News Archive

Serco NorthLink Ferries reveals passenger numbers for first two months of 2021

Serco NorthLink Ferries recorded more than 8,000 journeys during the start of 2021 as it continues to support essential travel.   The service remains aligned to the Scottish Government's Strategic Framework, with NorthLink Ferries providing key worker, essential islander and freight connectivity between the Northern Isles and mainland Scotland.  

North Sea Deal To Protect Jobs In Green Energy Transition

High-skilled oil and gas workers and the supply chain will not be left behind in transition to low carbon future as landmark North Sea Transition Deal is agreed with industry.   UK becomes first G7 country to agree a landmark deal to support the oil and gas industry's transition to clean, green energy - while supporting 40,000 jobs.  

Independent Review Of Moray Maternity Service - Why Just Elgin and not Caithness

An Independent Review is to be held into maternity services at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin.   The review has been commissioned by the Health Secretary Jeane Freeman.  

£660 Million UK Government Funding For Scotland

Scotland will benefit from additional UK Government funding for the NHS and social care services.   Scotland will benefit from £660 million of additional UK Government funding, as a result of last week's announcement by the Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock of a further £7 billion for NHS and social care services In total, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive £1.3 billion new funding.  

Support For Victims Of Crime

Victims of crime will receive support provided by the first payments from a fund that takes money from offenders.   Five organisations are sharing £157,000 from the Victim Surcharge Fund to provide practical help to victims.  

100% Non-domestic Rates Relief For Retail, Hospitality, Leisure And Aviation

Thousands of Highland business are to benefit from the extension of 100% Non-Domestic Rates Relief for the retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation sectors for the 12-month period starting on 1 April 2021.   In contrast to the relief available during the financial year ending 31 March 2021, the Scottish Government is requiring qualifying businesses to apply for the relief available from 1 April 2021.  

Three Ways Voters Can Cast Their Vote At The Scottish Parliament Election In May

On Thursday 6 May residents in the Highlands will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them in the Scottish Parliament.   Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot - in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.  

Inverness Castle Transformation - Exhibition And Content Design Partner Tender

High Life Highland, the managing agent of the project to transform Inverness Castle into a visitor attraction for the Highlands, has today issued a tender for an exhibition and content design partner for the project on behalf of The Highland Council.   Celebrating and interpreting the ‘Spirit of the Highlands' in 100 Stories will be the core theme of the visitor experience.  

Fair Pay For Social Care Workers - Staff to be paid at least the Real Living Wage

A commitment to ensure adult social care workers receive at least the Real Living Wage of £9.50 an hour has been agreed with COSLA.   Funding of £64.5 million will be committed to ensure adult social care workers will be paid at least the Real Living Wage from May 2021, backdated to April 2021.  

Tackling Race Inequality In Employment

Public sector organisations in Scotland are being urged to help break down the barriers faced by minority ethnic workers.   As part of a joint commitment, the Scottish Government is calling on employers in the public sector to review their recruitment procedures and publish the "pay gap" faced by minority ethnic groups in order to confront, and address, issues of race inequality.