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News Archive


5/2/2022
Call For Clarity On EU Replacement Funds
No detail on essential funding for Scotland.   Scotland could miss out on hundreds of millions of pounds if the UK Government does not fulfil its promise to fully replace lost EU funding, according to Employment Minister Richard Lochhead.  
4/2/2022
Over A Decade After Its Closure, Brits Miss Woolworths More Than Any Other StoreThumbnail for article : Over A Decade After Its Closure, Brits Miss Woolworths More Than Any Other Store
Despite the disappearance of many favourite names from our High Streets during the pandemic, we still miss Woolworths the most, finds ParcelHero.  Some of the other lost stores we still yearn for may surprise you.  
4/2/2022
Further Talks On Fiscal Reform - Scottish Government Will Pass On Council Tax Reduction From Uk Government
Despite some girning about arrangements about the latest announcement by UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak about council tax reductions in England there will be Barnet consequentials passed on to Scottish council tax payers.   Expect detailed announcements soon.  
4/2/2022
Four Things To Know About National Insurance Contributions And The April IncreaseThumbnail for article : Four Things To Know About National Insurance Contributions And The April Increase
Last autumn the Government legislated for an increase in the rates of National Insurance contributions (NICs) in April 2022.  This observation summarises some of the key facts about how NICs works and how much tax is due to rise in April.  
4/2/2022
The Pain Keeps Coming - Water Rates To Increase by 4%Thumbnail for article : The Pain Keeps Coming  - Water Rates To Increase by 4%
The amount households pay for water and waste water services will rise by 4.2 % in 2022/23.   The new annual charges, collected alongside local authority council tax, will mean an average bill increase of 31 pence per week.  
4/2/2022
Cabinet Secretary Opens New Marine Science LabsThumbnail for article : Cabinet Secretary Opens New Marine Science Labs
Marine science companies in Dustaffinage, near Oban were joined online by Cabinet Secretary for rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon for the virtual official opening of new laboratories and offices.   The facilities have been created at Malin House on the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) following a £2m investment by EMSP developer, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).  
4/2/2022
Committee Thanks Staff For Covid Grant Support Work - Check Funds Available
At a meeting (2 February) of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee the Chair, Cllr Trish Robertson took the opportunity to thank staff who have been working hard over the last two years to deliver a number of different Covid-19 business grants to Highland businesses.   The Scottish Government provides the Council with dedicated grant money to enable it to deliver the various grant schemes on its behalf.  
4/2/2022
Benefits And Challenges Of Remote And Hybrid Working EnvironmentsThumbnail for article : Benefits And Challenges Of Remote And Hybrid Working Environments
A remote work culture is a culture that puts connection and sense of belonging of remote workers front and centre.   Companies with remote-first work culture transcend geographic boundaries and time zone differences.  
4/2/2022
15 Million Milestone Reached For Coronavirus Tests
Scottish NHS hubs help bolster capacity.   More than 15 million COVID-19 PCR tests have now been carried out in Scotland since testing began, nearly two years ago.  
4/2/2022
Rate Increase Will Make Things Worse - Borrowing Costs To Hit Mortgages, Rents and Credit Cards
The Bank of England has today raised interest rates for the second month in a row as it sends a signal to markets that it is determined to lower inflation.  But what will the impact be? Here Dr Tony Syme, macroeconomics expert from the University of Salford Business School says it could hit people already struggling with cost of living increases.  
4/2/2022
Flu Vaccination Programme Success - Huge uptake across the country
More than 2.7 million people have received their free flu jab and anyone eligible who has not yet been vaccinated has been urged to come forward.   The programme, which has so far seen a 90% uptake in over 65s, was paused in December so that health boards could prioritise the delivery of COVID-19 booster jabs to combat the Omicron variant.  
4/2/2022
Coronavirus (covid-19): Daily Data For Scotland - 4 February 2022Thumbnail for article : Coronavirus (covid-19): Daily Data For Scotland - 4 February 2022
7,676 new cases of COVID-19 reported.   17 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive.  
New Plans for Castletown Mill From Dunnet Bay DistillersThumbnail for article : New Plans for Castletown Mill From Dunnet Bay Distillers
Dunnet Bay Distillers has submitted a planning application to Highland Council asking permission to refurbish a 200 year-old mill and surrounding land at Castletown, near its headquarters.   The Caithness company produce the Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka brands and took over the mill last year.  
3/2/2022
Thurso Community Development Trust Gets Share In £1.5 Million For Highland-wide Climate Movement To Reduce Waste
Community groups across the Highlands are coming together as part of a new climate movement to help reduce waste and tackle a throwaway culture.   The Highland Community Waste Partnership, led by Keep Scotland Beautiful, is being made possible by a £1,498,568 award, announced today (Tue 25 January) by The National Lottery Community Fund.  
3/2/2022
Highland Council Committee Discusses Response To Draft National Planning Framework 4
Highland Councillors have today expressed concerns that the Scottish Government's new national planning strategy and policies could fall short on delivering regional priorities for Highland and in achieving Scotland’s transition to net zero.   At the meeting of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 2nd February 2022 members took the opportunity to discuss the Council’s emerging response to Scottish Government’s Draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), currently out for consultation until 31 March 2022.  
3/2/2022
MSP submits her opposition to changes to Scotrail Ticket Offices
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant yesterday submitted her opposition to the Scotrail consultation on the proposed changes to Scotrail ticket office opening hours calling it a "cash saving exercise." Sign The RMT petition to object HERE The MSP has submitted her opposition because she has concerns about traveller safety and the future of jobs in the sector in the Highlands.  Specifically, she raises concerns on connectivity, staff wellbeing, women's safety and disadvantaging the disabled and elderly.  
3/2/2022
Boost For Space Clusters Across The UKThumbnail for article : Boost For Space Clusters Across The UK
Ten space clusters across the UK have been given a boost, thanks to new UK Space Agency funding.   These regional hubs, known as space clusters, will support new and growing companies, building on local expertise and catalysing investment into the space sector.  
3/2/2022
Energy Cap Rises By 54 % - £693 Rise Per Year From April
Ofgem confirms that the domestic energy price cap will increase by £693 from April.   The new CAP is £1971.  
3/2/2022
Bank Of England Announces Interest Rise By 0.25% To 0.5%
Interest Rate rise of .25% taking interest rate level to .5 percent.   There was a push for even higher rate of half a percent.  
3/2/2022
Council houses very close to full compliance with new fire safety legislation
Highland Council's Housing and Property Committee was told today (3 February 2022) that the local authority is very close to full compliance with new fire safety legislation which came into force on February 1 2022.   Highland has been installing new interconnected smoke and heat alarms to meet the new standard into its homes.