News Archive

Coronavirus COVID-19: daily data for Scotland - 25 July 2021

1,237 new cases of COVID-19 reported 18,180 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 7.5% of these were positive.   0 new reported death(s) of people who have tested positive (noting that Register Offices are now generally closed at weekends) .  

Aiming For A World Class Bog: Celebrate The Flow Country On International Bog Day

Highland Council is supporting International Bog Day (25 July 2021), an annual event designed to celebrate the importance of bogs to our environment.   These amazing environments are hugely important in our fight against climate change and offer an incredible world to explore and enjoy.  

Self-isolation Rules - Application Of Exemption For Critical Staff

Changes are being made to self-isolation rules for close contacts of COVID cases to allow essential staff in critical roles to return to work to maintain lifeline services and critical national infrastructure.   It will be possible to apply to exempt those who work in critical roles where staff shortages are in danger of putting essential services, such as health and social care, transport and the provision of food supplies at risk.  

New Scheme To Promote Fair Working Hours

Businesses urged to make Living Hours pledge.   A new accreditation scheme that encourages businesses to provide secure contracts, flexible hours and payment of the real Living Wage is to launch.  

Coronavirus Covid-19: Daily Data For Scotland - 22 July 2021

1,825 new cases of COVID-19 reported.   33,280 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 6.0% of these were positive.  

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 21 July 2021

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (July, 21st) sold 1,322 store cattle at their 18th anniversary sale sponsored by Conanvet, Ardlair, Conon Bridge.   The Judge, Mr D Moir, Moir Livestock, Cairness chose his overall champion in the show sponsored by Conanvet, and 1st Prize Best Heifer a 435kg, 15 month old Limousin cross from Messrs J Munro & Son, Invercharron, Ardgay which realised £2,300 and sold to Moir Livestock, Cairness.  

Rural Leadership Programme - applications are open

For the 5th year running HIE has joined forces with SE and SOSE to fund the RLP, which is aimed at business managers and employees from rural businesses (both private/social enterprises), who have a desire to develop their leadership skills and grow their business.   In previous years farmers and land-based consultancies have dominated the cohorts, HIE are keen to promote the opportunity to rural businesses across the sectoral mix we have in our rural economy.  

Increased Funding To Tackle Fuel Poverty And Climate Change

£64 million for local heat and energy efficiency projects.   A programme to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency will receive an extra £9 million of funding this year to support a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and help fuel poor households save money on their heating bills.  

First Steps Towards A National Care Service

‘Real life experts' to help focus on what really matters to people receiving social care.   Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and Minister for Social Care Kevin Stewart have welcomed the first meeting of a Social Covenant Steering Group, set up to help guide the development of a National Care Service.  

Biggest Flu Programme In History To Roll Out For Winter 2021

Free seasonal flu vaccine to be made available for over 35 million people this year.   Millions more people could benefit from a free flu vaccine this year, as the Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid announces the most comprehensive flu vaccination programme in UK history today.