A report published on Tuesday 5th November 2013 underlines how much work remains to be done at Dounreay before the site can be left in a safe condition for future generations. The Office for Nuclear Regulation Chief Nuclear Inspector's annual report says its inspection of the site will be at an “enhanced level” because of the continuing presence of major radiological hazards.
Plans for greater local decision making. A new law will make it easier for communities to take over public sector land and buildings, reform the community right to buy and give communities greater say in the provision of services.
Shadow Wellbeing Minister Welcomes Healthcare Environment Inspectorate Report on Caithness General Rhoda Grant MSP, the Shadow Wellbeing Minister, part of the opposition health team in parliament, has welcomed the publication of a report by the Healthcare Environment Inspectoratewho made an unannounced inspection of the Wick hospital back in September. The HEI said that overall NHS Highland was meeting hygiene standards and whilst most infection controls were being met, inspectors found dirty and contaminated patient equipment in two areas of the site.
Climate friendly farming methods can save farmers money and help them reduce their carbon footprint. Scotland’s first three Climate Change Focus Farms have saved almost £60,000 between them over the past three years and two of the businesses reduced their carbon footprint by at least 10 per cent.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, and Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee, David Stewart, has welcomed the fact that the petition on the control of wild goose numbers has been referred to the Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee. The petition, which was submitted to Parliament by Patrick Krause on behalf of the Scottish Crofting Federation, calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to address the problems created by increasing populations of wild geese in the crofting areas as a matter of priority; reassess its decision to stop funding existing goose management programmes, and assign additional resources to Crop Protection and Adaptive Management programmes to ensure this threat to the future of crofting is averted.
For the sixth year running, The Highland Council has the highest up take of Small Business Bonus Relief in Scotland, with 8,715 local businesses benefitting from a reduction of between 25% and 100% in their rates during 2013/14. The Scottish Government introduced the Small Business Bonus Scheme in April 2008 to replace the existing Small Business Rates Relief Scheme.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (November, 6th) sold 277 weaned calves and store cattle and 6 adult head of breeding cattle. Stot calves (116) averaged 238.7p and sold to 303.2 per kilo and £940 gross for a 310kg Limousin cross from Dunmaglass Estate, Dores.
A long serving council official was thanked for his services today (Thursday) at The Highland Council’s Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee. Richard Guest, Head of Roads and Community Works, retires from the Council on Friday 15 November after 22 years of service.
Public exhibitions are being held at nine different venues during the weeks commencing 11, 18 and 25 November 2013 to give the public an opportunity to view updated information about Scottish Government plans to dual the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen. The exhibitions will include information on the Preliminary Engineering Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the A96 dualling programme as well as, route option assessment work on the A96 between Inverness and Nairn, including the Nairn Bypass.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (November, 7th) sold 3,418 store sheep. Lambs (1,657) averaged £50.97 and sold to £78 gross for Texel lambs from Peallaig, Dingwall.
As part of this years National Consumer Week (4 10 November) Highlands and Islands (Scottish Labour) MSP, David Stewart, is urging people in across the region to Check it, dont regret it! when purchasing a used car. The campaign is being run by Citizens Advice Scotland which has found that used cars are the single biggest issue being reported to its consumer service in Scotland, which is dealing with over 4,700 used car problems a year.
For the school rolls for all of Highland for the past five years see - Five Year School Rolls In Highland Primary School Capacity and Occupancy rates are published at Primary School Capacity and Occupancy.
Dounreay’s radioactive impact on the environment continues to fall, according to a report. The annual survey report “Radioactivity in Food and the Environment” (RIFE 2012) has recently been published and it can be read here - http://www.sepa.org.uk/radioactive_substances/publications/rife_reports.aspx The report uses data obtained from samples of air, fresh water, grass, soil, and locally sourced meat, fish, milk and vegetables during 2012.
Police and Crimestoppers to take part in initiative to target illegal drivers. As of 07:00 hours on Monday 4 November 2013 until 07:00 hours on Monday 11 November 2013, Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division and Crimestoppers Highlands and Islands will be taking part in a national joint initiative to target illegal drivers.
Customers in North East Scotland applying for their first passport no longer face a journey of around 200 miles to Inverness to be interviewed, thanks to a new service which has opened in Wick. The new service , located at the Council's Service Point in Girnigoe Street, Wick, offers first-time passport customers a video-link interview with the main passport office in Glasgow.
The Highland Council and partners from both public bodies and leading companies in the Highlands are working to deliver a science academy for the Highlands aimed at children of all ages from pre-school to further education. The aim is to open up opportunities for Highland young people to benefit from thousands of future skilled job opportunities in the decades to come.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (November, 5th) sold 50 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (15) averaged 231.2p (+11.9p) and sold to 239p per kg and £1,860.45 gross.
Visiting Wick John O’Groats Airport recently, Highlands and Islands (Scottish Labour) MSP Rhoda Grant has praised the boost in airport usage by around 120 % due to the increased demand from the energy industry. Chevron uses Wick John O' Groats Airport as its base to transport offshore workers to its rigs.
Everyone knows wind turbines are heavily subsidised but is there a threat to that if the UK government buckles under pressure to get energy prices reduced now. Take look at these two releases and see what you think.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts (November, 2nd) sold 222 cattle, 12 goats, 452 sheep, 525 lots of poultry, eggs and poultry equipment at their poultry, rare & traditional breeds of livestock sale. Cattle (222) sold to £2,050 gross for an in calf Highland heifer from Culnaha, Nigg.
