The Highland economy will benefit from a substantial funding boost for further education in the region, Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance announced today. More than £5.7 million of European Structural Funds will go towards the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) specifically to aid economic recovery in the area.
Two wind farms which can power over 90,000 homes have been approved by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. The 177 MW Dorenell wind farm on the Glenfiddich estate, near Dufftown in Moray, will power 84,000 homes - double the number of homes in Moray.
Mackays Hotel, Wick are arranging a special dinner to recognise unsung heroes in our community and you can nominate people for the tickets they are giving away. Ellie and Murray Lamont who run the hotel reckon that there are many people who do things all the time for others and the dinner will let you give them something to thanks them.
Eleven people have spoiled their own festive season after being caught drink driving during Christmas week. Those who were caught on Christmas Eve, which included an 18-year-old from the Strathspey area, had to spend Christmas Day in the cells prior to the next available court date, which was Wednesday.
Following a public meeting on the future artistic shape of John O'Groats, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is offering professional artists an early opportunity to transform the coast around the village. Award-winning artists Dalziel + Scullion, who are the concept artists putting together a broader plan for the iconic site, held an open workshop with the local community earlier this month.
The Caithness Chamber of Commerce has put out information that might be of interest to creative entreprenuers. The 2012 Starter for 6 Main Programme is now open for applications.
The Highland Council has received the Report of Examination for the Highland wide Local Development Plan from the Scottish Government's Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals. The Highland wide Local Development Plan is the key planning document to guide development across Highland for the next ten years.
Highland Councillors have taken an important step towards securing significant local funding for communities across Highland from renewable energy developments. They have agreed the recommendations of their Community Benefit Working Group which will determine how future funds are allocated and set out how the Council will secure the highest level of benefit possible.
Highland Councillors Back Introduction Of Minimum Pricing Of Alcohol. Highland Councillors have voiced their unanimous support for the introduction of minimum pricing of alcohol as a means of tackling the growing incidence of alcohol misuse in the Highlands.
The Highland Council's Budget Leader has said that the Council will require to make no further cutbacks before setting its budget for 2012/13 on Thursday 9 February, next year. Councillor David Alston told the full council meeting (Thursday 16 Dec 2011) that £20.4 million of savings had been identified earlier in the year and thanks to prudent budget planning - involving consultation with the public - the budget was balanced for the new financial year.
The need to redirect resources to improve the health of a growing number of deprived people living in the Highlands emerged from a major debate by Highland Councillors on health inequalities. The Highland Council and NHS Highland have a joint annual spending power of more than £1 billion and councillors felt there was adequate scope to identify monies within the joint budgets to target resources to improve the health and wellbeing of those most in need.
Pulteneytown People's Project in Wick will be opening the doors to its new community Centre, Pulteney Centre, at the end of January and promises to bring a huge variety of new classes to the town. Pulteney Centre will be the first of its kind in Wick, offering a comprehensive collection of groups and educational classes all housed under the one roof.
Starting and running your own business shows drive, dedication, and commitment - to say nothing of the ability to put plans into action. By seeking out the best student and graduate entrepreneurial talent across the country, the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards provide recognition for the great businesses of tomorrow.
On Tuesday 20 December 2011, RES will be undertaking a wind turbine dry run for Dunmaglass Wind Farm. A specialist haulage contractor, Collett, will drive the route using a specially modified collapsible vehicle.
The Highland Council has welcomed the creation of a £5 million Cities Investment Fund to support a Scottish Cities Alliance. Senior council representatives were present in Edinburgh when Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy, Nicola Sturgeon, announced that initiative, which will see leaders of Scotland's local authorities team up in a new economic partnership to attract investment, create jobs and help Scotland's cities compete more successfully on the international stage.
Week commencing 12th December: Energy: I met this week with Trudy Morris (Caithness Chamber), Ian Couper (Energy North), Jacquie Black (ERI) and Keith Muir (HIE) to discuss a possible follow-up event to the supply chain event these two membership organisations held in North Highland College last spring. As previously reported UHI is staging an international conference in Orkney next May, and following discussion with the event organiser for that Conference it was agreed that an event could be run on the final day of the Conference offering local/ regional companies the chance to talk directly to a broadly academic audience which is involved in key research and development activities in the marine renewables sector.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon today set out the Scottish Government's plan to integrate adult health and social care. The moves aim to improve the quality and consistency of care for older people and put an end to the 'cost-shunting' between the NHS and local authorities that too often ends up with older people being delayed in hospital longer than they should be and not getting the best standards of care.
Two elections confirmed as 16 more Community Councils formed. Elections will be held in two Highland Community Councils following a second round of elections and a further 14 Community Councils attracted sufficient nominations to reform.
Police thank the public for their support after week one of the festive drink drive campaign Public concern over those who drink and drive has again been highlighted after week one of the national ACPOS Festive Safety Campaign. Seven people were caught drink driving by Northern Constabulary during the first week of the campaign, four of whom were detected as a direct result of information supplied by the public.
Friday 16th December 9.00am - 4.00pm In Aid of Alzheimers Scotland All your favourite Disney Characters Get your photos take with Mickey and Minnie Home Bake Stall Disney Disco Disney Character Helium Balloons Face Painting Rafgflwe with star prize of Nintendo Wii - other prizes including blue ray player and Disney dvd's Hope to see you there. .
