Forestry Grant Scheme and Agri-Environment Climate Scheme open for applications. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has announced the launch of further rural funding schemes today (30 March 2015).
One year of Self-directed Support Self-directed Support (SDS) became law in Scotland one year ago, meaning that everyone who is eligible for social care now has a right to design their own support package. Thousands of people are now able to take more control of their lives by choosing how they direct their support including receiving direct payments to employ their own support workers.
Modern Slavery is closer than you think. This film includes information on how to spot potential victims, how they may be exploited and what you can do to help free the UK from Modern Slavery.
Regional airport operator HIAL has urged the trade union Prospect to resume discussions in a bid to resolve their current pay claims. The company wrote to Prospect last week inviting the union to hold further talks, but received no reply.
Unpaid work remains high. Over 1.8 million hours of unpaid work was undertaken by offenders in Scotland last year as punishment for their offences.
The Government is working closely with ports and carriers for the introduction of exit checks at the border from 8 April 2015. Exit checks will improve the government's understanding of who is leaving the UK and create a much clearer picture of who is staying in the country when they have no right to be here.
Simplified and improved system for tenants and landlords. Plans to reform private sector tenancy laws will remove the fear of eviction and help tenants to assert their rights, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said today.
Week Commencing 23rd March 2015. Energy & Business Services It was good to meet up this week with directors of Abbey Group, whose company Abbey Ecosse has taken over ownership of the Forss Science and Technology Park.
The average incomes of Scottish farm businesses changed little between the 2012 and 2013 cropping years, with a fall of two per cent (£600) overall to an estimated £31,000. However, changes have been more marked across farming sectors.
A scheme to equip Scotland's farmers to improve the efficiency, sustainability and quality of their beef herds is to be introduced ahead of next year’s calving season. It will include a national livestock database and support for farmers to identify the key actions they are going to take on-farm including measures to improve cow fertility, reduce disease, optimise nutrition through feed analysis, and maximise grass and soil management.
Scottish scallop dredger the King Explorer convicted following guilty pleas. On 20 March 2015 at North Shields Magistrates Court, the master and owner of a Scottish scallop dredger the King Explorer were each convicted following guilty pleas after being charged by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) with breaching scallop legislation.
Advice on the release of live or fresh slipper limpets (Crepidula fornicata) Slipper Limpet The MMO is advising all marine users that the release of live or fresh slipper limpets (Crepidula fornicata) into the wild is an offence. The slipper limpet is a marine mollusc and is a non-native species in the UK.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has secured three tribunal wins against tax avoidance schemes, protecting over £260 million in tax. All three rulings uphold earlier judgments in HMRC's favour at the First-Tier Tribunal.
Move part of new Business Events Strategy for UK to increase share of global conference market placeholder The Government hopes to bring the World Expo show to Britain in 2025 as it looks to grab a bigger slice of the business tourism and events market, Culture Secretary Sajid Javid announced today. Hosting business conferences and events is worth £39.1 billion to the UK economy but Britain is currently ranked fifth in the world league table for the number of events hosted.
Surcharge of £200 per year and £150 per year for students enables access to National Health Service in the same way as a permanent UK resident. From 6 April, all nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) coming to the UK for longer than six months will be required to pay a ‘health surcharge' as part of their visa application.
Local Energy Challenge Fund. An innovative community renewables project in Orkney has received £1.35m from the Scottish Government's Local Energy Challenge Fund.
Some of the debt dates back as far as the 18th century. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, announced on Friday 27th March 2015 that the government will redeem the last four undated bonds in the government's portfolio, completing the repayment of £2.6 billion of historical debt.
This item applies mainly to schools in England but may be of interest to anyone looking at how children in Scotland learn their tables etc. School Reform Minister Nick Gibb speaks to the London Thames Maths Hub Primary Conference.
Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division today renewed its commitment to eradicating the scourge of doorstep crime and bogus callers. Operation Monarda drives home the message: "If In Doubt, Keep Them Out".
The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland has begun its consultation with councils on proposed wards for each council area as part of the 5th Reviews of Electoral Arrangements. Its proposals contain recommendations for councillor numbers in each of Scotland's 32 council areas and the number and boundaries of wards for the election of those councillors.
