News Archive

Could Thurso Become A Producer Of Electric Car Batteries - Some Think So

SMMT reveals sales of electric vehicles storming ahead whilst manufacturing capacity lags behind.   According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) today, new car registrations in the UK rose for the first time this year, increasing by 11.3 per cent year-on-year in July.  

Support For Working Families Affected By Coronavirus Given An Extra Boost

Families who benefit from government funded childcare support were given a boost today as the Government announced that they would not lose out due to COVID-19.   Working parents or carers, who are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare but have temporarily fallen below the minimum income requirement as a result of the pandemic, will continue to receive financial support until 31 October 2020 Critical workers who may exceed the income threshold for the 2020-21 tax year, as a result of working more to play a vital role in tackling the coronavirus pandemic, will continue to receive support this tax year.  

Highland Council Looks Forward To Schools Return

School staff across Highland are looking forward to welcoming children and young people back to school starting from next week.   The vast majority of teaching and support staff will be returning to schools next week to enable our pupils to return on a phased basis starting on Wednesday 12th August.  

Save With Your Credit Union - Hi-Scot

Hi-Scot Credit Union is a membership organisation covered by the Financial Services Authority who guarantee savings in credit unions.   It makes sense to save with us Everyone benefits from regular saving, as it allows us to work towards our financial goals and gives peace-of-mind should an emergency arise.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd. - Sale 4 August 2020

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (August 4th) sold 27 prime cattle.   Prime bullocks (8) averaged 229.5p and sold to 241.0p per kg and £1,471.80 gross.  

Government Further Boosts UK Vaccine Manufacturing Capacity

Pharmaceutical and biotech organisation Wockhardt will carry out the crucial 'fill and finish' stage of the vaccine manufacturing process.   Government partners with Wockhardt to provide ‘fill and finish' services as part of the effort to accelerate vaccine manufacturing in the UK.  

Results Day - 138,000 Learners Receive Their Results

Deputy First Minister John Swinney has congratulated all learners who have today received their results.   With exams cancelled for the first time ever due to Coronavirus, young people are receiving qualifications based on a combination of teacher judgment and national moderation by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which show that: the National 5 pass rate was 81.1% the Higher pass rate was 78.9% the Advanced Higher pass rate was 84.9% In 2019: the National 5 pass rate was 78.2% the Higher pass rate was 74.8% the Advanced Higher pass rate was 79.4% Deputy First Minister John Swinney today met senior pupils at Stonelaw High School in South Lanarkshire to discuss their results and how they dealt with the challenge of learning during lockdown.  

Education improvement in Highland exceeds national trends

The improving trend of attainment is continuing in Highland as demonstrated by the SQA results published today.   Attainment in Highland schools has risen against all key indicators and improvement is also around 2% above national levels of improvement.  

Recruitment Rates For Future Medics

Specialist medical trainee places are 97% full.   Latest recruitment figures show the number of speciality medical training posts which have been filled in Scotland is at its highest level for eight years.  

Good progress being made by Highland Council on recovery from COVID-19

Members were today asked to note the good progress being made in relation to the local authority's Recovery Action Plan despite the significant challenges faced because of the COVID-19 pandemic.   The report highlighted that important work on the 11 key priorities continues at pace.