Brexit crowding out vital debate on Scottish taxes, public spending and growing the economy Based upon the latest data for 2018, the Scottish economy is on track to grow by its fastest rate since 2014. However, the Institute argues the outlook for 2019 and beyond is subject to unprecedented uncertainty and will hinge upon a series of crucial decisions taken in the UK Parliament over the next few weeks.
80,000 affordable homes delivered since 2007. Latest figures show a 21 percent rise in the number of affordable homes delivered in Scotland during the last year.
Businesses across the Highlands and Islands are being asked for their views on investment to develop tourism ‘destinations' and the benefit this brings to their area. Tourism is a major sector for the Highlands and Islands.
The chief executive of High Life Highland, Ian Murray, has recently been appointed chair for the Scottish arm of Community Leisure UK, the national members' association representing leisure and culture charitable trusts and social enterprises across the UK. As chair of Community Leisure UK in Scotland, Mr Murray will lead the recognised voice of leisure and culture trusts in raising awareness of the social impact and importance of their work.
Scottish budget will prioritise health and education spending. Investing in public services and growing the economy will be prioritised in spending plans to help protect Scotland's prosperity as far as is possible in the face of continued uncertainty over Brexit.
Hi-Scot Credit Union has its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 12th December 2018 at 4.00pm. The office of the credit union is based in Stornoway and due to the geography of Highland and Islands has moved more and more online.
Weeks commencing 26th November and 3rd December 2018 UKVL Sutherland: I was delighted to take part in a discussion this week in Thurso with Trudy Morris of Caithness Chamber, the HIE team taking forward the UKVL project and UK/ US representatives from Lockheed Martin. As I have previously highlighted here, Lockheed Martin are one of the two industry partners involved in the project, and their vast experience of launch and satellite technology was clear as we discussed opportunities for the local supply chain as well as exciting opportunities to bring a long-term Lockheed Martin presence into Caithness and North Sutherland.
At General Questions yesterday (6/12/18) in the Scottish Parliament, Highlands & Islands Regional MSP Rhoda Grant questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Michael Matheson, in relation to the centralisation programme being proposed for Air Traffic Control. Rhoda Said " I asked the Cabinet Secretary if the proposal to centralise Air Traffic Control was island proofed, if an impact assessment had been carried out and if he would reverse this decision, which was to base the HIAL Central Air Traffic Control System in Inverness.
A Highland Council employee, nominated by the tenants she works with, has scooped a national award. Lorna Simpson from Wick has been a Tenant Participation Officer with The Highland Council for the past ten years, covering Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.
Highland Council's work to continuously improve Tenant Participation in the region has been recognised by the Scottish Housing Regulator and the Tenant Participation Advisory Service. Members of the Council's Care, Learning and Housing Committee have welcomed the recognition received by Housing Staff and commended their ongoing engagement activities.
Members of The Highland Council's Care, Learning and Housing Committee have approved the first draft ‘Highland Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan' for 2019 - 2024 which will be submitted to the Scottish Government by the end of this year. The plan provides an analysis of homelessness in the region and the capacity to deliver rapid rehousing within the current patterns of housing need and demand.
As we transition to a lower carbon economy, we need to make sure our energy supply is safe, secure and in our own hands says GMB GMB, the energy union, has called on the Government to heed ‘nightmarish' blackout warnings from the Institute of Engineering and Shipbuilding in Scotland The new paper - Engineering for Energy - says coal and gas power stations are needed to make sure the country can get back online quickly after a system crash. [1] The report says restoring Scotland's power supply will take days - rather than hours - leading to ‘nightmarish’ consequences.
Welfare staff within Highland Council's UK Award winning Benefits and Welfare Reform Team have decided to forego their office Secret Santa tradition and instead donate to Blythswood's Highland Foodbank this Christmas. Sheila McKandie, Highland Council's Benefits and Welfare Manager explained:"On a daily basis we work with the dedicated team at Blythswood Highland Foodbank directing people to them who are in urgent need.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December 5th) sold 181 store cattle, 31 adult head of breeding cattle 74 OTM cattle. Bullocks (102) averaged 196.0p and sold to 254.1p per kilo for a 185kg Limousin cross from Brae Eynort, Carbost and £1,000 gross for a 550kg Aberdeen Angus from Cragganvallie, Abriachan.
The Highland Council's Trading Standards team has produced a couple of short animated videos that help consumers understand more about their rights when it comes to delivery charges. The videos are now available on the Delivery Law UK website and complement the work already done to raise awareness and provide advice.
Efforts in the Highlands and Islands to attract and retain young people may be starting to have a positive effect. This is according to a new report published on Tuesday 4 December 2018.
The latest outlook for future housing delivery and school roll forecasts across Highland has been announced by the Highland Council today (Tuesday 4 December 2018). The joint publication of the Housing Land Audit and School Roll Forecast provides up to date forecasts for housing delivery and school rolls across the Highland Council area and will be used to monitor, implement and share details of the actions needed to support future housing growth.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December, 4th) sold 24 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (6) averaged 193.3p and sold to 214.0p per kg and £1,459.50 gross.
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland. In 2017 the level of fuel poverty remained similar to 2016: 24.9% or 613,000 households were fuel poor, and 7.0% or 174,000 households were living in extreme fuel poverty.
Scotland's Chief Statistician today released the latest Council Tax Reduction estimates. In September 2018, Scotland's Council Tax Reduction scheme supported 481,100 households and the total weekly income foregone by local authorities was £6.5 million.