Scottish businesses urged to prepare for new rules on waste. With just a few days to go before 2014, businesses and public sector organisations across Scotland are being reminded new Waste (Scotland) Regulations are coming into force on 1 January.
The ten-year campaign to mount a community purchase of the Pairc Estate is now firmly in the hands of the community after a funding package was put in place to allow local residents to buy the 26,775 acre area of land on the Isle of Lewis, Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse announced today. The Pairc Trust will receive £230,000 from the Scottish Land Fund that will allow it to complete the purchase of the Pairc Estate, which was backed by the community at a recent public meeting.
First Minister calls on Prime Minister to return CAP funds to Scotland. The UK Governments failure to pass on hundreds of millions of Euros rightfully due to Scottish farmers in EU payments is a bitter blow that has caused understandable furore across Scotland, First Minister Alex Salmond has told David Cameron.
A large section of Thurso High School roof has been blown off with the high winds. Police and Highland Council staff are in attendance and Ormlie Road has been closed.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December, 24th) sold 51 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (29) averaged 229.9p (-1.7p) and sold to 240p per kg and £1,780 gross.
Poultry plan aims to deliver sustainable and profitable future. A premium brand for Scottish chicken could be created to safeguard the future of the Scotland’s poultry sector, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has confirmed.
More than 17,400 Scottish farmers and crofters will have received their Single Farm Payments in time for Christmas, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has confirmed. The latest payment run of £1.6 million to 140 farmers will reach bank accounts today (Tuesday December 24, 2013) – meaning a total pre-Christmas boost to Scotland’s rural economy of about £424 million.
Scottish GPs will have more time to spend with patients after changes to their contact were given the green light. The changes, agreed with BMA Scotland, aims to reduce bureaucracy and give doctors more time to focus on the needs of their patients.
A report for Highland Councillors has highlighted the early results from the 2011 Census which shows that the population of the Highlands has grown over the last decade by 11.1%, with the strongest population growth taking place in the Inverness South and Aird and Loch Ness Wards. The report also highlights that across the Highlands there is a large number of people in the 55 to 65 age group which means the area should see a steady increase in the number of retired people over the coming years.
2013 has seen the Council receive its largest number of major pre-application enquiries in connection with renewable energy projects. In total 38 potential applications have been presented to the Planning and Development Service - an increase of 10 from those processed in 2012.
The Highland Council is to step up security at its Inverness headquarters as the result of a recent break-in. The Council has commissioned a security firm to patrol the building during the day and through the night to deter intruders.
Scottish Water is taking the opportunity during this mild spell of weather to remind customers to ensure homes and businesses are protected and prepared for winter. Protect your pipes - Be prepared, is Scottish Water’s winter message, asking customers to protect their pipes, be prepared and heat, insulate and protect their home and business.
Ship will lay 20 fibre optic undersea cables across Highlands and Islands in BTs biggest ever subsea project in UK territorial waters. BT has awarded three firms a 26.9 million contract for an ambitious subsea cabling project which will help deliver fast, fibre broadband to the Highlands and Islands.
Scotland first country in UK to ensure continued protection of shellfish waters. New legislation comes into force today to ensure the continued protection of Scottish shellfish growing waters.
Ewing hits out at DECC’s FID plans. Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has criticised the UK Government for removing all planned Scottish offshore windfarms from their list of 10 projects which will get a FID (Final Investment Decision) contract, and has called on the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change to reverse their decision before the finalisation of their plans in March next year.
Consultation launched on licensing arrangements. Streamlining and simplifying licensing arrangements for fishing vessels in Scotland are two of the issues being looked at in a new consultation.
The by-election for a councillor to represent the Black Isle Ward on The Highland Council has been won by Mrs Jennifer Barclay, who will join the Independent Group on the Council. Mrs Barclay was one of eight candidates who contested the vacancy, following the death of her husband, Councillor Billy Barclay.
The Highland Council is continuing discussions with Police Scotland to ensure continuity of parking management and enforcement in the Highlands following the full withdrawal of the Highland traffic warden service from 3 February next year. Council Leader, Drew Hendry, assured members of the Council at its meeting in Inverness on Thursday that responsibility for enforcement of parking offences post 3 February would lie with Police Scotland, who have given the Council assurances that police officers will respond to parking incidents and take the appropriate action.
The Highland Council has been successful in bidding for £15,000 of Scottish Government funding towards the cost of organising town centre planning consultation events (known as mini-charrettes) early in the new year to plan the future of the town centres in Fort William, Nairn and Tain. Councillor Thomas Prag, Chair, Planning Environment and Development Committee, revealed the good news at the full council meeting in Inverness today (Thursday).
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December, 18th) sold 31 MV accredited pedigree females at its annual show and sale. The judge, Mr Philip Gill, Wester Raddery, Fortrose, awarded the Suffolk champion and overall interbreed champion to a gimmer by Glenhead Gibbs, carrying a single to Binhill Champagne Charlie, from Mr R.
