In a bid to support Christmas shoppers and the recovery of Inverness city centre - users of Highland Council's Rose Street multi-story car park are to benefit from up to 2 hours free parking pending final officer approval under delegated powers. Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Helen Carmichael said: "I am very pleased that Members of the City of Inverness Area Committee have agreed to a new range of parking tariffs that are designed to increase footfall to the city centre; to help recovery from the impact of coronavirus; and to support retail business in the run-up to the festive season.
UKAEA has welcomed the Government's endorsement for fusion energy in its new plan for combatting climate change. The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution includes fusion on the UK's pathway for transforming the country's energy provision by 2050, alongside renewables, nuclear fission, hydrogen, carbon capture and electric transport and other clean technologies.
A summary of the latest evidence on coronavirus (COVID-19) in schools has been published. The paper, from the COVID-19 Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children's Issues, looks at the risks posed by the virus to pupils and staff, and the benefits to children and young people of schools remaining open.
Health and social care workers, older care home residents and the over 80s first to be vaccinated. The first coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations could be given to health and social care staff, older care home residents and those over 80 years old who live in the community from as early as December 2020.
A second farmer-led group to provide information, advice and proposals to cut emissions and tackle climate change is being established. The Arable Sector Climate group will be chaired by Andrew Moir, former chair of AgriScot.
The number of CCTV Cameras in the UK may be as many as 5.2 million, with 1 camera for every 13 people as the popularity of public surveillance, home CCTV and doorbell camera use increases. 96% of the total number of cameras in the UK are now operated by private businesses and homeowners.
Major spectator sports in England will receive a combined £300 million cash injection to protect their immediate futures over the winter period. The devolved administrations have been provided with an upfront guarantee this year of £16 billion above their Spring Budget 2020 funding to support their response to Covid-19.
Introduction of regulations to reduce transmission rates and keep people safe. Measures to suppress the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been supported in a debate and vote in the Scottish Parliament today.
Plans for a Scottish replacement for European Structural Funds after EU exit have been published. The new Scottish Shared Prosperity Fund (SSPF) will ensure Scotland's distinctive needs and priorities are met, with a key focus on addressing and reducing economic and social disparity.
Boost to the defence budget will ensure the UK and allies can defend against traditional and emerging threats while protecting the world's most vulnerable people Commitment includes an ambition to expand the shipbuilding programme which is already creating thousands of jobs on the Clyde. PM to announce a new UK ‘Space Command', with the first rocket launched from Scotland by 2022.
The plans were announced today (Tuesday 17 November) by ALVANCE Aluminium, operator of the Fort William plant. Responding to the news, Alastair Nicolson HIE's area manager for Skye Lochaber and Wester Ross, said:"Fort William's aluminium smelter has been a cornerstone of the Lochaber economy for generations.
Dr Tim Allison, Director of Public Health for NHS Highland, opened today's meeting with a presentation on Covid-19, including a Highland perspective. Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of the Committee, said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr Allison for his informative presentation on the virus that he delivered to Committee this morning." The presentation began by providing a brief background to Covid-19 before then providing an explanation of how the virus transmits between individuals and the presence of coronavirus in the Highland region.
At today's meeting (18 November) of the Council's Education Committee, Members were provided an update on the ongoing rollout of 1140 hours of funded ELC provision in settings across Highland. A report to the Committee outlined that of the 241 settings across the region, 202 Highland settings will be delivering 1140 hours by spring 2021.
Seven of the region's islands working together on an international project to lower carbon emissions associated with heat, transport and electricity supplies for residents, have published their transition agenda. The islands of Eigg, Muck, Rum, Canna, Fair Isle, Foula and the peninsula of Knoydart were selected last year as ‘pioneering islands' in the Clean Energy for EU Islands programme and have now developed decarbonisation pathways.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (November, 17th) sold 12 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (2) averaged 210.8p (+0.5p) and sold to 216.0p per kg and £1,339.00 gross.
Self Assessment customers should be alert to criminals claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). As the department issues thousands of SMS messages and emails as part of its annual Self Assessment tax return push, HMRC is warning customers completing their returns to take care to avoid being caught out by scammers.
Travel restrictions introduced to reduce transmission rates and keep people safe. Eleven local authorities are to move into the highest protection level as efforts continue to suppress the incidence of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the weeks up to Christmas.
Speaking in parliament this afternoon, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced that travel restrictions will be put into law to prevent people who live in a Level 3 or Level 4 local authority area from travelling outside their local authority except for an essential purpose - such as work or caring responsibilities. The regulations also non-essential travel into a Level 3 or 4 local authority area, except for the same reasons.
A technician with The Highland Council's Infrastructure and Environment service has been awarded the accolade of becoming Highways and Street Lighting Apprentice of the Year Finalist at the Association for Public Service Excellence Awards. Ewan Gordon, who is based at the Drummuie Council Offices in Golspie, started his career with the Council as a trainee technician in October 2017, a few months after completing high school.
New legislation has been published to make sure next year's Scottish parliamentary election can take place fairly and safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The poll is expected to go ahead as planned on 6 May and the Scottish General Election (Coronavirus) Bill has been drafted to provide powers, if needed, to conduct the election differently.
