News Archive

Fujitsu Will Not Bid For Uk.gov Business Until Post Office Inquiry Closes

Fujitsu has written to UK Government to confirm it will no longer tender for business in the public sector amid the ongoing inquiry into the Post Office scandal - weeks after winning a £485 million ($614 million) contract.   Despite the supplier of the controversial Post Office Horizon system being scrutinized in Britain like never before, it continued to be selected for expensive projects that are paid for by taxpayer.  

Highland Road Conditions Report - Friday 19 January 2024

The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.   It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.  

Campus Closures Again - Thurso, Halkirk And Dornoch - Thursday 18th January 2024

Due to the ongoing weather warnings and poor weather conditions predicted, our Thurso, Halkirk and Dornoch campuses will be closed on Tuesday 16th January and Wednesday 17th January 2024 Also now Closed 18 January due to more weather warnings All on-campus classes will be moved online where possible.  Staff and students should work from home.  

Met Office Warns More Snow May Hit Again And Another Severe Warning For Sunday 21st January

An Amber warning has been issued for northern parts of Scotland as winter hazards continue to dominate the UK weather.   Warnings persist for 18 and 19 January with no warning for Saturday 20th.  

44,800 Customers Opt To Spread The Cost As Tax Deadline Looms

As the deadline to submit a Self Assessment tax returns looms, nearly 44,800 people have sorted their tax bills totalling almost £148 million, by setting up a payment plan.   More than 7.7 million Self Assessment customers have already filed their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, but HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding anyone who still needs to pay their tax bill should do so before the deadline on 31 January or risk facing a penalty.  

Innovation At The Heart Of The Scottish Economy - Funding of up to £8m per annum to support innovation centre

First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced long term funding to ensure innovation continues to grow and support Scotland's economy.   Annual funding of up to £8 million has been allocated to the Scottish Innovation Centres, delivered through the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).  

Visitor Levy Legislation Passes First Stage

Bill to help councils invest in local tourism.   Legislation which would give councils the power to introduce a visitor levy to raise funding for local tourism facilities and services has passed its first vote in Parliament.  

Met Office Forecast - More Snow On 17 January

Further snow showers, perhaps merging into a longer spell of snow, are likely to cause further disruption on Tuesday 17 January 2024.   What to Expect Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers.  

Launch Of New Access To Trades Initiative

The Highland Council's Employability Service and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) are delighted to announce an exciting collaboration to offer a pre-employability programme which seeks to support out-of-work young people on a pathway to the trades.   Supported through the Scottish Government's No One left Behind Employability Funding, the Access To Trades initiative will provide a pathway for young people up to the age of 29 years to progress on to the CITB's Scottish Academy for Construction Opportunities (SACO) Programme.  

Pay Packets Have Barely Grown Since The Summer

Total pay growth fell for the fourth consecutive month, reflecting the fact that total private sector pay has been broadly flat since August, the Resolution Foundation said on Tuesday 16 January 2024 in response to the latest ONS labour market data.   Headline annual pay growth in the three months to November dropped to 6.6 per cent, largely reflecting strong pay growth in the first half of 2023, with shorter-term measures highlighting an even sharper recent fall in pay growth.