New public sector procurement guidance to promote fair work. As Living Wage Week kicks off, new statutory guidance for the public sector comes into force (Sunday November 1) formalising the Scottish Government's commitment to fair work procurement practices.
Scotland's population is projected to continue to increase into the future. Statistics published today by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show the population of Scotland is projected to rise from 5.35 million in 2014 to 5.51 million over the next ten years, and then to continue to rise to 5.7 million by 2039 - an increase of seven per cent over the 25 year period.
Scotland's Chief Statistician today published Non-domestic Rates Relief Statistics for Small Businesses in Scotland 2015. The publication provides statistics on the Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS), which provides non-domestic business rates relief (business rates discounts) to small businesses in Scotland.
Monkfish, megrim and West of Scotland langoustine stocks are increasing, according to new scientific assessments published on 30th October 2015. The increased quotas for these high value stocks that are of vital importance to our fishing communities could potentially provide an additional £11 million to the Scottish fleet.
Recommendations for a new system following transfer of powers to Scotland. Scotland should have a new statutory body to champion Scottish consumers, according to an expert report published today.
Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn opened the annual NHS Research Scotland conference in Glasgow. The event showcases the best examples of clinical research across Scotland; bringing together more than 400 delegates to listen, learn and discuss the opportunities and challenges for clinical research now and in the future.
Accountant in Bankruptcy figures show long term decline continues. The latest quarterly figures from Accountant in Bankruptcy show Scottish total personal insolvencies, which include both bankruptcies and protected trust deeds, are 25.4 per cent lower than in the same quarter a year ago.
Updated statistics on HRA Local Authority Housing Income and Expenditure (2014/15) have been released today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. The main findings are: Total housing income and expenditure.
It may have slipped many people's notice form the last budget in July but from 1st November 2015 there will be higher taxes levied on insurance premiums. The tax increases from 6.5 percent to 9 percent.
For the eighth successive year, the Council has frozen the Council Tax. Like other Local Authorities, The Highland Council is facing a forecast budget deficit over the next 3 years.
Energy & Business Services: CNSRP partner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) ran an event this week as part of the Nuclear Supply Chain project which it runs jointly with Scottish Enterprise. The project aims to provide practical, independent advice and support to companies wishing to enter the nuclear supply chain for the first time, or to existing supply chain companies wishing to enhance their capabilities.
EDP Renováveis, through its subsidiary EDPR UK Limited, has entered into an investment cooperation agreement with China Three Gorges (CTG), whereby CTG would invest in and co-develop the Moray Firth project. CTG would acquire an up to 30% stake in Moray Offshore Renewable Limited (MORL).
UNISON Scotland is publishing today (22 October 2015) Violence at Work: A Survey of UNISON employers and Staff in Scotland 2015. It shows an increase of 1,227 assaults compared with 2014.
Highland Council is to hold a series of Facebook chats on budget issues, starting with a discussion on the council tax. For the eighth successive year, the Council has frozen the Council Tax.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October, 22nd) sold 2,868 store sheep. Lambs (1,906) averaged £45.27 and sold to £74 gross for Texels from Burnside Croft, Jamestown.
Almost a quarter of ewes tested for Maedi Visna (MV) by SAC Consulting Veterinary Services are carrying the disease. This could mean that large numbers of livestock are at threat of ill-thrift, failing to grow at a healthy rate, this winter.
The Highland Council Leader, Cllr Margaret Davidson welcomed the call for reinstatement of ETVs by Highland MPs. She said: "The provision of Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) has been a vital issue for the Highland Council ever since the ETV in the Minch was withdrawn some years ago.
Two city centre car parks are to offer reduced-price parking for shoppers and visitors to Inverness City centre in the run up to Christmas. Highland Council and Eastgate Centre Management have been working with Inverness BID and partners to provide a much needed boost for city centre businesses.
SAC Consulting is warning that a significant proportion of beef and sheep will be severely short of protein with major consequences on performance. Analysis of silage samples from beef herds and sheep flocks have been found to have disturbingly low levels of protein which could cause stock to slowly starve even through they might look full.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October, 20th) sold 48 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (18) averaged 206.2p (-10.5p) and sold to 214p per kg and £1,438.20 gross.
