DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts, (March, 7th) sold 1,668 sheep of all classes. Lambs (1,016) averaged £49.28 and sold to £88 gross for a pen of Cheviot's from Muirton, Munlochy. Ewes (518) averaged £58.09 and sold to £134 gross for a Suffolk cross from Ospisdale, Dornoch.
Highland Council is to make a special case for extra capital investment in the road infrastructure after a winter period which has seen the Highlands battered by some 57 days of severe weather. Highland Council area is particularly subject to severe winter weather, which has a significant impact on the roads and other infrastructure.
Speaking ahead of today's Council meeting to agree the Council's Capital Programme for 2018/19 to 2022/23, Cllr Margaret Davidson, Leader of the Highland Council said:- "This programme delivers significant investment in a range of key projects across the Highlands. We are investing in schools, roads, bridges, harbours and flood prevention schemes that will benefit our communities.
An award of £21,014 from the Highland LEADER Programme is the last piece of the financial jigsaw required for a project which aims to conserve Dunbeath Broch in Caithness. Neil Buchanan, Chair of Berriedale & Dunbeath Community Council said: "Dunbeath Strath provides a walk with a variety of interest and is popular with local people, the wider Caithness community and visitors to the area.
UNISON Fight Council Cuts, Defend Vital Services, Protect Jobs. On Thursday the 8th of March, Elected Members at Clackmannanshire Council will vote on proposals which have the potential to decimate local services and will force the removal of staff terms and conditions, like overtime and unsocial hour rates.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March 6th) sold 11 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (2) averaged 219.0p (+2.6p) and sold to 220.0p and £1,276.00 gross.
A Partnership for Procurement event was held in Inverness today (Thursday 6 March) to raise awareness and the capability of the third sector to successfully bid, supply and deliver services for the public sector. Partnership for Procurement (P4P) is a new initiative funded through the Scottish Government's 10 Year Social Enterprise Strategy; supporting social enterprises and third sector organisations to better access public contracts and build partnerships.
Across the Northern Alliance local authorities an exciting project has been rolled out to raise attainment in literacy, language and communication. The programme is being delivered in around 50% of primary schools across the Northern Alliance and is aimed at supporting practitioners to take a developmental approach to supporting early literacy development.
There is still a yellow weather warning in place until tomorrow for snow and ice across areas of the Highlands Maps of the Council's gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
The Council's proposed capital programme includes a significant investment of £346m over the next 5 years. This could amount to as much as £481m gross depending on assumptions for grant and funding.
Following incidents in Inverness retails parks where glazed walkway panels have failed, Highland Council is recommending as a precaution that all building owners with glazed canopy type arrangements check that they have adequate inspection and maintenance arrangements in place. Such maintenance checks should ensure that the glazing, including the method of fixing and support, has been properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
Following the landslip on the Knoydart Peninsula last Autumn work is progressing well and every effort is being made to get the affected section of single tracked road open to traffic for the Easter weekend. Following the failure immediate steps were taken to re-establish pedestrian and quad bike access, and this has been maintained throughout the works.
Ministers will consider financial assistance for local councils under the Bellwin Scheme following recent heavy snowfalls. Scottish Borders Council requested the scheme was triggered and it is now open for applications from all councils severely impacted by recent weather events, or those at risk from flooding as the snow melts.
Conditions across the Highland region vary considerably and you are advised to consider the forecast, Police advice and local conditions before travelling. If travelling, make sure you are prepared for delays and difficult conditions.
The A835 Ullapool- Ledmore Junction remains closed, An additional 6 inches on the route this morning with further snow showers forecast, drifting snow and high winds hampering treatment of route. Additional workforce has been brought in to the area helping the local squad who are attempting to push back the closure to Strathcanaird to allow access to Rhue, Blughasary and Strathcanaird.
More and more people are taking work on Zero Hours arrangements but how many know their rights under such an arrangement. Generally paid at minimum wage rates with working hours agreed between the employer and employee.
The Amber warning affecting part of Highland, previously until 1800hrs today, has been extended until 1000hrs Friday 2nd March. This is on the basis of the current and predicted ground conditions, with air temperatures remaining below freezing and strong winds leading to drifting.
Six candidates are standing for election to fill a vacancy for the Caol and Mallaig Ward of The Highland Council. The by-election is being held following the sad death of Councillor Billy MacLachlan who was one of three Councillors representing Ward 11.
The Highland Council is to progress with plans to generate over £4 million profit and significantly reduce its carbon emissions by installing solar panels on its estate. The Council's Corporate Resources Committee yesterday (28 February 2018) approved a self-financing project using £2.3 million of capital to install 2.5 megawatts of solar panels on sites across the Council estate.
A Modern Apprenticeship Programme currently providing employment and training for almost 50 young people in The Highland Council has been welcomed by Members of the Council's Corporate Resources Committee for creating opportunities, empowering young people and serving Highland communities. Cllr Alister Mackinnon, Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee said: "Excellent progress has been made since the introduction of the Modern Apprenticeship Programme in August last year.
