News Archive

Information On New Business Ventilation Grant Scheme - Bars, Gyms, Hotels, Restaurants, Dance Studios And Many More

Grants of up to £2,500 are now available to businesses to improve ventilation and air quality on their premises to help reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.  This could include installing carbon dioxide monitors or repairs to windows and vents.  

Monthly GDP Estimates For September

Scotland's onshore GDP grew by 0.4% in September, according to statistics announced today by the Chief Statistician.  Output is now 1.1% below the pre-pandemic level in February 2020.  

Lumo: Why The Latest Edinburgh-london Train Service Could Wean Us Off Planes And Roads

It arrived in a blaze of publicity with its bright blue livery and £20 one-way tickets from Edinburgh to London - a fraction of the usual price.  New player Lumo, a subsidiary of Scottish transport operator FirstGroup, is putting up two trains daily between the two capitals.  

Supporting Sustainable Local Businesses - Scotland Loves Local Fund delivering grants.

Over 100 organisations have received a £1.5 million funding boost to help revitalise cities, town centres and neighbourhoods across Scotland.   The first round of grants from the Scotland Loves Local (SLL) Fund are worth £14,000 on average and are being distributed to businesses and development organisations.  

Choose your local area

Choose your local area and ensure that spend stays local for longer.  Your local area needs your support! #ChooseLocal #ScotlandLovesLocal.  

Licensing Short-term Lets - Legislation laid before Scottish Parliament

Councils will be given powers to ensure short-term lets are safe and meet the needs of their local communities under legislation laid before the Scottish Parliament.   Under the legislation, all local authorities will be required to establish a short-term lets licensing scheme by October 2022.  

Inflation: Why It's Temporary And Raising Interest Rates Will Do More Harm Than Good

Inflation fears have been mounting.  The UK annual rate hit 4.2% in October, the highest in a decade, and it's a similar story in numerous other countries.  

All Social Homes Required To Have Smoke Alarms Fitted

People living in social housing will be safer in their homes under new rules that will mean smoke alarms must be fitted in all rented accommodation.   Carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted in all rented properties with gas boilers or fires.  

Negative Test Becomes Part Of Certification Scheme - No Extension To Covid Passport Schem

Expanded testing needed to keep cases down.   People attending venues covered by Scotland's COVID certification scheme are to be given the option of providing a recent negative lateral flow test for the virus, as an alternative to proof of vaccination.  

Contractor To Start On Upgrade Works At Uig Harbour

RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd are starting works at Uig Harbour this week where the ferry terminal will be upgraded with new infrastructure.   This forms a key part of the Skye Triangle upgrade where The Highland Council have been working closely with Transport Scotland, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), CalMac Ferries Ltd and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to deliver the Uig works with the ongoing upgrade works at Tarbert and Lochmaddy.