News Archive

Northern Constabulary Roads Report - 1645hrs 5/12/10

The Northern Constabulary force area continues to be affected by snow and low temperatures.   All roads in the Northern Constabulary force area are open.  

Construction Industry - The Low Carbon Challenge

Construction Industry Must Undergo Huge Change To Meet The Low Carbon Challenge The construction industry faces the largest change management programme since Victorian times if it is to meet the low carbon agenda, according to an industry report.   The Innovation and Growth Team (IGT), which is drawn from the construction industry, was tasked by the government to consider how the construction sector could meet the low carbon agenda and the IGT today published its report.  

HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS URGED TO PROTECT PIPES

As the winter weather bites, Scottish Water is advising communities across the Highlands and Islands to heat, insulate and protect their homes, businesses, holiday cottages and village halls to help prevent the misery of burst pipes.   There are three simple steps: *Heat - Leave your heating on at a low temperature.  

Follow-through Inspection of Pennyland Primary School

As part of the inspectorate's ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities, a report has been issued on the inspection by HMIe of the quality of education at Pennyland Primary School.   The report from the interim visit is based on the initial inspection report of October 2009 and describes the improvements that have been made since that original inspection.  

School Closures 1st December 2010

SCHOOL Date Time Closed Reason BOWER PRIMARY 1.12.10 AM Bad weather CANISBAY PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather CASTLETOWN PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather CROSSROADS PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather DUNBEATH PRIMARY HALKIRK PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather HILLHEAD PRIMARY KEISS PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather LYBSTER PRIMARY MILLER ACADEMY PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather MOUNT PLEASANT PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather NORTH WICK PRIMARY PENNYLAND PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather PULTENEYTOWN ACADEMY PRIMARY REAY PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather SOUTH WICK PRIMARY THRUMSTER PRIMARY 1.12.10 " Bad weather THURSO HIGH SCHOOL 1.12.10 School open to local & pupils on main roads only WATTEN PRIMARY 1.12.10 AM WICK HIGH SCHOOL 1.12.10 School open but no pupils on side roads MOUNT PLEASANT SPECIAL EDUC.  UNIT, CASTLETOWN 1.12.10 AM CAITHNESS EARLY YEARS AUTISM CENTRE, WICK THURSO HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL ED UNIT 1.12.10 AM .  

Transformation of John O'Groats Begins At Caberfeidh House

Caberfeidh House at John o'Groats is to benefit from a major �580,000 improvement programme after being awarded �134,750 funding by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.   John o'Groats Leisure Ltd directors, father and son, Walter and Andrew Mowat aim to completely transform Caberfeidh House and provide significantly improved facilities to meet the needs of the modern discerning tourist, through a number of actions aimed at achieving VisitScotland 3-star accreditation.  

Public Reminded Of Council Gritting Priorities

As forecasters predict snow this week in the Highlands, The Highland Council has published on its web site route maps setting out its snow clearing and gritting priorities for local roads.   Eight leaflets outline the Council's route and footpath priorities and provide advice and contact numbers for motorists.  

Amenity Grass Cutting In Highland

The Highland Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee has agreed savings proposals for grounds maintenance.   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.  

Severe Weather Warnings From Thursday 25th November

Met Office Weather Warnings Now In Place For Later In The Week Thursday 25th November Valid for Highland, Grampian, Angus, East Lothian and Scottish Borders Heavy Snow Thu 25 Nov There is a moderate risk of severe weather on Thursday.   There is potential for snow showers to become frequent in places giving localised accumulations of 2-5 cm of snow inland with 10 cm or more on high ground in northeast England and Scotland.  

Scottish Government Launches Commission On Public Services

First Minister Alex Salmond today (Tuesday 23 November 2010) launched the establishment of a high-level Commission to examine how Scotland's public services can be delivered in future to secure improved outcomes for communities across the country.   The Commission will be chaired by Dr Campbell Christie CBE, former General Secretary of the STUC and President of Scottish Council for Development and Industry since December 2009.