Responding to the confirmation of two cases of the Omicron variant in England, Cabinet Secretary for Health Humza Yousaf said:"News that two cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in England is a stark reminder that we must not drop our guard. "No cases have yet been detected in Scotland, but the fact this new variant is on our doorstep is clearly a worry and we should act as though it is already here.
2,177 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 24,918 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 9.3% of these were positive.
Due to damage sustained to the school building today, we will not be open to staff or pupils this Monday, 29th November. This is to allow a survey of the damage to be done.
Prime Minister underlines commitment to stronger transport connections between Scotland and the rest of the UK as the UK Government publishes Sir Peter Hendy's independent Union Connectivity Review. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (Friday 26th November) committed to forging and strengthening transport bonds that will create a more cohesive and connected United Kingdom.
Top tips for shoppers to make sure they aren't hit with unexpected customs charges. On Black Friday (26 November 2021) - and with Cyber Monday a few days away - HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging shoppers to consider some top tips before they start browsing online to ensure they're not hit with unexpected customs charges and end up over budget this holiday season.
Wick Community Campus closed due to bad weather conditions. Wick Community Campus will remain closed throughout this weekend and on Monday 29 November due to bad weather conditions caused by Storm Arwen.
2,287 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 29,800 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 8.2% of these were positive.
Two cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 identified in the UK. Individuals and their households are self-isolating and contact tracing is ongoing From 04:00 Sunday 28 November Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Angola will be added to the UK's travel red list After overnight genome sequencing, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that two cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 have been identified in the UK.
The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria. Summary Monday 25 October - An RAF Reaper killed a Daesh terrorist in northern Syria.
A mission to make detailed observations of the giant gaseous planet Jupiter and three of its largest moons, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa. Understanding our Solar System JUICE is an ESA Large class science mission.
Issued today Friday 26 November 2021. The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for coastal areas in the northeast of the UK as Storm Arwen will bring high winds and disruption for much of the UK.
State Pensions and benefits will be increased by 3.1 percent next year, it has been confirmed. The Secretary of State for Work and Pension's annual review, announced today (Thursday 25 November 2021), confirms they will be increased in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the relevant reference period (the year to September 2021).
Latest analysis from Savills reveals a remarkable period of activity within the Scottish prime* housing market and includes the following standout statistics. Prime transactions above £400,000 in Scotland reached an all-time record (8,755 took place between Sep 2020 and Aug 2021).
The British Army has unveiled ‘Future Soldier' today, its most radical transformation programme in over 20 years. Following on from the Integrated Review and the significant increase in defence spending announced by the Government last year, Future Soldier demonstrates how the Army is modernising to address next-generation threats across the globe.
Interest rates are going to rise meaning credit cards and mortgage payment will go up Food prices are rising an look to much higher as petrol/diesel prices rise. Also Energy prices have gone up and at the end of March the cap on prices goes up by £150 a year hitting everyone.
Six African countries added to red list to protect public health as UK designates new Variant under Investigation. New precautionary travel restrictions are being introduced as the UK Health Security Agency confirms a new variant under investigation.
16 leading health charities partner with government and NHS to boost vaccine uptake amongst the country's most vulnerable. Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK among those providing information and reassurance to their members through their trusted networks.
People aged 40-49 years old will be able to use the NHS Inform online portal or national phoneline to book their COVID-19 booster appointments from tomorrow (Saturday). Appointments will be available from 30 November and the booking must be at least 24 weeks after the second dose.
The Barr River hydropower scheme was completed in July 2021 on a site deep in the forest, 11 miles from the village of Lochaline. Today will also mark the opening of two further community-developed facilities - a community hub and new housing.
Decision taken to protect public health in Scotland in light of emerging variant. All travellers returning to Scotland from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana will be required to self-isolate and take two PCR tests from 12:00 on Friday (26 November 2021), regardless of their vaccination status.
