There was a slow-down in the total lending from banks to Scottish agriculture over the past year. Outstanding debts to Scottish farms rose by one per cent (£22 million) in the year to 31 May 2018.
Statement from the President - 17 September 2018. Today, following seven weeks of public notice, hearings, and extensive opportunities for comment, I directed the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to proceed with placing additional tariffs on roughly $200 billion of imports from China.
The Highland Council has appointed a new Chief Executive. The successful candidate is Donna Manson, currently Service Director for Children and Young People in the Scottish Borders.
Members of the public are invited to an open afternoon to view The Highland Council's offices in the new Charles Kennedy Building at Achintore Road in Fort William on Wednesday 19 September 2018 from 1pm - 4pm. Earlier in the day, the building will be formally opened by Highland Council's Lochaber Area Chairman, Cllr Andrew Baxter with members of Charles Kennedy’s family in attendance and partner organisations who occupy the property.
Local services throughout Scotland could be plunged into crisis after - UNISON, Unite and the GMB - wrote to COSLA to say they will recommend their members reject their revised pay offer when they consult them in the coming weeks. The revised pay offer, made by COSLA on 6th September 2018, was a 3% increase for all local government workers earning up to £80,000, but the trade unions are angry that this is below inflation and does not improve low pay.
Weekly update from CNSRP - weeks commencing 3rd & 10th September. Energy & Business Services: Tomorrow (Monday 17th) CNSRP partner Highlands and Islands Enterprise, in association with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Scottish Government, is launching 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.
The Highland Council's Environmental Health team has identified raised levels of naturally occurring algal toxins following routine monitoring at Loch Eriboll and Kyle of Durness. Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels, oysters or razor fish from these areas may pose a health risk arising from the consumption of these algal toxins.
Don't let a scammer enjoy your retirement - find out how pension scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if you suspect a scam. Pension scams can be hard to spot.
IE has announced performance figures for its work in 2017/18. The figures are included in the agency's annual accounts laid before the Scottish Parliament.
FORT WILLIAM, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 15th) sold 513 weaned calves and store cattle, 6 OTM cattle and one adult head of breeding cattle. Bullocks (295) averaged 249.8p (-27.8p on the year) and sold to 319.1p per kg for a pen of 235kg Charolais crosses from Dunlichity Farm, Farr, and £990 gross for a pair of 440kg Limousin crosses from Fersit, Roy Bridge.
New benefit will be paid more than six months ahead of schedule. Plans that will see extra money paid to families on lower incomes have been laid in Parliament.
A National Statistics publication for Scotland. There were 12,973 births and 13,621 deaths registered in Scotland between 1 April and 30 June 2018, according to provisional figures released today by National Records of Scotland.
Oil and gas sales value in Scotland has risen by 18.2% between 2016-17 and 2017-18, according to new figures. The Oil and Gas Production Statistics for Scotland 2017-18, released today also shows that despite the slight decrease of 1.7% in the latest year, production of oil and gas remains 23.1% higher than the level recorded in 2014-15.
Increased capacity with services to start this weekend. A third freighter has been chartered for the Northern Isles to address the immediate customer needs of key sectors, including aquaculture businesses, with services due to commence this weekend.
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland. Public Sector Employment Statistics for Scotland, released today by Scotland's Chief Statistician, show that there were 559,500 people employed in the public sector in Scotland in June 2018.
A national taskforce to advise on how Scotland achieves a carbon-neutral economy has been launched. The Just Transition Commission, a commitment under the Programme for Government, will look at how to maximise opportunities of decarbonisation, in terms of fair work and tackling inequalities, while delivering a sustainable and inclusive labour market.
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. The latest quarterly Scottish Government Workforce Information statistics have been published today by Scotland's Chief Statistician.
Shopworkers' trade union Usdaw has met with Jamie Hepburn MSP, the Scottish Minister for Business, to discuss the issues the retail sector faces, after a year or more of retail company collapses, store closures and shopworker redundancies. This year alone we have seen Debenhams considering store closures, House of Fraser still with an uncertain future, Homebase sold for £1 and more store closures planned, Poundworld in administration and sold at the eleventh hour, potential store closures as Sainsbury's and Asda merge, M&S continuing their store closure programme, Toys ‘r' Us folding, Mothercare closing stores, Maplins and many others struggling.
Businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands which want to head-off cyber attacks in their online work are being offered jargon-free, expert advice. The Cyber Strong Business programme, introduced by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) last year, is back with a second series of workshops, one-to-one consultations, and a Cyber Cafe in venues across the region.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 14th) sold 3812 store lambs. Show generously sponsored by Blackface Sheep Breeders Association.