News Archive

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.  

�18 million marine energy fund open for bids

A multi-million pound fund to help develop Scotland's first commercial wave and tidal power arrays was opened in Aberdeen.   Addressing the AllEnergy conference in Aberdeen, First Minister Alex Salmond announced that Scotland's Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) was now open for bids by marine energy developers.  

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.  

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.  

Welfare Reform Bill

The Scottish Parliament has taken steps that could help to mitigate against draconian reforms to the benefits system being introduced by the Westminster coalition.   Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the passing of Stage One of the Welfare Reform Bill.  

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.  

Farm Watch Scheme In Caithness

Successful Farm Watch scheme is rolled out in Caithness, Sutherland and East Ross.   Northern Constabulary is delighted to announce the roll out of the successful Farm Watch initiative to the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross-shire areas.