News Archive
22/12/2010
As Scotland's communities continue to face challenging, and in some cases, unprecedented winter conditions, I wanted to write and clarify an important legal issue in relation to the clearing of snow and ice by individuals and private businesses. Communities and individuals are looking to play their own part in beating the cold weather, and it's important that they can do this with confidence.
22/12/2010
This article from the Scotts Contracting web site in the United States caught our eye as it refers to the Caithness Flat Project. It also may suggest that the United States is now heavily committing to wind farm projects rather than withdrawing.
22/12/2010
Scottish Government working with industry on snow and ice issues The Scottish Government's Resilience Committee will continue to meet over the festive period to ensure that multi-agency action keeps Scotland moving and that emerging weather-related issues are dealt with quickly and effectively. The severe weather's impact on rural and farming communities will continue to be a central part of these discussions, with close attention being paid in particular to fuel distribution, the food supply chain and animal welfare issues.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December, 21st) sold 61 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (22) averaged 171.4p (+0.2p) and sold to 181p per kg and �1,221.30 gross.
21/12/2010
LOCKING UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS? REMEMBER TO PROTECT YOUR PIPES Scottish Water is calling on customers across the Highlands and Islands to help the public utility maintain normal services during the adverse weather by checking their private property for bursts or leaks, having them repaired quickly, and reporting any on the public network as soon as possible. Customers including holiday home owners, businesses, farms and public buildings such as village halls are also asked to ensure their property is heated, insulated and protected from the sub-zero temperatures - especially if it is likely to be unoccupied.
21/12/2010
Three billion a year could be saved from costs of infrastructure says report A Government report by Infrastructure UK (IUK) today sets out a blueprint to save up to three billion a year on building and maintaining infrastructure. Treasury Ministers welcomed the plan saying it could promote growth by freeing up more money for infrastructure investment, as well as helping keep water, gas and electricity bill costs down for consumers by reducing costs for utility companies.
The Highland Council to develop serviced commercial plots in Inverness The Council has awarded contracts worth �1.6m to develop 13 commercial plots at the Carsegate Industrial Estate and a further 8 on the Longman. Work will commence this month and will be complete in the spring of 2011.
20/12/2010
HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS CROFTERS AND SMALL LANDHOLDERS TRAINING PANEL Announce a 10 week part-time evening course. 'Crofting - Induction Course' Commencing JANUARY 2011 In Caithness Courses also being held in Isle of Skye, Grantown, Dingwall, Harris and Lochaber This highly acclaimed evening course is designed specifically for new, aspirant crofters, or anyone else interested in this traditional way of life.
20/12/2010
Public sector procurement reform has direct impact for Scottish business. Scottish businesses have greater and more efficient access to public sector contract opportunities worth �9 billion annually - that's the conclusion of a two-year progress report launched this week.
North Highland Publishing Ltd is a new, innovative digital publisher helping authors to deliver their work to a wider audience. Based in Caithness but aimed at a global market.
The Highland Council has agreed savings to close a �17.8 million gap in its budget for 2011/12 and 2012/13, leaving a further �17 million to be found over the next two financial years. Budget Leader David Alston told councillors that as a result of recent budget announcements by the UK and Scottish Governments, the Council faced a reduction in funding of 2.5% in the new financial year, which equated to about 6% in real terms.
The Highland Council has rejected a move to impose a complete ban on election posters on Council property, roadside verges and street furniture in the direct ownership of the Council. The ban was recommended by the Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services in response to complaints by shopkeepers that posters detract from the appearance of main shopping areas.
The Highland Council has agreed to introduce greater sharing of front counter services to avoid a duplication of running and maintenance costs. The review of customer services recognises the results of public consultation, which highlighted that people want to do more business on-line and by telephone and want to see a wider sharing of services.
The Highland Council has agreed savings proposals for grounds maintenance following a detailed discussion at a full council meeting today (Thursday). Earlier in the year, the Council agreed that a tender for routine grass cutting be issued to establish the potential level of savings to be gained from contracting out this area of service.
The Highland Council and the NHS Highland Board have unanimously agreed to progress far-reaching plans to integrate health and social care services in the Highlands. Meeting jointly at Inverness on Thursday 17 December 2010, they agreed to develop a new model for integrated service delivery, which will further improve front line services, and help achieve better outcomes for the users of services.
The Highland Council to develop serviced commercial plots in Inverness The Council has awarded contracts worth �1.6m to develop 13 commercial plots at the Carsegate Industrial Estate and a further 8 on the Longman. Work will commence this month and will be complete in the spring of 2011.
A strategic review of Highland Council's education provision and its school estate is to be brought before members of the Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee early in the New Year. Members of the Councils ECS Committee have agreed that a review of education provision will be undertaken and detailed proposals will be presented to them on 13 January 2010 for their consideration.
Young people from the Highlands are being asked by the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference in their communities by standing as a candidate in the March 2011 Youth Parliament elections. The Scottish Youth Parliament is a national organisation which provides young people aged 14-25 with a platform to represent young people across Scotland and an opportunity to influence politicians and formal decision makers.
19/12/2010
With Scotland already experiencing harsh winter conditions, Scottish Water is reminding customers across Scotland that it's more important than ever that they play safe over the holidays. Last winter seen the coldest winter in 30 years^ and Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer Service Delivery Director is concerned people may be risking their lives around freezing watercourses during this cold snap: "While it's important that youngsters enjoy their school holidays and that people across Scotland take pleasure in the country's beautiful lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's also vital that they stay safe.
The Highland Council and the NHS Highland Board have unanimously agreed to progress far-reaching plans to integrate health and social care services in the Highlands. Meeting jointly at Inverness today (Thursday), they agreed to develop a new model for integrated service delivery, which will further improve front line services, and help achieve better outcomes for the users of services.