Rails strike action is affecting many services in Scotland. Check carefully before you travel.
Number of visitors and tourism spend continue to increase. The number of overseas visitors from Europe increased sharply by 22% in the 12 months to the end of September 2018, according to official statistics released today.
Views are being sought on the detail of a new benefit that aims to help young people with the costs associated with the transition into the workplace. The proposed Job Grant consists of a one-off cash payment of £250, or £400 for a young person with children, which will be available to those between 16-24 who were out of paid work for six months prior to finding employment.
The council is taking a new approach in preparing the budget from 2019-22. In recent weeks, the Chief Executive, Donna Manson, Budget Leader Cllr Alister Mackinnon and other senior councillors and officers have been out talking with staff, groups and communities across the Highlands in over 50 engagement sessions.
Week Commencing 14th January 2019 Enabling activities: Last week's meeting of the North Coast 500 Working Group heard about the imminent launch of the Scottish Government's Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund. The £5M Fund is being administered by Scottish Natural Heritage, and is open to organisations in the Highlands and Islands.
LOCHMADDY, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (January, 17th) sold 147 weaned calves and store cattle, 3 adult head of breeding cattle and 25 OTM cattle. Bullocks (73) averaged 214.8p and sold to 260.0p per kg for a pair of 300kg Limousin crosses from 7 Sollas, Lochmaddy, and £955 gross for a pair of 440kg Limousin crosses from Old Inn, Tigharry.
A new multi-million pound fund to promote the outstanding scenery, wildlife and culture of the Highlands and Islands is open for applications now. The £5 million Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund, which is led by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), will invest in projects that benefit the Highlands and Islands by improving the experience of visitors who come to discover and explore the region's nature and culture.
Following a Highland Council Trading Standards investigation, Wick Sheriff Court has imposed a court order on a 42 year old local woman who was found to be selling counterfeit goods. The Order places stringent restrictions on her future conduct and any breach of it can lead to a hefty fine or imprisonment.
The Highland Council has invited people in Thurso to attend a public exhibition highlighting proposals for flood prevention measures along the River Thurso. The Council is currently developing a Flood Protection Study (FPS) for the River to identify solutions that will alleviate the risk of flooding.
Cyber security is an ever increasing issue, whether it is for us as individuals, part of a Community group or running a business. Highlands & Islands Enterprise digital team are coming up to both Wick and Thurso on the 27th and putting on a Cyber Sense event which will last an hour, it is fun and free so please take the opportunity to book on an event near you per the links below.
The Highland Council has agreed a review of the Highland Scheme of Establishment for Community Councils as required under section 53 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The draft proposals to amend the Scheme are based on the feedback from Community Councils during the initial phase of engagement between August and November 2018.
Scrabster harbour has set out a tendering process for major new works at the harbour. The procurement notice sets out what is required from tendering companies for the multi-million pound contract.
On 22nd January 2019 the Moray West wind Farm planning application returns to the North Planning committee but merely for some slight changes to the location of some turbines to lessen the impact on certain views. The original permission and this one is not within the power of the committee but they have the ability to enter an objection.
The Serco NorthLink freight ship Helliar is now running the Stromness to Scrabster ferry route while the Hamnavoe has its refit this week. Bad weather is affecting trips today and tomorrow per the Serco Northlink website - Updated Wednesday 16th January at 13:30 M.V.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts, (January, 16th) sold 3,199 sheep of all classes. Lambs (1,988) averaged £57.86 and sold to £80 twice for Cheviots from Shieldaig, Strathcarron and Texel crosses from Bogburn, Dingwall.
Corallian Energy has not found oil at its Wick exploration well located in License P2235 off the UK. Corallian started drilling the 11/24b-4 well using the Ensco-72 jack-up drilling rig in late December.
Zero tolerance for people caught driving with illegal drugs in their system. Scotland's stringent road safety laws will be strengthened further by the introduction of drug driving limits and roadside testing on 21 October this year.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has written to Secretary of State Michael Gove, impressing on the UK Government the need to deal sensibly and sensitively with the setting of applied tariffs for imports to the UK, particularly in relation to agri-food products. In the absence of a trade agreement between the UK and European Union, the same tariffs would apply to imports to the UK from the EU as from third countries.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (January, 15th) sold 13 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (5) averaged 206.4p (-5.2p) and sold to 210.0p per kg and £1,396.50 gross.