News Archive

17/10/2018 : Educational Institutions

 
Career prospects increasing for college leavers

The prospects of those qualifying through Highlands and Islands colleges are continuing to increase according to the Scottish Funding Council's annual College Leaver Destinations report.  The publication, released last week, reports on the destinations of those who left college in the 2016 to 2017 academic year.  

17/10/2018 : Auctioneers

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 16 October 2018

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October, 16th) sold 24 prime cattle.   Prime Bullocks (2) averaged 211.0p (-17.0p) and sold to 214.0p per kg and £1,391.00 gross.  

16/10/2018 : Marine Services

 
Tidal Turbines Returned To Meygen Site In The Pentland Firth

The big offshore construction vessel Seabed Stingray (8,878 tonnes) arrived in the Pentland Firth's Inner Sound from the Cromarty Firth's Nigg Energy Park around 07:00 on Monday (15.10.18) morning with a very special cargo on board.   The 121 metre-long vessel was in the narrow strait between Gills Bay and Stroma Island to replace two of the four 'pioneering' tidal turbines that had been lifted out from SIMEC Atlantis Energy's MeyGen site last Summer for inspection and modification at Nigg.  

16/10/2018 : Auctioneers

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Portree Ram Sale 15 October 2018

PORTREE, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (October, 15th) sold 293 rams at its annual sale.   Rams (293) sold to £620 gross for a Blackface shearling from Newton of Crathie, Ballater.  

16/10/2018 : Local Authority

Still time to have your say on Longman Materials Recovery Facility

Following a pre-planning drop-in session at the end of September 2018, The Highland Council has given the public a further 28 days to share their views and comment on the proposal for a new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Longman landfill site in Inverness.   The public can now visit the Council's website to find out more about the MRF and to share their views on the proposal.  

16/10/2018

Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2017

Marine Scotland Science today published the Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2017.  The publication details statistics on the employment and production from Scottish fish farms.  

16/10/2018

 
Car Insurance Price Rollercoaster For Scottish Motorists

The cost of car insurance in Scotland increased up to +£15 (+3%) over the past quarter, following a short burst of decreasing prices.   The Scottish Borders saw one of the biggest increases of all UK regions, with prices creeping up by +£15 (+3%).  

14/10/2018

Annual NHS Estate Update

Satisfaction with the hospital environment has risen since 2011 and now stands at 92%, according to the latest annual appraisal of NHS assets and facilities.   The proportion of NHS buildings classified as being in a good condition has improved from 58% in 2014 to 72% in 2017.  

12/10/2018 : Food & Drink Products

 
Brewing And Distilling In Scotland - Economic Facts And Figures

Author of the report - Alison O'Connor.   Executive Summary Scotland's brewing and distilling sectors play a vital role in the Scottish economy.  

12/10/2018 : Local Authority

New Head of Education appointed by Highland Council

Dr James Vance, Head Teacher at Culloden Academy has been appointed as interim Head of Education Services with The Highland Council's Care and Learning Service.   Dr Vance, who starts his new employment in January 2019, will be based at the Council's headquarters on Glenurquhart Road, Inverness.  

12/10/2018

 
Fair Isle Celebrates 24 Hours Power

A new renewable energy system on Fair Isle will go live today (Friday 12 October) as the community celebrates reliable 24 hours power for the first time.   The new island wide high voltage network is being delivered by an innovative renewables system combining three turbines, a ground mounted solar system and a battery storage- underpinning a range of social and economic opportunities for islanders.  

10/10/2018 : Food & Drink Products

 
Dunnet Bay Distillers Wins Top Regional Food And Drink Award

Dunnet Bay Distillers from Caithness are celebrating after being named winner of the Best Distilled Drink category at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards.   The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards celebrate passion, quality and innovation across the region.  

9/10/2018

 
National Thermal Hydraulic Facility Consultation

Industry and Research Community Consultation sought for this new £40M national facility.   Within the recent Nuclear Sector Deal, £40m was announced for a UK national thermal hydraulic research and testing facility, as part of the Nuclear Innovation Programme.  

9/10/2018 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Caithness And North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership - Update

Weeks commencing 17th September- 1st October 2018.   Energy & Business Services: CNSRP partner Highlands and Islands Enterprise, in association with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Scottish Government, has launched a programme called "Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR)." This is a service to help the UK supply chain get ready to bid for work in the offshore renewable energy sector.  

8/10/2018

Victims Task Force

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf is to chair a dedicated task force to improve victims' experiences of the justice system.   The task force will drive delivery of government commitments to ensure victims' voices are heard, to streamline their journey through the criminal justice system, and to provide wide-ranging support and accessible information through the process.  

8/10/2018

Advice Service For EU Citizens

EU citizens in Scotland worried by the impact on their residency following the UK's exit from the EU are to be offered an advice and support service by the Scottish Government.   The service will be available at locations across Scotland to help those affected by changes in the immigration rules as a result of leaving the EU.  

8/10/2018

 
Rural Scotland Rated Very Good Place To Live

Scotland's Chief Statistician today published the Rural Scotland Key Facts 2018.  The publication brings together previously published statistics on a range of key policy areas, providing comparisons between remote rural areas, accessible rural areas and the rest of Scotland.  

5/10/2018

 
Hamnavoe Sails Short Sea Route Due To Severe Westerly Gale

Here is a photo of Hamnavoe (02.10.2018, c.  10;30 am) about to 'come to the end' of her unusual route via Pentland Firth's Inner Sound and head generally Northwards past (i.e.the the East of ) the prominently-seen Stroma lighthouse towards Scapa Flow via Hoxa Sound and on from the former towards her destination of Stromness.  

5/10/2018 : Auctioneers

 
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 5 October 2018

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (October, 5th) sold 135 rams at its annual show and sale of Blackface rams, sponsored by Animal Health (Highland) Ltd.   The overall champion was a ram lamb from Mr N.  

5/10/2018 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council submits plans for Archimedes screw hydroelectric scheme

The Highland Council has submitted a planning application for a low head hydroelectric development at the Torvean Weir on the River Ness at land 430m south west of Highland Rugby Club, on Bught Road, Inverness Using an Archimedes screw the hydroelectric scheme will have a generating capacity of up to 100kW and an average annual renewable energy output of approximately 600,000 kWh per annum.  The renewable energy generated will return an income to the Council through the Feed in Tariff mechanism and be connected to the local Archive Centre and leisure centre.