Optimism from Scotland's wave and tidal energy sectors, fuelled by the Meygen's product launch on Monday, boosted delegates at Scottish Renewables' Marine Conference in Inverness this week. Recent successes from Scotrenewables, Nova Innovation and Sustainable Marine Energy have been complemented by the launch of the world's largest tidal stream energy scheme.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 16th) sold 5,655 store lambs and sheep. Blackface lambs (4,430) sold to £70 gross for ewe lambs from 13 Peinchorran, Portree.
The Highland Council has informed staff, parents and pupils of ongoing issues with the new Inverness Royal Academy building and the actions being taken to address them. The Council is working with, Hub North Scotland Limited, Morrison Construction and its sub-contractors, to resolve issues which include: problems with the school's gas installations and the impact this is having on some classes; intermittent power and ICT issues; and management of pupil flow during lunch breaks.
A survey of businesses in the Highlands and Islands has reported that although companies remain optimistic about their own prospects, there has been a decline in confidence in Scotland's economic outlook since the UK's EU referendum. A total of 1,054 businesses located throughout the region took part in the survey carried out by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in July and August, exploring business confidence and investment.
Officers from the Environmental Health Service have been contacting food businesses, retailers, suppliers and hoteliers across the Highlands following the Food Standards Scotland ban of cheese made by Errington Cheese Ltd, which has been linked to an E.coli 0157 outbreak in which a three year old child died. The recent cheese ban relates to Dunsyre Blue, Dunsyre Baby, Lanark Blue, Lanark White, Maisies Kebbuck, Cora Linn and Sir Lancelot.
The Highland Licensing Committee has agreed changes to the activities which are required to have a public entertainment licence so the Highland Council is advising community groups, members of the public, event organisers, charities and businesses to make sure they are aware of the different requirements so not to face the disappointment of having their event or activity cancelled. In particular organisers of public Hogmanay events are being asked to check if their event now falls within the revised definition and, if so, they are being encouraged to submit their applications early.
Scotland's first national Climate Week aiming to inspire people across the country to take action on climate change got underway on Friday 16th September 2016 Over sixty organisations from across Scotland are participating in Climate Week, running events and training designed to engage people on what climate change is, how they can be part of the solution and showcase achievements on climate change. Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change Roseanna Cunningham launched the week whilst participating in a volunteer hedge planting day at the new Seven Lochs wetland park.
The Highland Council is seeking public opinion on Draft Traffic Regulation Orders for the introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) in the Highlands. The Draft Traffic Regulation Orders are available now on the council's website at www.highland.gov.uk/parking www.highland.gov.uk/parking The public have until 30 September 2016 to submit any objections in writing to The Legal Manager, The Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX Decriminalised Parking Enforcement will allow responsibility for enforcing parking and waiting and loading regulations to be transferred from Police Scotland to The Highland Council.
A number of televisions seized by Trading Standards have been sent to a local charity for recycling. The televisions were amongst several items that Trading Standards Officers have seized over recent months.
FORT WILLIAM, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 13th) sold 1,897 store sheep of all classes. Lambs (1,646) averaged £38.30 per head (+£2.01 on the year) and sold to £63 gross for a pen of Texel crosses from Glenquoich, Invergarry.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 13th) sold 36 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (12) averaged 207.1p (N/C) and sold to 220p per kg and £1,210.00 gross.
Schools will be empowered to make more decisions about their pupils' learning, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said today. In a statement to the Scottish Parliament Mr Swinney announced a major review into the way Scotland's schools are run, which places at its heart the presumption that decisions will be devolved to school level.
Cromarty Bridge will close on Saturday 1 October from 7pm until 6am as part of the on-going refurbishment of the structure. The closure is necessary for the removal of the temporary barrier system from the east side following completion of upgrade work to the vehicle restraint system.
A new £1.6 million scheme is being piloted in the Highlands and Islands to encourage more collaboration between graduates, businesses and universities. The Knowledge Exchange Placement Programme (KEPP) is designed to boost the amount of research and development activity in the region and help businesses grow.
The Highland Council is carrying out a public consultation - privacy impact assessment on Civil Parking Enforcement Officers wearing body video cameras. The Council will begin enforcing on and off street parking restrictions throughout the region from October 2016 and as part of the technical specification; Parking Enforcement Officers will be equipped with body worn video cameras.
The introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) in the Highlands will allow responsibility for enforcing parking and waiting and loading regulations to be transferred from Police Scotland to The Highland Council. The Council will also receive powers to uplift vehicles.
The Highland Council is undertaking a review of how public conveniences are funded and propose to increase the number of sites where there is a charge for use. The Council is consulting on the amount that will be charged for the use of the public toilets and is seeking views on the level of charges from service users and other stakeholders to assist in the decision making process.
Turbines for world's first large-scale tidal energy farm ready. Scotland will be home to the world's first ever large-scale tidal stream farm as part of a drive to develop Scotland's marine renewables industry, creating jobs and investment.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highlands Marts Ltd, (September, 12th) sold 4,784 ewe lambs and gimmers at the Highland Mule Breeders Association annual show and sale. The gimmer judge, Mr R.
£7 million funding to support new businesses. Over £7 million has been awarded to help create and develop around 140 new farming businesses across Scotland.
