Nine out of 10 headteachers (91%) say that a fund to help school pupils in the most deprived areas meet their full potential is making an impact. A pre-COVID-19 evaluation of the £750 million Attainment Scotland Fund (ASF) covering 2018-19 has been published and aims to provide learning about the overall implementation of the fund and the extent to which its aims have been met.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (October, 9th) sold 179 rams at its annual show and sale of Blackface rams. Shearlings (139) sold to £1,900 gross from Milton Farm, Aberarder.
Night shelters will be replaced with rapid rehousing welcome centres for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough this winter, in updated plans for tackling homelessness. The centres will provide emergency accommodation for people who have no other options, encouraging them to move on to other services.
Training for people facing redundancy and unemployment. People who have lost their jobs or who are at risk of redundancy as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) can access support to retrain through a new fund launched by Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
Older workers are one group of people who are at risk of suffering serious and persistent consequences from the economic turmoil arising from the coronavirus pandemic. Previous research has shown that unemployment shocks have persistent effects on the employment and incomes of older workers.
Public sector borrowing to hit a peacetime record. The coronavirus outbreak and the public health measures taken to contain it have delivered one of the largest ever shocks to the UK economy and public finances.
The COVID-19 crisis has led to a profound shock to the labour market, one consequence of which is a rising number of claimants of means-tested benefits and higher entitlements among existing claimants. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecast that these effects will lead to an increase in benefit spending of £25 billion in 2020-21.
The Scottish economy showed only weak signs of recovery where a return to trading was allowed as COVID-19 restrictions eased over the summer, according to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) Quarterly Economic Indicator (QEI). The outlook remains grim in all sectors, particularly for businesses in retail and tourism, which have been hit hard by restrictions and face a bleak winter as business support and confidence plummets.
In the wake of the pandemic, the government brought in a number of temporary increases to universal credit (UC) and other parts of the benefit system at a cost of £9 billion. Combined with the effects of higher unemployment and lower earnings - which even under its optimistic scenario the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts would add £17 billion to the benefits bill this year - 2020-21 could see spending on working-age benefits rise by £26 billion, leaving it a quarter higher than it was in 2019-20.
A new generation of younger local folk look set to take over the reins of running Gills Harbour Ltd, the local company that owns and operates the busy little port on the shores of the Pentland Firth's Inner Sound that holds its AGM this Saturday (10.10.20) morning at 10:00 am. The influx of younger blood comes after two key directors of the group that had run 'Canisbay's Peoples Port' both announced their retirement from office, whilst another Gills Harbour Ltd (GHL) office-bearer has declined to seek re-election.
The Highland Council Trading Standards team have been made aware of a phishing scam that may be targeting highland residents. The scam takes the form of a text or email and claims it is from the HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
STORNOWAY, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October 6th) sold 103 weaned calves and store cattle, 1 breeding cattle & 31 OTM cattle. Weaned bullocks (45) averaged 226.5p per kg and sold to 299.5p for a 207kg Limousin cross from 7 Kershader, Lochs and £810 gross for a 376kg Charolais cross from 100 Cross Skigersta Road, Port of Ness.
As the October holidays approach - school communities, their pupils and staff in the Highlands are being thanked by the Chair of Education and Leader of The Highland Council. Councillor John Finlayson, Chair Highland Council's Education Committee said: "As we come to the end of a tough, busy, and successful first Covid-19 school term I would like thank all staff that work in and support our schools to let them know that we appreciate how they have coped in these difficult times.
Similar to the rest of Scotland, and indeed the UK, the number of COVID cases in Highland, Argyll and Bute are increasing. With this in mind Dr Tim Allison, Director of Public Health for NHS Highland, is making an appeal to everyone who has symptoms to self-isolate and book a test.
An article published by Scottish Legal News on 8th October 2020. Niall McCluskey and Christian McNeill take a critical look at the latest coronavirus rules.
The Moray based Knockomie Inn has been looking at how technology can help reduce COVID concerns for visitors. As well as developing digital hotel information packs, smart phone friendly menus, and easy track and trace technology; the Forres-based, family run Inn has been working with local tourism providers to create QR code posters to replace leaflets for popular attractions.
A new visitor centre at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park has moved a step closer after £1m of funding was secured by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The funding has been awarded to the wildlife conservation charity to help progress the project to create Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Centre near Kincraig.
A report from the Institute for Government published on 6 October 2020. The coronavirus crisis has led to widespread economic disruption across the world and prompted governments to step in with wide-ranging support for businesses and households.
The Bank of England's Financial Policy Committee (FPC) assesses the outlook for financial stability by identifying the risks faced by the financial system and weighing these against the resilience of the system. Covid-19 continues to pose challenges for households and businesses Covid-19 has put a big strain on UK businesses' earnings, and is threatening the livelihoods of many people.
An article from the blog on International Monetary Fund web site. By Francesco Grigoli and Damiano Sandri.
