News Archive

Significant Progress On Courts Backlog But Serious Cases Time Doubled

The criminal trial backlog that built up during the Covid-19 pandemic has been significantly reduced but waiting times for the most serious crimes have doubled.   The Scottish Government and its justice system partners responded quickly and effectively to the pandemic through the £100m Recover, Renew and Transform programme.  

Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd - Sale24 May 2023

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (May 24th) sold 306 store cattle and 68 OTM cattle.   Bullocks (129) averaged 306.5p and sold to 387.2p per kg for a 235kg Limousin from Tigh Airigh, Blarmachfoldach and £1,760 gross for a 713kg Beef Shorthorn cross from Allanglach, North Kessock.  

Uk House Price Index - March 2023

Average UK house prices increased by 4.1% in the 12 months to March 2023, down from 5.8% in February 2023.   The average UK house price was £285,000 in March 2023, which is £11,000 higher than 12 months ago, but £8,000 below the recent peak in November 2022.  

Government Puts Business First With Brexit Regulation Shakeup

Plans unveiled to ease costly reporting burdens on business, freeing up companies to focus on growth.   Plans to reduce costly and time-consuming regulatory burdens on business have been revealed by the Government today [Wednesday 24 May 2023].  

Council Reviews Inflatable Lets Bookings Guidance

The Highland Council has had further discussions about the health and safety requirements of inflatable lets bookings at its properties.   The Council's approach seeks to balance the mitigation of risk with acting in a way that does not impact unnecessarily on community activities.  

Highland Council Public Conveniences and Comfort Scheme Agreements 2023 - 2026

It often comes as a surprise to people that the Council does not have a statutory responsibility to provide or operate Public Conveniences.   The latest report discussed at the Communities and Places committee of Highland council today 24 May 2023.  

First Dedicated Government Fund To Build Space Infrastructure Launched With £50 Million

The UK Space Agency is launching a £50 million fund to support the development of cutting-edge research and development facilities, the government announced today (24 May 2023).   The Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) - the first dedicated fund for UK space infrastructure – will award match funding to UK organisations to develop the R&D infrastructure needed to make space products mission-ready and sell them into commercial markets.  

Drop the Crops - Why The UKs Biofuels Mandate Needs Reform

Every time a motorist refuels their vehicle, they are paying for the UK's biofuels mandate, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).   This is buried in the per litre cost at the pump, so public awareness is low, but 6% of the total fuel bill in fact pays for biofuels blended into petrol and diesel.  

Help To Save Extended To April 2025

Help to Save is open to people receiving benefits including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit and offers a generous savings bonus.   Help to Save - the government savings scheme for low-income earners, which offers a 50% bonus payment worth up to £1,200 over 4 years - has been extended to April 2025, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed.  

Key Priorities For International Growth - International Scotland Report Sets Out Key Economic Growth Priorities For Scottish Government

International Scotland, an initiative led by law firm CMS and the Fraser of Allander Institute, has launched a new report setting out key business priorities to be addressed to ensure the nation's economy can thrive.   Focused on providing a platform to promote economic growth, International Scotland was launched last year with an initial report setting out the opportunities for growth across key sectors such as sustainable tourism, food & drink, life sciences and renewable energy.