The Highland Council welcomes the positive Care Inspectorate Inspection report following a recent unannounced inspection visit to Pennyland ELC, Thurso. Following the inspection, Pennyland ELC received the following: How good is our care, play and learning? - 5 Very Good How good is our setting? - 5 Very Good How good is our leadership? - 5 Very Good How good is our staff team - 5 Very Good.
The Highland Council's Climate Change Committee has approved this week a report outlining the Council's commitment to aligning its operations with the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill. The report highlights the positive impact of the circular economy on reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency, and contributing to the Council’s ambitious net zero emissions targets.
Communication improvements within the housing service has helped to reduce the time taken to complete repairs over the past two years. A performance report to the Council's Housing and Property Committee presented quarterly data which charted its continued improvement from 2022/23.
On Thursday 22 August 2024, The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed how, when and where it will enable delivery of development across Highland with the approval and adoption of the Local Development Plan Delivery Programme for IMFLDP2. As in the report recommendations, the committee agree to consult more widely on a draft Highland Delivery Programme.
Intervention by the Scottish Government has led to the suspension of planned industrial action by council workers, including refuse collectors, this week. The action has been suspended by all three trade unions after the Scottish Government provided £77.5 million to fund an improved pay offer.
Thew John O'Groat Journal highlighted a letter from Thurso Community Council to Highland council. The controversy surrounding the closure of Avonlea Children's home in Wick and the decision to stop respite care in Thor House in Thurso has left people in doubt about the decisions.
The Highland Council is reminding individuals and community groups that there is still time to take part in the consultation seeking views on the Draft Community Wealth Building Strategy. This new strategy aims to ensure every area and community across the Highlands can participate in, and benefit from economic activity.
The Highland Council's Environmental Health team is advising caution as blue-green algae has been found in Loch Watten, Caithness. During periods of prolonged warm weather, the chance of Blue Green algae (cyanobacteria) affecting water courses, particularly ponds, lochs and canals (as well as rivers), increases significantly.
The Highland Council is seeking contractors to tender for a Highland Energy Efficiency Framework (domestic and non-domestic). Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "It is vital that local businesses take this opportunity and attend the ‘Meet the Buyer Event' being organised for them in Inverness.
The Highland Council welcomes the introduction of new legislation announced today (16 July 2024) by the Scottish Government that incorporates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: "The changes introduced will ensure that Highland's children and young people will be included in, and consulted with, on changes to existing policies and on the introduction of new policies being considered by The Highland Council.
The action taken by the Council's roads teams across the Highlands in response to the impact of storms has been recognised. The team were delighted to win the Team of the Year at the recent Highland Council Staff Recognition Awards.
The Highland Council's Early Learning & Childcare (North) Consultation is now live, and we want to hear from those living in the Lairg, Dornoch, Golspie, Farr, Scourie, Durness, Kinlochbervie, Tongue, Wick and Thurso area. The survey is open until Wednesday 31 July 2024.
Highland Council's multi-award-winning renewable energy installation, Hydro Ness, has scooped another national design award. Hydro Ness and designer Leslie Hutt Architect received a prestigious Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland award at a ceremony at the National Galleries of Scotland on 3 June 2024.
Highland Council today (8 July 2024) launched a 12-week public consultation on its draft Ecology Strategy and Action Plan. The draft Ecology Strategy and Action Plan was approved at May's meeting of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee and sets out an ambitious set of actions to tackle biodiversity loss and address the ecological emergency. Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "The climate and ecological emergencies are interconnected, and biodiversity loss threatens our well-being and survival.
Highland council have announced resurfacing & drainage works being carried out on A99 Cliff Road, Bridge Street, High Street, George Street & North Road in Wick from Thursday 4 Jul 24 for approx 3 weeks. Road closure will be in place from Wed 10Jul - Sat 14 Jul between 10am & 3pm daily for the corner of Bridge Street & High Street to enable works.
A shining example of partnership in action has enabled the reopening of a much-needed public convenience in Wick which was closed for two years due to significant vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The town of Wick has over 7,500 residents, is a community hub for the surrounding local rural area of East Caithness and has seen a considerable increase in the number of visitors due to the popularity of the NC500 and the increase in staycation visitors.
Highland Council's £2.1 billion twenty-year investment plan will add significant capital on top of existing and additional new commitments of £50 million for roads and transport infrastructure agreed as part of the 2024 budget setting process. £63.4m will be spent on roads and infrastructure improvements over the next 3 years.
A new voluntary scheme is now open to all campervan and motorhome users travelling across Highland, with the principle aim of delivering sustainable and responsible tourism in the Highlands. Earlier this year, the public, partners, and the Highland Council's staff were invited to take part in a survey and share suggestions ahead of the Council's budget for 2024/25.
Highland Council has agreed a number of strategic objectives with the aim of finding solutions to a Highland Housing Challenge. It is anticipated that 24,000 new houses will be required in Highland in the next ten years.
Council staff have been recognised in the Highland Council's Staff Recognition Awards on Friday 21 June. Convener, Bill Lobban said: "Congratulations to everyone, both those who won awards, but also to all those who were nominated and shortlisted for the Highland Council Staff Recognition Awards 2024.