Friday 1 February.28/1/2008
Council Commitment to Keeping Highland Communities Cleaner - £1million Extra
The Highland Council is set to spend an additional £1 million in the new financial year in keeping Highland communities cleaner and tidier. The commitment to community works is a priority of the Council Administration and, subject to confirmation by the full Council on 14 February, communities will see:- Increased levels of education and enforcement in littering and dog fouling by employing three enforcement officers (£90,000); Increased standards of litter picking and street cleaning by employing an additional 17 street cleansing staff (£500,000); Increased standards of grounds maintenance by employing the equivalent of 34 additional seasonal grounds maintenance operatives (£410,000).27/1/2008
Thurso Cemetery Footbridge to be Replaced
A footbridge, which forms an important pedestrian link to Thurso Cemetery, is to be replaced by The Highland Council at a cost of £400,000. The bridge was lost in the floods of October 2006 - and with it went one of the town's most popular walks.
27/1/2008
SEPA's footprint growing greener
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) continues to lead by example and is on track to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 20%. A series of initiatives has resulted in Scotland's environment watchdog achieving six out of its seven environmental performance targets, according to an independently validated report1 published recently.27/1/2008
Farmers in the Highlands to reap the economic and environmental benefits of Carbon Footprinting
On Wednesday 6 February, farmers in the Highlands will have the opportunity to learn more about carbon footprinting and how they can use it to their advantage by realising areas where carbon emissions can be cut, and as a result savings can be made. The lunchtime seminar is being hosted by North Highland Products and will include speakers from SAOS and the Carbon Trust Scotland.26/1/2008
Lamborghini and Scotland announce record figures
Automobili Lamborghini SpA has announced record sales figures for 2007, building and selling 2,406 cars worldwide: a 15% increase over the 2,087 cars delivered in 2006. A particularly strong sales increase of nearly 40% was recorded in Great Britain, with deliveries of 211 vehicles.
26/1/2008
Survey shows businesses heated up by cold calls
Small businesses say cold calls are time-wasting and infuriating….and it's mobile phone companies who top their 'most unwanted' list Telesales cold callers beware - they top the list of annoying phone callers to small businesses, according to a new survey of businesses in Scotland and the rest of Britain. Three our of four businesses in Scotland who took part in the survey said they are pestered by cold calls.23/1/2008
ASDA Get Thumbs Down For Pennyland Farm Site In Thurso
The Highland Council has this week received a note of the Scottish Ministers' decisions on two significant planning applications for retail outlets in Thurso. One was an application by Miller Developments for planning permission for a proposed foodstore at the Auction Mart Site, Ormlie Road, Thurso, which had been called in by Ministers following an appeal against non-determination (deemed refusal) of the application.23/1/2008
First ScotRail 'January Sale' - Travel anywhere in Scotland for £15 return If aged 55 or over
First ScotRail has launched a January sale for those aged 55 or over. Its fantastic 'Club 55' ticket offer - travel anywhere in Scotland for just £15 return - went live on 21st January and runs all the way to 31st March 2008.23/1/2008
Dingwall & highland Marts Ltd., (23rd January 2008)
DINGWALL, Dingwall & highland Marts Ltd., (23rd January 2008) sold 496 store cattle and nine breeding cattle. Bullocks (308) averaged 135.7p (+4.1) and sold to 168.2p per kg for a pen of eight 318kg Charolais crosses from Torgormack, Kirkhill, and £755 for a pen of 571kg Charolais crosses from Hilton Farm, Tain.23/1/2008
Licensed Premises To Pay Much More for Licences
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today gave evidence to Holyrood's Justice Committee on proposed reforms to the licensing system. The fee regulations put forward by Mr MacAskill, under the new Licensing Act, set limits that allow licensing boards to fully recover their costs - whilst also preventing them from making a profit.22/1/2008
APPROVALS LIST - HIE CAITHNESS AND SUTHERLAND - November 2007
The following are funds approved up to the last day of the month. Please note that the sums relate to approvals, not payments.22/1/2008
APPROVALS LIST - HIE CAITHNESS AND SUTHERLAND - December 2007
The approvals list for HIE Caithness and Sutherland is in two sections. The first details assistance given to businesses, community groups and other public sector authorities to deliver specific projects.22/1/2008
TRAINERS TEST NEW TECHNO FEEDBACK
In an age where technology makes virtually anything downloadable, a group of business trainers in the Highlands and Islands have become some of the first in the UK who are using it to chalk up some powerful results in customer satisfaction. The group uses a hand held device - known as Knowat - to gather real time feedback for 100k Welcomes, a national training initiative designed to equip Scotland's tourist industry to compete in the lucrative worldwide market by offering first-class customer service.FREE Independent Energy Advice Available In Caithness - Get It Now
If you are concerned about the rising energy prices, you may be interested in contacting the Caithness Energy Advice Team. The Energy Advice Team's aim is to help people keep warm and pay less for their energy.
20/1/2008
Caithness Petroleum & Scottish Water Calling Local Contractors
Are you a local contractor in the north of Scotland? The North Scotland Industries Group is pleased to invite you to an important event featuring presentations from 2 companies with major and forthcoming business interests in the North of Scotland, and who are keen to meet with local contractors / service providers. NSIG Business Event Pentland Hotel, Thurso Tuesday 5th February - 12.00/14.30 Presentations from Caithness Petroleum and Scottish Water (This event is open to members and non-members) Agenda (times approximate) 12.00 / 12.15 - Arrive - coffee / tea 12.15 / 12.20 - Introduction - Ian Couper, Chief Executive NSIG 12.20 / 12.45 - Presentation from Sheila Campbell-Lloyd, Scottish Water 12.45 / 12.55 - Q&A Session - Scottish Water 12.55 / 13.05 - Short Break 13.05 / 13.30 - Presentation from Peter O'Sullivan - Chief Operating Officer, Caithness Petroleum 13.30 / 13.40 - Q&A Session - Caithness Petroleum 13.40 / 13.45 - Closing remarks - Ian Couper 13.45 / 14.30 - Buffet lunch and networking Attendance - £20 members, £30 non-members To book your place, please contact NSIG before close on 1st February with name(s) of person who will attend.19/1/2008
