Two consecutive sections of the A9 to be dualled are included in the latest ground investigation contract for the A9 Dualling programme awarded today. Fugro GeoServices Ltd will undertake the £3.6 million contract for the Glen Garry to Dalwhinnie and Dalwhinnie to Crubenmore schemes totalling nearly 13 miles.
The Highland Council's Leader has welcomed the Port of Cromarty Firth's announcement that: "Due to higher priority projects the Port will not be pursuing the resubmission of our ship to ship at anchor application.". In 2016 Highland Council gave its comments to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on an application made by the Port of Cromarty Firth to request permission for ship to ship oil transfers from moorings close by the Sutors of Cromarty, within the Port Authority area.
A global project to identify innovative ways of protecting the environment in a profitable way is being backed with £1 million Scottish Government funding. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced the support for the Solar Impulse Foundation's efforts to identify 1,000 solutions that will protect the environment while also returning a profit.
Highland Council Trading Standards have recently become aware of a new phishing e-mail (or text) scam. Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit/debit card or bank account details by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an email or text.
Since the referendum decision to leave the European Union, The Highland Council has considered and made representations on a number of issues which have potential implications for the Highland economy and Highland communities. EU funding has brought hundreds of millions of pounds of assistance to the region over the past 40 years which has been critical to the region's growth.
Funding for crofter homes. More than £1 million has now been awarded this year to support crofters in some of Scotland's most rural and remote communities to get better housing.
SNP coucillor Ron MacWilliam speaking out after the Highland council Brexit summit held in Inverness. Calls for Highland Council to lead a new ‘Regional Workforce Recruitment Strategy'.
Uplift comes as part of response to independent review. Solicitors and advocates providing people with advice and representation through the legal aid scheme in Scotland will receive a 3% increase in fees.
Week Commencing 26tg November 2018 Energy & Business Services: Following last week's Offshore Wind Week Crown Estate Scotland has just published its report into future licensing rounds for offshore wind leases. http://www.crownestatescotland.com/media-and-notices/news-media-releases-opinion/timescales-and-next-steps-for-new-offshore-wind-leasing-for-scotland at the same time it has been interesting to note that Highland Council's north planning committee this week agreed to raise no objection to the application by Moray West for an offshore windfarm off the Caithness coast.
EDP Renovaveis, Diamond Generating Europe and Engie have secured finance to build the 950MW Moray East offshore wind farm off the coast of Scotland. Project financing agreements have been signed with a syndicate of 16 commercial banks as well as with EKF, Denmark's export credit agency, and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
Last week's Resources Committee noted the positive movement in the Council's revenue budget from a projected year end overspend in quarter one of £5m down to £2.2 in quarter two. This has been assisted by concerted effort across services and enhanced control of vacancies and all expenditure.
Following the announcement on 28 November 2018 by Thai Union that they will close at the end of the year their Edinburgh Salmon plant in Dingwall, a multi-agency response to support the staff has commenced. Known as the PACE initiative (Partnership for Continuing Employment) The Highland Council, together with local public sector agencies provide free, impartial advice to staff on dealing with the practical and emotional sides of redundancy, including support to get a new job.
Cllr Margaret Davidson, Leader of the Highland Council will be meeting with Scottish Government Ministers in Parliament today, 29 November 2018 to discuss a number of issues of importance to the Highlands. In the morning she will be meeting with Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands to discuss community benefit, and digital connectivity in the Highlands.
Highlands & Islands Regional MSP, David Stewart took the opportunity at the Scottish Parliament yesterday (28th November) to ask at Questions on Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, what assessment the Government had made of the impact of the North Coast 500 on tourism and infrastructure, and how best the route can be used to develop these. Responding for the Government, Ben MacPherson, MSP, advised that HIE were Chairing a working group who were looking at all surrounding issues of the NC500.
A proposed objection to a massive Moray Firth wind project by Highland Council did not take place as planned. Highland council planning officers had intimated that the council would lay an objection to the north planning applications committee and it was stated in the papers the week before but the objection was not put.
Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart told a Members' Business Debate in Parliament this evening that he felt there was "an underlying toxic culture of bullying" at NHS Highland. His comments follow his attendance at a GMB, doctors' and whistle-blowers' meeting at Eden Court Theatre on Friday last week where the experiences of staff past and present were highlighted.
Details on the poster to book your place. There have been several legal changes in recent years and the picture is changing with communities acquiring rights to become land owners.
Port of Cromarty Firth board (26th November 2018), announced a new quayside expansion, costing a record £30 million. This follows the recent announcement of a £10 million contract from Moray East Offshore Windfarm to become the intermediate port for their 95-turbine development.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (November, 27th) sold 64 prime cattle at its Christmas Show & Sale sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, John M. Munro Butchers, Highland Tractors, Parks of Hamilton, Scot JCB and Farmers Guardian and judged by W Cameron Esq, Burnside of Edingight.
Twelve projects across Scotland will be offered a share of £2.5 million in the third round of the Scottish Government's Decommissioning Challenge Fund (DCF) awards. The DCF supports infrastructure improvements and innovation to deliver decommissioning of North Sea oil and gas infrastructure.