Councils using toolkit and investing in LED lighting will pay less for electricity in 25 years time than they do now. As the cost of electricity is set to double over the next ten years, an easy-to-use toolkit has been launched to give Scotland's local authorities real-time information on how many millions they would save by phasing in energy efficient LED street lights.
An independent report commissioned by the Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other partners has highlighted that 60% of businesses surveyed felt that their use of Gaelic enhanced the value of the language within the community and Gaelic is an asset in particular when used to promote the creative industries, tourism, food and drink. At Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee (Wednesday 18 February 2015) , Councillors had a chance to discuss the report and the Council's strategic approach to supporting the Gaelic language and culture to bring both economic and social benefits to the Highlands.
Pentland Ferries is all set to buy the former Caledonian MacBrayne ferry Saturn. The move has been confirmed by the owners of the ship, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL)..
Whether you are looking for a new corporate identity, a professional annual report, stand out exhibitions, contemporary web design, noticeable newspaper ads, eye-catching posters or quality packaging, North Design is the right choice for all your creative needs. Browse through our website and you will find samples of recent work done for a number of clients, some who have come to us recently and others who have been with us for decades.
TSB has improved mobile access for customers this week, by launching a new and improved mobile banking app for Android and Apple smartphones and tablets. The new app will make it quicker and easier for customers of TSB to carry out their day-to-day banking activity wherever and whenever is most convenient for them.
Highlands & Islands MSP (including Moray),Shadow Minister for Transport and Islands and also road safety campaigner, David Stewart, earlier this month raised the issue of the location of the only Scottish Driving Assessment Centre in Scotland now being based in Edinburgh. He wrote to DVLA and the Secretary of State for Transport, the RT Hon Patrick McLoughlin.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (February, 18th) sold 501 store cattle, 16 adult head of breeding cattle and 48 OTM cattle. Bullocks (257) averaged 247.9p and sold to 302.9p per kg for a 340kg Charolais cross from Pitmain Farm, Kingussie, and £1,430 gross for a 695kg Simmental cross from Inshes Farm, Inshes.
The airfield at Wick John O'Groats Airport is set for a major upgrade this year, boosting safety and enabling the airport to handle future growth. Almost £600,000 is to be spent this year refurbishing the airport apron where aircraft are parked, loaded and unloaded.
A tale of two workforces is emerging in the UK, according to the latest Labour Market Outlook from the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development. The report highlights an increasing pay divide between companies that can now afford to increase wages by 2% or more and those that are stuck in a pay freeze.
Employment Growth Drives Employment Rate to Record High While Pay Growth Remains Relatively Sluggish for the Majority of Workers. Gerwyn Davies, Labour Market Adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development, comments on the official labour market statistics published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS): "Employers' appetite for taking on workers shows no sign of abating.
The consultation on the Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan Main Issues Report (CaSPlan MIR) drew to a close on Friday 6 February 2015 after 14 weeks which saw members of the public take part in a series of drop in sessions and evening workshops held around the plan area. The consultation sought people's views on the main issues affecting people and places and potential development sites across the plan area.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (February, 17th) sold 73 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (36) averaged 214.8p (+2.6p) and sold to 231p per kg and £1,483.90 gross.
The Highland Council has been trialling new technological means of repairing and maintaining roads, according to a report into the Roads Innovation Fund by the Director of Community Services. Techniques to be used for the repair of potholes include use of "Jetpatcher" equipment, a process by which a high velocity air stream is used to clear any debris in the pothole and also to lay and compact new asphalt, filling it.
Week Commencing 9 February 2015 Energy & Business services: Atlantis Resources, the company that owns the MeyGen tidal energy project, has issued an interesting Newsletter with updates on its progress - both on the ground at Ness of Quoys and with the build of its new 1.5MW AR1500 turbine. The newsletter includes interviews with its Chief Technology Officer and with the Chief Engineer of partner engineering design company Lockheed Martin.
Highland Council Director of Development and Infrastructure Stuart Black and Convener Jimmy Gray have met with Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, to discuss the potential of a City Deal for Inverness. The meeting comes a result of recent correspondence between Chair of the Development and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Thomas Prag and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Members of The Highland Council's Education, Children and Adult Services Committee have unanimously agreed to recommend to the next meeting of The Highland Council on 12 March 2015 that the Council improves education provision in Tain by developing a new 3-18 campus on the site of the current Tain Royal Academy. This recommendation has been made following the conclusion of a formal statutory public consultation process which started in September 2014 Members have agreed to recommend to The Highland Council: · To discontinue education provision at Craighill and Knockbreck Primaries and St Duthus Special School and to relocate to a new 3 - 18 campus to be developed on the site of the existing Tain Royal Academy.
Increase of £282 million. Health Secretary, Shona Robison, has confirmed that health boards in Scotland are to receive an additional £282 million in 2015-16.
Week Commencing 2 February 2015 Energy & Business services: I was delighted to take part this week with June Love in a visit from overseas representatives of an energy/ engineering company. The visit, which was coordinated by CNSRP partner Highlands and Islands Enterprise, took in specific locations in Caithness, and also allowed discussions to take place with relevant local representatives.
THE Community Services Committee has agreed a motion to defer an increase in the Corran Ferry fares to allow further work on cost implications, options for alternative fixed crossings and to take independent legal advice on State Aid and Equality implications. The fare increases were proposed, taking into account predicted costs over the next 3 years, to work towards a break even position in 2017-18, thereby reducing the risk that State Aid may be considered to exist.
Reacting to a survey by the AA, Highlands & Islands (Including Moray) MSP, Shadow Transport Minister and road safety campaigner, David Stewart said it is a pretty bad recognition for Scotland to learn that as a nation we have more potholes than anywhere else in the UK. Speaking today (5/2/15) he said "According to the survey, Scotland has 8.9 potholes per mile on the road and 2.81 potholes per mile on the pavement.