Plans to increase the use of Scottish produce in schools, hospitals and other public sector organisations have been unveiled today by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing. £1.2 million has been confirmed to expand the current Food for Life programme, to increase the amount of locally-sourced and produced food in Scotland's schools.
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has written to opposition parties asking for confirmation of their proposals for income tax policy in Scotland, in order for them to be included in a discussion paper as announced in the Programme for Government. The paper will be published later this year, ahead of the 2018/19 draft budget.
Food Fraud Report reveals UK food confidence is declining, with cases of food fraud such as the horse meat scandal most to blame - 74% of people believe there is an issue with food fraud in the UK - 33% of consumers are less trusting of food than they were five years ago. - Only 12% have confidence in the European food chain and 3% in the global food chain.
Leader of the Highland Council, Margaret Davidson has responded to a presentation at City of Inverness Area Committee by Police Scotland on their plans for the Inverness Control Room and establishing two National Database Enquiry Units (NDEUs). She said: "Presentations to local committees on revised plans to establish two National Database Enquiry Units cannot be seen as consultation.
Members of Sutherland County Committee received an update on the City-Region Deal at their meeting on Wednesday 13 September 2017. Chair of the Sutherland County Committee Councillor Linda Munro said: "The City-Region Deal is to be welcomed and it is a good thing for the Highlands.
The new £10 not began to be issued into circulation today. The note is printed on polymer and is the first Bank of England banknote with a tactile feature to help blind and partially sighted users.
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Register of Social Service Workers has reached a total of 100,000 people (13 September 2017). This milestone means that approximately half the social service workforce which currently has around 200,000 workers is now registered and many more will join them when we open the Register to the 50,000 workers in care at home and housing support services on 2 October 2017.
As expected, Monday's announcement that the Government had turned down Atlantis RL's 'contracts for difference' bid for Phase 1C of its Inner Sound MeyGen project was a major talking point. It was for a 'small' c.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highlands Marts Ltd, (September, 11th) sold 5,117 ewe lambs and gimmers at the Highland Mule Breeders Association annual show and sale. The gimmer judge, Mr B.
We are now accepting applications to our March 2018 Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme! We are looking to recruit to various locations throughout Scotland, including Helmsdale and Inverness. Closing date 22 September 2017.
In a UK first, new properties will not pay Business Rates until they are occupied and their tenant will not pay for the first 12 months thereafter, Cabinet Secretary for Finance Derek Mackay has today announced. Revealing plans to go further than the recommendations of the Barclay Review in a statement to Parliament, Mr Mackay said the Scottish Government will introduce a Business Growth Accelerator - which will also free all improved business premises from increases in their rates bill for one year.
Digital Single Application Form. More farmers are to be encouraged to apply online for CAP funding as part of a move to modernise the process and make it more efficient.
A plan to stabilise and improve the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payment process has been unveiled by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing. ‘CAP Plan for Stabilisation' will tackle the major causes of poor customer service, error and payment delay by: Providing a clear payment schedule for our schemes to help customers plan ahead Launching a loan scheme for eligible 2017 Basic Payment Scheme customers.
Scotland's employers can now apply for part of a new £10 million fund to partner with colleges to deliver in-work skills training. The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) will be available to organisations across the private, public and third sectors who are subject to the UK Government's Apprenticeship Levy.
People to have say in the design of their area. Communities across Scotland can bid to take part in a new £325,000 scheme to regenerate their neighbourhood, Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart announced today.
Production spend on film and TV in Scotland has increased by more than 30% last year to a record high. The figures, released by Creative Scotland, show spend in 2016 reached £69.4 million - the highest figures since records began, and a £16.7 million increase on 2015.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will tonight set out to the business community steps to help companies increase exports and their overseas activity. In the Programme for Government published this week, it was announced that a network of Trade Envoys will be appointed in the autumn to champion and represent Scotland's export interests, and strengthen local market knowledge.
Joint Operation to identify unlicensed HMOs. Following concerns that several flats within Cruickshank Court, Dingwall, were being occupied as unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO), the Highland Council's Environmental Health team led a joint investigation at the property on the evening of 7 September 2017.
Week Commencing 4 September 2017 Enabling Activities: As I highlighted last week CNSRP partners Highland Council and NDA have supported Scottish Government to carry out investigation work into the improvement of the A9 Trunk Road at Berriedale Braes, which aims to improve the notorious hairpin bend. The notice, which outlines construction costs of approximately £9 million, invites prospective bidders to formally apply to participate in the procurement to construct major improvements to this important route.
