CROWN ESTATE RUNNING “SCOTLAND’S FORESHORE AND SEABED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE UK TREASURY” But devolution to over-centralising Edinburgh not enough. In a report published today, Friday 7 March 2014, Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee says that the Crown Estate Commissioners (CECs) manage most of the foreshore and seabed in Scotland but are running it “for the benefit of the UK Treasury”, not for the benefit of the people of the Highlands and Islands.
Police in Caithness received a report of theft between 1000 and 1400 hours on Wednesday 05 March 2014, from the Scottish and Southern Energy windfarm site at Bettyhill. Six large drums containing electricity cable worth £2800 were reported as being stolen.
Local MP John Thurso has welcomed the launch of a new online survey from Citizens Advice Scotland on unfair delivery charges. The survey is the first of its kind assessing the impact of high delivery charges on businesses in rural parts of Scotland - having previously targeted individual consumers only.
Part-time workers judged to be doing too little to find full-time work face having their benefit for housing costs sanctioned by the government for the first time under universal credit. Under the present system housing benefit is paid direct to landlords and sanctions can only be applied to out-of-work benefits, such as jobseeker’s allowance or employment support allowance.
On Monday 10th March 2014 the Scottish Affairs Committee will meet with UNISON, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, and the Citizens Advice Bureau in Dundee to hear about the true impact of zero hours contracts on workers and their families, and possible alternatives to them. The term “zero-hours contract” refers to an employment contract in which the employee is not guaranteed work, and is paid only for work carried out.
Week of events to highlight opportunities in Scotland’s digital sector. Scotland’s ICT and digital technologies sector will be urged to make young people their business all next week (beginning March 10).
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Chief Executive Alex Paterson has been visiting a Thurso factory where two battery manufacturing firms are powering ahead under new ownership. HIE has supported the smooth change-over for new investors at AGM Batteries and ABSL Power Solutions, which were previously owned by US-based multinational Enersys Inc.
Highland employers help 16 to 19 year olds begin employment. HIGHLAND’S employers are among those backing a national work-based qualification to help young people secure employment.
Following feedback from Highland food and drink producers and providers The Highland Council is to run a workshop on social media networking and launch a Think Local Facebook page to build business contacts and to promote local food and drink. Over the last few months crofters, caterers, hoteliers and shop owners have attended meetings throughout the Highlands as part of the council’s Think Local Highland Food and Drink project aimed at enabling better collaboration in this sector.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 5th) sold 624 store cattle, 40 adult head of breeding cattle and 58 OTM cattle. Bullocks (360) averaged 242.8p and sold to 315.6p per kg for a 208kg Limousin cross from Lower Gartally, Drumnadrochit, and £1,460 gross for a 615kg Charolais cross from Druid Temple Farm, Inverness.
The public is being urged to comment on The Highland Council’s first green transport strategy. The deadline for responses is 30 April.
Energy efficiency measures to target fuel poverty. Households living in fuel poverty will benefit from a £60 million fund to make their homes warmer, more environmentally friendly and cheaper to heat, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess announced today.
Plan to ensure farmers’ and industry views are heard. Engagement with Scotland’s agriculture and rural sectors over radical changes to Scotland’s farm payment system is being stepped up.
Young people urged to consider a career in growing tourism sector. Training as a guide or instructor could lead to an exciting career in adventure tourism and the chance to spend time in some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.
£10m to enable more patients to be treated at home. Patients in Scotland will have secure online access to their own health information by 2020 Health Secretary Alex Neil said today.
Measures will help to tackle the gender gap. Entrepreneurial businesswomen are set to benefit from investment of £85,000, new women’s enterprise ambassadors and an action plan to tackle the gender gap in business, Finance Secretary John Swinney announced today.
North MSP, Rhoda Grant has met with the Chair of Thurso Community Council, Bob Earnshaw at the Pentland Hotel last Friday (28th February) to discuss how best to support the campaign to establish a new postcode for Caithness and Sutherland. Chairman Bob Earnshaw, Cllr Roger Saxon and Rhoda Grant MSP agreed that the campaign should be carried forward and that Mr Earnshaw would raise the issue at the next meeting of the Association of Caithness Community Councils, which is due to take place on Tuesday 4th March.
The Highland Council has welcomed funding to enable people living in fuel poverty to make their homes warmer, more environmentally friendly and cheaper to heat. The amount of £2,055,346 from The Scottish Government for the Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland is the fourth highest allocation in Scotland.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 4th) sold 46 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (26) averaged 216.4p (+4.9p) and sold to 240p per kg and £1,693.20 gross.
It is the opportunity to forge a career somewhere unique. Skills Development Scotland, the national skills body supporting the people and businesses of Scotland, is holding an exciting careers event in Duthac Centre, Tain.
