Provisional statistics published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician show that the overall quayside value of fish landed by Scottish vessels in 2012 decreased by seven per cent, compared with the record level in 2011. However, the value of fish landed remains higher than in the decade preceding 2011.
LOCHMADDY, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April, 19th) sold 103 store cattle, 2 breeding cattle, 17 OTM cattle. Bullocks (57) averaged 222.6p and sold to 264.7p per kg for a 510kg Limousin cross from 3 Hosta, Tigharry, and £1610 gross for a 850kg Limousin cross from 50 Balgarva, Eochar.
The findings of the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education have been broadly welcomed by the Scottish Government and COSLA . The Commission, chaired by Sheriff David Sutherland, has presented its report in Inverness this morning and made a number of recommendations around the issues faced in delivering education in rural areas.
On 14th May 2013, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Development International will be hosting a free event on Doing Business in the USA and Canada at Cowan House in Inverness. The main event will run from 8.30am - 1pm and will be followed by a networking lunch and one-to-one sessions.
The civil engineering industry is to receive a boost through the opportunity to bid for three of the biggest Scottish Government funded design contracts ever offered. Transport Scotland has today published the Prior Information Notice for the design work on the A9 dualling project, signalling the start of procurement.
A one-stop-shop to help businesses and the public sector use energy, water and raw materials more efficiently could save billions and protect our environment. The Scottish Government’s Resource Efficient Scotland programme brings together expertise on managing energy, water and materials costs into a single service for the first time.
Gordon & MacPhail, the malt whisky specialist and specialist drinks wholesaler, has been named the official title sponsor of the 2013 Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards. The family-owned and managed business, established in Elgin in 1895, is one of the UK’s leading independent specialist wholesalers stocking over 4,500 product lines, including an extensive wine list, an impressive portfolio of spirits and a wide range of craft beers and ciders.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April 17th) sold 953 store cattle Bullocks (423) averaged 231.3p and sold to 283.1p per kg for 242kg Limousin crosses from Auchmore, Muir of Ord, and £1,310 gross for a 610kg Limousin crosses from 2 Lochend, Barrock. Heifers (526) averaged 219.5p and sold to 324.7p per kg for a 462kg Simmental cross from Druid Temple Farm, Inverness and £1,580 gross for a 595kg Simmental cross from Redhill, Mosstowie.
Passenger numbers at Scotland’s regional airports grew last month, heralding a positive end to the winter season. Latest figures from airport operator HIAL show that its 11 airports handled 103,616 passengers in March, an increase of 5,507 (+5.6%) on last March.
New programme launched to help food and drink businesses. The 2014 Food & Drink team has today announced a new package of innovation support, designed to help all Scottish food and drink companies to capitalise on the business opportunities presented by events taking place in Scotland during 2014.
Trade body Energy North is calling on ambitious Moray businesses looking to explore ways to service the energy supply chain to attend a free energy trade information day in Elgin next week (Thursday 18 April). The event has been organised by Energy North and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to raise awareness and encourage Moray businesses to promote their existing capabilities, and by developing their services to capitalise on new supply chain opportunities.
Employment in Scotland has seen the largest increase for twelve years according to official statistics, published on the same day as figures show Scotland’s economy grew for the second quarter in a row, continuing to outperform the UK. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that employment rose by 39,000 in the three month period to December to February, the largest increase since May-July 2000.
POLICE have recovered Class A drugs with a street value of £30,000 in the Inverness area. Following on from the work of officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorist Unit Specialist Crime Division and Highland and Islands Division, Police Scotland have secured a significant success in their war against drugs yesterday, in Inverness.
Inverness West Link public consultation Torvean and Ness-side Development Brief A 7-week period of public consultation period begins today (Tuesday 16 April 2013) on the detailed design of the £27.2 million Inverness West Link Road as well as the Draft Development Brief for the Torvean/Ness-side areas of Inverness. Tomorrow (Wednesday), plans for the road and the draft development brief will be on show at a public exhibition/drop-in session at Kinmylies Church (10am till 8pm).
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April, 16th) sold 97 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (60) averaged 229.1p (+1.4p) and sold to 259p per kg and £1,824.00 gross.
Scottish Beef Scheme funding will begin to arrive in farmers’ bank accounts from Friday, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has confirmed. Around 95 per cent of producers will receive their funding – which is worth around £22 million to the Scottish beef sector – by Wednesday April 24.
More small businesses than ever before are securing public contracts through Public Contracts Scotland (PCS), the national advertising portal, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today. PCS figures show that 80 per cent of 13,308 suppliers awarded contracts through the online portal in 2012 were based in Scotland.
Three areas in the Highlands are to pilot an initiative by The Highland Council to bring empty properties back into affordable housing use. The Council’s Housing and Property Service is to initially target the Black Isle, Inverness Central and Nairn, as pilots which together provide a mix of rural and urban locations.
Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division take part in week of action on the roads in the area as part of a national enforcement campaign to deter and detect speeding and inappropriate drivers. The campaign, which started today at 07:00 hours, is the first under Police Scotland as part of the commitment to making Scotland's road safer.
The national minimum wage is to rise by 12p an hour to £6.31 for adults and by 5p to £5.03 for 18-to-20-year-olds from October, the government has announced. Business secretary Vince Cable said the government accepted the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission.
