News Archive

21/2/2023 : Local Authority

Preferred site confirmed for new Wick care hub as part of Caithness health and social care services redesign

A site in the Noss area of Wick has been confirmed by NHS Highland the preferred location for a new Community Hub and Care Village.   The proposed development, along with a similar facility at the Dunbar Hospital in Thurso, is one of the key parts of wider proposals to redesign, modernise and improve health and social care services in Caithness.  

21/2/2023

 
Mrna In Blood After 28 Days - Aspiration Questions - Failures To Research Etc

SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine sequences circulate in blood up to 28 days after COVID-19 vaccination.   https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/1...  

21/2/2023

 
Impact Of Increased Cost Of Living On Adults Across Great Britain: September 2022 To January 2023

In this article, we have identified groups experiencing some form of financial vulnerability.  In the latest pooled period, 14 September 2022 to 8 January 2023, we found.  

21/2/2023

Is The Axe Rising Over NHS Highland and Other Health Boards

Speculation has run round Scotland for many years that the number of health boards could be drastically reduced to save money.   Now finally as reported in the press the Labour party is proposing finally to do it if they get elected to power.  

21/2/2023

Scottish Government Sets Up A Nursing And Midwifery Taskforce

An expert group has been set up to improve working conditions for nurses and boost workforce numbers.   Chaired by the Health Secretary, the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce will include recognised nursing and midwifery workforce experts, alongside academia, NHS and Scottish Government representatives.  

21/2/2023

Supporting Women In Entrepreneurship

Report identifies 31 ways to reduce gender gap and boost economy.   The Scottish Government will carefully consider proposals to support more women into entrepreneurship, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said following publication of a wide-ranging independent review.  

21/2/2023

 
Public Sector Finances UK - January 2023

Public sector net borrowing (PSNB ex) in January 2023 was in surplus by £5.4 billion, which was a £7.1 billion smaller surplus than in January 2022 but a £5.0 billion larger surplus than forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).   Self-assessed income tax receipts were £21.9 billion in January 2023, which was the highest January figure since monthly records began in April 1999 and £5.5 billion or one-third higher than in January 2022.  

20/2/2023 : Local Authority

Multiply Challenge Fund Launched In Highland - Groups can apply for funding

The Highland Council has today (Monday 20 February 2023) launched the Highland Multiply Challenge Fund.   Multiply is a new programme to help transform the lives of adults across the UK, by improving their functional numeracy and is part of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.  

20/2/2023 : Local Authority

Highland Latest Town Centre Health Check Published

Read ow Highland owns are doing and see several graphs covering a range of topics.   It is very clear that on a range of measures Wick has suffered more than most other towns in all categories between 2018 and 2022.  

20/2/2023

 
Tax Agency Stopped From Operating By HMRC - Think carefully when engaging advisers, accountants etc

A company, who breached anti-money laundering rules, can no longer trade as a repayment agent.   A company which charged taxpayers significant sums to make claims for tax refunds has been stopped from operating.  

20/2/2023

 
Calling all Primary Schools to take part in Time Capsule Project at Inverness Castle

As works progress on the transformation of Inverness Castle into a world class visitor experience, set to open in 2025, the project team would like to invite all primary schools in the Highlands to take part in a project that will see a time capsule, sponsored by Bancon Construction, suspended in the original well within Inverness Castle.   All pupils are being asked to nominate the top five items to put into the time capsule that reflect what they believe is special about the area of the Highlands in which they live.  

20/2/2023

 
How Much Immunity Do We Get From A Covid Infection? Large Study Offers New Clues

After a COVID infection, whether it's a first, second, or even a third, many of us wonder how long we might be protected against a reinfection, and whether we'll be susceptible to new variants.  Also, if we do catch COVID again, will the immunity we've acquired from this infection reduce the severity of the next one? A new study published in The Lancet set out to answer these questions, looking at the strength and duration of natural immunity by COVID variant.  

20/2/2023

 
January Sees Highest Level Of Energy Bill Support Reach Vulnerable Households

New official statistics show record numbers of households took up the government support on offer for energy bills.   More support reaching households across Great Britain, with 76% of all Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers now redeemed - and 1.7 million used in the month of January alone this follows government communications campaign, with the Energy Security Secretary calling on suppliers to do everything they can to deliver support.  

20/2/2023

 
Weekly Update - Stats, Stats And More Stats -a Podcast From Fraser Of Allender

This week Jack Williamson is joined by FAI Director Mairi Spowage for a discussion on the latest data on the Scottish and UK economy.   Chair: Jack Williamson, Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute Guest: Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute.  

19/2/2023 : Educational Institutions

 
Caithness Jobs And How To Get Them - Event Back After The Covid Years

Join us on the 11th of March 2023 for Caithness' biggest and best jobs, careers, training and recruitment event.  This event is free to attend and all are welcome! Meet real employers and hear about their industries and any vacancies they currently have.  

19/2/2023

A Social Contract With Scotland - Final Stage Of 2023-24 Budget Bill

A Scottish Budget which goes further to support the vulnerable and deliver greater benefits than provided in the rest of the UK will be voted on in Parliament.   Ahead of Tuesday's final debate and vote on the 2023-24 Scottish Budget Bill, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has set out the "social contract with every citizen of Scotland" - supporting people through the cost of living crisis with the groundbreaking Scottish Child Payment, the expansion of free school meals and free bus travel to more than two million people.  

19/2/2023

Solidarity With Ukraine

Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine marks a year of the war against Ukraine.   As the first anniversary of Russia's illegal war against Ukraine approaches, Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray has offered his condolences to those who have lost loved ones and has signalled continued support for Ukraine.  

18/2/2023

 
Ending The Sale Of Peat In Scotland - Phasing out use of peat to protect the environment

The sale of peat is set to be banned in Scotland, as part of wider plans to protect peatlands and reduce carbon emissions.   As most extracted peat is used for horticulture, the Scottish Government is looking for views from gardeners and commercial growers.  

18/2/2023 : Advisory / Counseling Services

£2.8m For Research and Development Project That Will Create 500 Jobs

A major research and developments project expected to create up to 500 jobs is underway in the Highlands after securing £2.8 million investment from HIE If successful, the £14m R&D spend by Ross-shire Engineering Limited (RSE), will more than treble the company's turnover and further its ambition for the region to be a centre of excellence for sustainable water treatment technology.   With its main operations in Muir of Ord and offices in Inverness, RSE already employs more than 800 people in Scotland and 1,450 in the RSE Group.  

18/2/2023

Help Available To Boost Family Incomes

A new campaign will encourage families living on a low income to access local support with finances and work.   It encourages people to take the first step towards relieving these pressures with help from the Parent Club website.