News Archive

Wave And Tidal Energy Action Plan

A marine energy action plan, developed by the wave and tidal power industry in Scotland to accelerate electricity generation from the sea, has been unveiled recently.   The plan outlines progress made since the launch of the 2009 Marine Energy Road Map and makes recommendations to help improve access to finance, grid development, infrastructure and supply chain, the planning regime and engagement with Europe, to ensure Scotland and other nations seize the huge potential for clean energy from the world's seas and oceans.  

Caithness District Partnership Focus On Review Of Adult Services

The Caithness District Partnership, which will identify key issues and priorities governing the care of children and adults in the county, met for the first time earlier this week when it agreed that, as a first priority, it would support a review and re-design of services for adults in Caithness, with a particular focus on older adult care and support.   The meeting took place at the Pulteneytown People's Project Community Centre, Wick, when Colin Punler, an NHS Board Member from Thurso, was elected chairman.  

Council confirms �10,000 towards new design for Berriedale Braes

The Highland Council has shown its commitment to the economy of the North Highlands in approving �10,000 towards the design of an improved road alignment for the Berriedale Braes.   This stretch of the A9 is maintained by Transport Scotland.  

Greener Homes Plan For Scotland

The Scottish Government plans for low carbon homes will provide more than �2 billion to help make the nation's homes more energy efficient.   More than one in four Scottish households suffer from fuel poverty with more than 500,000 homes still requiring cavity wall insulation and more than 600,000 homes with solid walls.  

A9 Upgrade Plans Welcomed

Highland Leader welcomes Scottish Government's A9 commitment.   Councillor Drew Hendry, Leader of The Highland Council, has welcomed news that the Scottish Government intends to bring forward by two years to 2015 the start of work to upgrade to dual carriageway the A 9 Inverness - Perth road.  

4942 people in the Highlands supported by Skills Development Scotland

In the Highlands, 4,942 people were supported by Skills Development Scotland's careers information, advice and guidance services (CIAG) in the past year.   Between April 2011 and March 2012, 1,328 people also joined SDS's national training programmes in the Highlands.  

Boost For Builders and First Time Buyers

Housing projects worth over �2.5 million that will help first time buyers get a step on the property ladder, have been given the go ahead, Housing Minister Keith Brown announced today.   The New Supply Shared Equity with Developers scheme involves participating house builders taking equity stakes jointly with the Scottish Government in new homes.  

Dental Strategy Launched

Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson launched a new dental strategy for priority groups last week.   The strategy will improve dental care for older people, the homeless and those with learning disabilities who often experience poor oral health.  

Producers Primed To Beef Up Production

Scotland's cattle producers should look to the long term and prepare for the growing market opportunities of the future so that the industry can continue producing for the world's population.   That was the message from Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead on the first day of the Royal Highland Show.  

Support for Scotland's Equine Sector

Scotland's equine sector is a key player in the nation's rural economy, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said today.   Speaking as he inspected the horses on display, and after visiting the British Horse Society stand, Mr Lochhead said that the sector's contribution to rural Scotland should not be underestimated.