News Archive

Alcohol minimum pricing bill passed

Cut-price alcohol will become a thing of the past after Parliament today passed the Alcohol Minimum Pricing Bill.   This will pave the way for the introduction of a preferred minimum price of 50p per unit The move is a significant step forward in the Scottish Government's efforts to tackle Scotland's unhealthy relationship with alcohol.  

Digital Scotland Job Boost

Around £500 million will be invested to deliver next generation broadband to communities and businesses across Scotland by 2015, potentially supporting thousands of jobs and boosting Scotland's economy, Alex Neil pledged this week.   The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment was speaking as the Scottish Government published a procurement plan detailing how contracts will be awarded to reduce the digital divide and to deliver a significant improvement in speed and coverage of broadband for every community in Scotland by 2015.  

Millions for disadvantaged communities

Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital investment, in early Maay 2012 announced the new People and Communities Fund to promote and support community-led regeneration initiatives across Scotland, is open for applications.   The People and Communities Fund will invest in community anchor organisations that deliver local regeneration activity and promote change in our most disadvantaged communities.  

Grow Your Own

The increasing appetite for 'grow your own' was served up a cash boost earlier this month by Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson Mr Stevenson announced a £600,000 package of support to encourage the development of more community growing and support the growth of Scotland's grow your own sector.   £450,000 of the funding has been allocated to the Central Scotland Green Network Development Fund and will be distributed to community growing projects over three years.  

New children's bill announced

Legislation to deliver the best package of early learning and childcare in the UK will be introduced in the Scottish Parliament next year as part of the new Children and Young People Bill.   Following consultation with local authorities, health boards, children's organisations and other experts, the Bill will bring together, and enhance, earlier plans for separate legislation on children's services and rights to better support Scotland's children and families.  

600,000 for "inspirational" awards programme

An innovative awards scheme that brings together young people from different backgrounds to work for the benefit of their communities will be backed by a 600,000 pounds grant from the Scottish Government, First Minister Alex Salmond announced this week.   The Outward Bound Trust, together with The Mark Scott Foundation will receive the funding over the next three years to help expand their work tackling divisive issues in society through practical community projects, enabling more young people in Scotland to take part.  

Pulteneytown Clean Up Appeal

Volunteers are being sought for a major community clean up in the Pulteneytown area of Wick.   Local Community Works Manager for The Highland Council, Stuart Bell said: "The area has been blighted with dumping of waste for many years and this is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to help clean it up for safe disposal, to protect the environment and to make things right.  

Highland High School Eco Heating Makes Money For Council

A High School in the Highlands is seeing significant reductions in its heating bills thanks to the installation of a renewable heating system by Scotland's leading biomass company.   The biomass heating system at Lochaber High School in Fort William was installed by national biomass heat specialists HW Energy in March last year.  

Record Presence At International Energy Show From Highland

Largest ever regional presence for Highlands and Islands at international energy show.   The Highlands and Islands of Scotland will once again have the largest regional presence at the All Energy exhibition and conference in Aberdeen this week (Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th May 2012).  

Top Three Elected At The Highland Council

The Highland Council has elected its three most senior members to lead a new Administration comprising members of the Scottish National Party, the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Labour Party.   Leader of the Council is Councillor Drew Hendry (SNP), one of four ward members for Aird and Loch Ness.