News Archive

27/3/2019

Energy Efficient Scotland: the future of low carbon heat for off gas buildings - call for evidence

Energy Efficient Scotland: the future of low carbon heat for off gas buildings - call for evidence.   The Scottish Government is seeking evidence on technologies and actions necessary to support the decarbonisation of the heat supply of buildings that currently do not use mains gas as their primary heating fuel.  

27/3/2019

Greater Ambitions For Energy Efficiency

Consulting on energy efficiency targets.   A new consultation aims to determine a timetable for ambitious energy efficiency targets for Scotland.  

27/3/2019

 
ETSC Welcomes Provisional Deal On New Vehicle Safety Standards

European Transport Safety Council has welcomed new vehicle safety standards to be introduce in the next few years.   New cars, vans, lorries and buses sold in Europe will be fitted as standard with a range of new vehicle safety features, starting in 2022, according to a provisional EU deal on the legislation reached last night in Strasbourg.  

27/3/2019

 
Caithness Sees Banking Access Shrink Again With TSB Decision

THE decision by TSB to reduce opening hours at its branches in Thurso and Wick from mid-July means less choice of when to do bank transactions locally in person.   The bank says fewer people using branches means they need to move with the times and look more to their digital operations.  

27/3/2019

 
European Parliament Approves Copyright Reform But Not All Agree

The European Parliament has voted to approve a controversial new copyright directive which critics say will limit freedom of expression online.   MEPs adopted the directive in plenary by 348 votes in favour, 274 against and 36 abstentions, marking the end of a legislative process that began three years ago.  

26/3/2019

New Chief Executive At NHS Highland Makes First Report To The Board Today

This report was discussed at the NHS Board meeting today 26th March 2019 at Assynt House, Inverness.   CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTORS REPORT - EMERGING ISSUES AND UPDATES Report by Iain Stewart, Chief Executive Introduction from CEO I have now been in post for just over a month and it has certainly been a busy timewith plenty of challenges to deal with and opportunities to pursue.  

26/3/2019 : Auctioneers

 
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 26 March 2019

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 26th) sold 11 prime cattle.   Prime bullocks (3) averaged 212.0p (+3.0p) and sold to 214.0p per kg and £1,272.00 gross.  

26/3/2019

 
Which occupations are at highest risk of being automated?

The following item is from the Office for Naitonal Statistics and uses England for the data in this report but Scotland may not be so different.   Potential automation of occupations may have an impact on the labour market in future.  

26/3/2019

 
Making Tax Digital - An Accountant's Verdict

illie McLoughlin from Harris, Lacey & Swain in Hull shares her views on Making Tax Digital..  

26/3/2019

 
The Wider Benefits Of Space Investments For The UK Economy

Investments in space programmes bring significant benefits for society, a new report shows.   Every £1 of public spending generates £3-4 in value for the recipients in the space industry, with additional wider spillover benefits to the UK economy.  

26/3/2019

 
Are You Ready For Digital VAT

Watch the video..  

25/3/2019 : Forestry

 
Dunnet Forestry Trust Bids To Take Ownership Of The Forest

A Letter sent to members of the Dunnet Forestry Trust IMPORTANT NEWS - PROPOSAL FOR COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP OF DUNNET FOREST March 2019 Dear Member, Dunnet Forestry Trust has launched a proposal to take ownership of Dunnet Forest on behalf of the community.  Currently the forest is owned by Scottish Natural Heritage and leased to the Trust.  

25/3/2019 : Educational Institutions

 
First Newton Room In The UK Is Officially Opened In Thurso

The first Norwegian style learning centre in the UK was officially opened in Thurso today Monday 25th March 2019.   Newton Rooms are designed to inspire more young people to become interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and encourage them to study these subjects in school and beyond.  

25/3/2019 : Local Authority

 
Ban on Vehicle Tyre Disposal at Highland Council Recycling Centres

Householders are advised that from the 1st of April 2019 vehicle tyres will no longer be accepted for disposal at Highland Council Household Waste Recycling Centres.   The Highland Council currently disposes of 22% more waste per person than the Scottish average.  

25/3/2019 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Experts Help Businesses To Be Pitch Perfect

Three inspirational coaches will lead the latest edition of the Pathfinder programme which aims to put businesses in the Highlands and Islands on the fast track to success.   A 12-week accelerator course hosted by entrepreneurial experts Steve Thomas, Danny Meaney, and Dr Andy Kelly offers a unique opportunity for businesses to pressure test their ideas and hone the perfect pitch.  

25/3/2019 : Local Authority

 
Highland Universal Credit claimants urged to act ahead of annual rent increase

Highland tenants claiming Universal Credit are being urged to log on and update their UC claim this April 1st to ensure their entitlement covers their annual rent increase for the year ahead.  Those who fail to do so will face a shortfall in their housing entitlement, putting them at risk of arrears.  

25/3/2019

Health And Social Care Staff Shortages

Published by the Scottish Government.   Response to the UK Migration Advisory Committee call for evidence on the shortage occupation list summarises skills shortages within health and social care sector in Scotland, and details the contribution of international workers.  

25/3/2019

 
Scottish Water gets Highland Capital's high-tech Top up Tap running

A state-of-the-art drinking water tap was launched last Friday in the capital of the Highlands, marking World Water Day.  To celebrate the launch and highlight the new tap, Scottish Water was joined by Provost of Inverness Councillor Helen Carmichael and young runners from Crown Primary School.  

25/3/2019

Plan For Quicker Cancer Diagnosis

Waiting times for patients with suspected cancer will be targeted in an action plan which will introduce new technologies, additional clinics and additional training for staff.   The revised Endoscopy Action Plan, which is backed by a £6 million investment, sets out steps to ensure all new patients will be seen within six weeks for key endoscopic tests.