News Archive

16 Police Stations May Close With Staff Cuts

Proposals for cuts aim to maintain highest possible police numbers NORTHERN Constabulary will seek the agreement of the Board, which meets on Friday 26 November, to implement the recommendations of the Best Value Review, which includes the closure of 16 police stations, reduced reception hours at some stations and a new call management structure.   Work is still continuing in order to assess the full implications of the Scottish Budget, announced on 17 November, for this Force, however a cut equivalent to around 6%, including inflation, is anticipated.  

Scotland's Largest Marine Energy Conference

Companies with an interest in working in the marine renewables sector are being invited to attend Scotland's largest renewable marine energy conference in Inverness next week, 24 and 25 November 2010.   The free-to-attend event at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness is being organised by trade association Scottish Renewables with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).  

Highland Council Welcomes Scrabster Harbour Funding Boost

The Highland Council has welcomed the announcement by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to award Scrabster Harbour Trust £5 million to help develop the harbour as a key component of Scotland's renewable energy infrastructure.   Convener Councillor Sandy Park said: "The news of the approval of £5m from HIE should be very welcome not just in the north but throughout the Highlands.  

Appointment of new Northern Constabulary Chief Constable

A selection panel of Northern Joint Police Board has appointed George Graham to be Northern Constabulary's new Chief Constable, to succeed Ian Latimer on his retiral in the spring of 2011.   Mr Graham joined Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary in 1982 and is currently Deputy Chief Constable, a role he has held since January 2006, following his promotion from Chief Superintendent, Head of Operations.  

Council renews support for Highland community transport groups

Twenty community transport schemes in the Highlands will continue to receive financial support, totalling almost £500,000, from The Highland Council in the next financial year Members of The Highland Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee have agreed to extend grant support into 2011/12, providing that the community groups work with Council officials to identify combined efficiency savings of at least £15,000.   Committee members were informed that one service, the Sound of Mull Passenger Ferry, which is jointly funded by Argyll and Bute Council, has seen a reduced level of usage and is currently receiving a subsidy of £49.96 per passenger from The Highland Council.  

Update on Nigg Yard

At the start of Planning, Environment and Development Committee of Highland Council last week, members were given an update on the latest developments surrounding the Council's efforts to unlock the potential of the Nigg Fabrication Yard.   Committee Chairman, Councillor Ian Ross reported that he and the Convener have recently written to the landowners expressing concern that the opportunity to realise the undoubted potential of the site is rapidly closing and time is clearly of the essence.  

New Technology Could Increase Output Three Times Over for Caithness Stone Producer

Latest research and technology is allowing a Caithness business to work in new ways with the area's best known natural resource.   A&D Sutherland, a family business which has been quarrying and preparing Caithness Flagstone from Spittal for more than 40 years, has traditionally supplied paving and hard stones for large architectural contracts, as well providing items like hearths.  

Successful Conference for Highland Tenants

Building on the success of the first Highland Tenant Conference held last year, 92 delegates from across the Highlands gathered in Inverness on Saturday for the 2010 event.   Achievements of tenant and resident groups across the Highlands were showcased.  

Highland Council Aims To Save Water

The Council has launched its 'Reduce Water Waste' campaign, which aims to raise awareness and promote water minimisation in schools and amongst all council staff and councillors.   Reducing water use will: Save money and energy Reduce our carbon emissions Contribute to the continuing health of our valuable ecosystems Visit www.highland.gov.uk/waterminimisation for useful tips on how you can save water.  

Council welcomes assurance on future of Chieftain service

The Highland Council Convener Sandy Park has been told by Secretary of State for Scotland the Rt Hon Michael Moore, MP, that the Government has no plans to withdraw through rail services between Inverness and London.   Councillor Park wrote to Mr Moore last month seeking his support for the retention of the direct rail link between Inverness and London as well as the Fort William to London sleeper service.