News Archive

Pulteney Centre In Wick To Have Great Snacks and Meals

An Interview with Pulteney Centre's New Chef.   Pulteney Centre will bring a new high quality and friendly restaurant/bistro to Wick which will be perfect for a hearty breakfast, a quick snack at lunch time or a more substantial meal towards dinner.  

What Pulteney Centre Will Bring to the Community

Pulteney Centre will be a "one-stop-shop" for the community's needs, offering a unique package of social groups, training and facility hiring opportunities all within the same building.   The large function room will be available to hire for a variety of different purposes such as: * Birthday parties * Small wedding parties * Children's themed parties with full use of the soft play area and other fun activities such as face painting * Business meetings and community meetings The multi-purpose hall will also be available for hire for a wide use of needs, including: * Use as a sports hall for games of five-a-side football, badminton and lots of other sports * A venue for conferences or large meetings * Perfect for community events or special occasions * All with full use of the changing rooms, showers and other facilities As well as all this Pulteney Centre will be offering: * A band practice room * Youth drop-in * Restaurant/bistro offering good quality food and refreshments for families * Cinema facilities * And lots of classes and groups you can find out about in this newsletter Pulteney Centre will open up a range of possibilities for people and businesses in the local community and the wider area.  

Highland Council and Fujitsu To Distribute 3500 Computers

An innovative project to recycle thousands of computers for use by communities and deserving children across the Scottish Highlands has been launched, in a festive season boost for many in the area.   The huge initiative to renovate equipment for re-use instead of landfill is funded by technology company Fujitsu and The Highland Council.  

Councillors' Pay Frozen By Scottish Government

Local Government Minister Derek Mackay has decided not to implement recommendations of the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee (SLARC) 2010 review which suggested a range of changes to the salaries of councillors.   Instead, Ministers will consider the recommendations next year ahead of 2013-14.  

Council Tax Freeze Continues

Finance Secretary John Swinney has welcomed confirmation that all councils in Scotland have agreed to freeze the council tax for another year.   All 32 councils have confirmed, in principle, to accept the Scottish Government's funding offer for next year which also maintains maintain police and teacher numbers.  

Two Wind Farms Approved

Two wind farms which can power over 90,000 homes have been approved by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing.   The 177 MW Dorenell wind farm on the Glenfiddich estate, near Dufftown in Moray, will power 84,000 homes - double the number of homes in Moray.  

More Drink Drivers Caught Than Last Year

Eleven people have spoiled their own festive season after being caught drink driving during Christmas week.   Those who were caught on Christmas Eve, which included an 18-year-old from the Strathspey area, had to spend Christmas Day in the cells prior to the next available court date, which was Wednesday.  

Caithness Chamber Points Out Arts Business Opportunity

The Caithness Chamber of Commerce has put out information that might be of interest to creative entreprenuers.   The 2012 Starter for 6 Main Programme is now open for applications.  

Policy to maximise Community Benefit approved

Highland Councillors have taken an important step towards securing significant local funding for communities across Highland from renewable energy developments.   They have agreed the recommendations of their Community Benefit Working Group which will determine how future funds are allocated and set out how the Council will secure the highest level of benefit possible.  

No more cuts needed in setting 2012/13 budget

The Highland Council's Budget Leader has said that the Council will require to make no further cutbacks before setting its budget for 2012/13 on Thursday 9 February, next year.   Councillor David Alston told the full council meeting (Thursday 16 Dec 2011) that £20.4 million of savings had been identified earlier in the year and thanks to prudent budget planning - involving consultation with the public - the budget was balanced for the new financial year.