As at 7th March, 9,725 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) today. In the week 1-7 March 141 deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, a decrease of 89 deaths from the previous week.
New government-led research outlines huge benefits of trade to UK jobs and prosperity. Roles linked to exports are 21% more productive and 7% higher paying.
Statement on the publication of an interim report on the current state of transport connectivity within the UK. Issued by Department for Transport and The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP.
A new strategy for Scotland's rented sector will improve accessibility, affordability and standards, as part of a new 20 year route map for housing to be published next week. The Rented Sector strategy will be a key element of Housing to 2040 - Scotland’s first long-term housing plan which will set the path for how homes and communities should look and feel in 2040.
More than half a billion pounds in lifeline support has been paid to Scottish businesses affected by the pandemic since November 2020. The Strategic Framework Business Fund had paid out £214 million by 22 February according to latest figures.
The critically endangered flapper skate is to gain further protection following the urgent designation of a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) within the Inner Sound of Skye. The site will protect a nationally important flapper skate egg nursery area, which is the largest of its kind to be identified in Scotland.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock speaks at the Global COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Chain and Manufacturing Summit at Chatham House. I'm grateful to CEPI for bringing us together and to Chatham House for hosting this essential and timely conversation.
691 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 24,998 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results - 3.1% of these were positive.
Property group Savills has today upgraded its 2021 UK house price forecasts from zero to +4% growth. In addition, its new five year forecast anticipates total house price growth of 21.1% by the end of 2025 for the UK, and a slightly higher figure of 22.8% for Scotland.
Invitations to coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination appointments will start to be issued this week for people aged 50-59, who were not included in previous priority groups. Vacinations to those aged between 55 and 59 years old (group 8 on the priority list) will begin week beginning 15 March, with those aged 50-54 (group 9 on the priority list) starting to receive their injections the week after that.
466 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 16,342 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results - 3.3% of these were positive.
Highland Council has said that illegal fly-tipping is costing the region's taxpayers thousands and is encouraging people to report anyone they see doing it. Council operatives were alerted to an incident of fly-tipping at the Attadale Estate on the A890 at Strathcarron, where 153 tyres were dumped at the side of the road.
The registration deadline for NHS Highland Healing Process has been extended to 31 March 2021. The Healing Process is an independent service developed by NHS Highland in partnership with whistle blowers, colleagues and other stakeholders, with Scottish Government funding, to help individuals who have suffered from historical bullying and harassment while working for the health board in Highland and Argyll & Bute.
The Institute for Government article Since March 2020 an extra £19 billion has been sent from the UK Treasury to the three devolved nations to tackle Covid. A total of £9.7bn more has gone to Scotland, £5.85bn to Wales and £3.3bn for Northern Ireland.
Transport Secretary confirms Scotland is working with UK Government to develop a Covid passport using NHS data - but it's lagging behind, says Highlands & Islands Labour MSP David Stewart. The Scottish Government is engaging with the UK government on a four-nations approach to develop a Covid passport.
A letter has been distributed today to update parents and carers on the next phase of the re-opening of schools in Highland. The Scottish Government announced last week that more pupils are to return to school (external link) from Monday 15 March.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 9th) sold 14 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (2) averaged 211.4p (N/C) and sold to 219.0p per kg and £1,424.75 gross.
The government has launched 3 new innovation challenges across key areas of the green energy sector including energy storage technology, floating offshore wind and biomass production. UK government to drive forward next generation green technologies with over £90 million funding, as part of the government's £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.
Expanded Seafood Response Fund for the UK's seafood and aquaculture sectors. The Government has announced enhanced financial support for the seafood industry with cash grants for seafood and aquaculture businesses across the UK.
More than 95% of Basic Payment Support, Greening and Young Farmer payments have been made, four months ahead of regulatory requirement. Welcoming the progress, Mr Ewing said: "Scotland's farming community has worked hard, putting in long hours and days throughout lockdown to keep food on our plates.
