The Scottish economy grew by 0.5% during the second quarter of 2018, according to updated statistics announced today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. The headline growth rate is unrevised from the first estimate published on 19 September.
WICK and Thurso now have access to free WiFi in and around the centre of their towns thanks to a project led by the Highland Council and funded by the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal. The free WiFi, called "High-Fi", is aimed at stimulating economic growth and will increase digital inclusion across the Highlands.
The Highland Council has launched a month of public engagement activity and is calling for everyone to get involved and make their views known. The Council is planning for a potential budget gap of £66.7 million over the next three years.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (November, 1st) sold 3,672 store sheep. Lambs (2019) averaged £47.43 and sold to £80 gross for a pen of Texel crosses from Kilmaluag House, Duntulm.
A new online tool to help Scottish businesses identify how they could be affected by Brexit and what they can do to prepare has been launched by Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell. Grants of up to £4,000 are already available for exporters and potential exporters to help them mitigate risks and capitalise on export opportunities despite the challenge Brexit will bring.
A significant investment will see a new single digital platform installed across all NHS boards, improving efficiency and making it easier for staff to work together. The potential £80 million investment over five years will mean that all 161,000 NHS employees will have access to upgraded Microsoft Office desktop products, helping to further increase robustness against cyber threats, and improving the security of patient data.
A total of 306,305 low income households have been helped to pay for essential items such as food and heating through emergency grant funding since 2013. A total of £173 million has now been paid through the Scottish Welfare Fund, which helps people during times of crisis to buy everyday essential items like food, nappies or toiletries and to cover heating costs or other living expenses.
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. From when the Scottish Welfare Fund scheme began on 1 April 2013 until 30 June 2018, 306,305 individual households have received awards totalling £173.0 million.
SIMEC Atlantis Energy Limited, the global developer, owner and operator of sustainable energy projects with a diversified portfolio of more than 1,000 megawatts in various stages of development is pleased to provide an update on its future plans for the MeyGen project. The Company now has advanced plans to enhance the existing 6MW MeyGen array through the addition of at least two of the Company's new tidal turbines.
In what was designed to be the last Budget speech before Brexit, the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, outlined the government's vision for post-Brexit Britain. Measures were aimed at backing up businesses, infrastructure and the health service.
The Highland Council is ready for winter and prepared to grit council roads as the council's winter maintenance programme started on 14 October 2018. Trunk roads in Highland are the responsibility of Transport Scotland and their operators Bear Scotland.
Patients of Riverview Practice in Wick are among the first in NHS Highland to be offered GP appointments by video. The new ‘GP Near Me' service is being tested this week as an extension to NHS Highland’s NHS Near Me video consulting service.
Transformational change in health and social care is not being achieved in part due to the leadership in the organisations set up to deliver integration not exercising the powers given to them according to a report by the Health and Sport Committee. There are 31 integration authorities across Scotland, bringing together NHS and local council social care services.
Scotland will benefit from nearly £1 billion in additional funding for the Scottish Government, as well as £150 million for a Tay Cities Deal and a freeze in Spirits Duty, the Chancellor has announced in the Budget today. This year's Budget is a result of the UK government's balanced approach to the country's finances, keeping taxes low and debt falling while increasing the Scottish Government’s spending power.
NHS Highland has appointed a new district manager for Caithness with a proven track record of success in business and healthcare. Lesley Kinloch has joined the health board following a varied career in international learning and technology before qualifying as an allied health professional (AHP).
Finance Secretary responds to UK Government Budget. The UK Government's budget has failed to deliver an end to austerity according to Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.
Remember that often the Chancellor is referring to England and Scotland will get some increases under the Barnett Formula for the Scottish Government to decide on spending. Scotland will gain almost one billion pounds in Barnett consequentials and the Scottish Government can decide how to use it.
Commenting on today's (Monday 29 October 2018) Budget Statement, which set out the government's spending plans up to 2024, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said. "Working people cannot be fobbed off again with promises of a better tomorrow that never comes.
Universal credit is suddenly grabbing all the headlines. John Major has warned that it could represent a poll tax moment for the government.
On 5 October 2018, the Institute for Fiscal Studies released a report looking at how different post-Brexit trade arrangements might impact and different UK industries, regions and workers. Professor L.