News Archive

24/3/2015 : Fisheries & Merchants

 
A new crab processing factory is to be built at Scrabster

Scrabster Seafoods Ltd, based at Scrabster Harbour in the far north of Scotland, primarily exports white fish landed at the harbour to mainland Europe and the Far East.  The company has identified an opportunity to diversify and take advantage of the 2,000 tonnes of crab landed by fishermen at the harbour every year.  

24/3/2015 : Educational Institutions

 
Partnership agreement between North Highland College and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd

A NEW partnership agreement has been signed to develop and deliver training required at the Dounreay site during decommissioning work and help staff gain the qualifications they need to transfer to other employment sectors as the site closure progresses.   Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), responsible for the clean-up and demolition of Britain's former centre of fast reactor research and development, has established a memorandum of understanding with North Highland College UHI and the University of the Highlands and Islands to help close collaboration working and academic links across further and higher education and the nuclear industry.  

24/3/2015 : Local Authority

 
Highland Businesses warned about 'Data Control' Scam

The Highland Council's Trading Standards team are warning local businesses about a scam that is currently doing the rounds and is targeting small businesses within the Highland area.   A number of complaints have been received from local businesses receiving a letter headed "UK - DATA CONTROL - Missing information about your VAT Registration Number" with ‘Scotland Business' prominently stated at the top of the first page.  

24/3/2015 : Auctioneers

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 24 March 2015

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 24th) sold 64 prime cattle.   Prime bullocks (33) averaged 208.6p (+2.2p) and sold to 224p per kg and £1,435.00 gross.  

23/3/2015 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Hunt for innovative power take-off systems for wave energy devices is on

Wave Energy Scotland (WES), a new research and development body funded by the Scottish Government, is open for business with the launch of its first international technology innovation competition.   Part of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, WES is issuing a competitive project call for innovative power take-off (PTO) systems.  

23/3/2015 : Local Authority

Highland Council to review Area Committees

‘One-size does not fit all' - was the message received at the last meeting of The Highland Council (on 12 March) as members agreed to a Review of Area Committees over the next two years.   Reporting to The Highland Council, Carron McDiarmid, Head of Policy and Reform thanked Area and Group Leaders who helped shaped a report on the Area Committee Review.  

22/3/2015

Attracting world-class talent

Cross-Sector report strengthens calls for reinstatement of post study work visa.   Scotland needs to attract and retain the best international student talent to support and strengthen our economy, Minister for Europe and International Development, Humza Yousaf said today (Sunday March 22).  

21/3/2015 : Local Authority

LGBCS consults councils on ward boundaries

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland has begun its consultation with councils on proposed wards for each council area as part of the 5th Reviews of Electoral Arrangements.   Its proposals contain recommendations for councillor numbers in each of Scotland's 32 council areas and the number and boundaries of wards for the election of those councillors.  

21/3/2015

 
Chancellor Did His 'Fuel Duty' - AA

The AA welcomed the extension of the fuel duty 'big freeze' beyond September as it continues relief for drivers hit by pump price surges but also because it warns any future government that they would get a frosty reception if tempted to raise fuel duty in the short term.   However, UK road fuel tax continues to be the highest in the EU.  

21/3/2015

Euro boost for Royal Highland Show

European Commissioner accepts invitation to attend Royal Highland Show.   Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead announced today that the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, has accepted his invitation to attend this year's Royal Highland Show.  

21/3/2015

IAM Aren't 'Sat-Nags'. Let Us Map You to Happy Motoring

This week, the IAM's chief examiner, Peter Rodger, is sharing advice with drivers about operating a satellite navigation system safely.  Here are his top seven tips to help navigate you through your journey.  

21/3/2015

 
Whisky review 257 - Old Pulteney 12yo

Old Pulteney reviewed..  

21/3/2015

Marine economy

Marine Industry contributes £4.5 billion to Scottish economy.   The marine industry was worth £4.5 billion to the economy and employed 45,700 workers in 2012, according to latest report published by Marine Scotland today.  

21/3/2015

Scottish Public Sector Employment

Public Sector Employment Statistics for Scotland, released today by Scotland's Chief Statistician, show that over the year to Q4 2014, employment in the public sector in Scotland has decreased by 24,100 to 545,100.  The decrease is largely due to the National Accounts reclassifications of Lloyds Banking Group plc.  

21/3/2015

Winter plantings steady, moderate increases in some livestock

The results of the December Agricultural Survey show that livestock numbers have generally increased since last year, though poultry numbers fell sharply.   Scotland's Chief Statistician today released the latest results from the December Agricultural Survey.  

21/3/2015

£76 million windfall for Scotland's low carbon economy

Scottish scheme to receive backing from 2014-20 European Structural Funds.   A new £76 million scheme to boost jobs and economic growth in Scotland's low carbon sector was unveiled today.  

21/3/2015

A union of business partners

FM urges Scottish businesses to seize on European opportunities.   Forging new relationships with businesses in Europe will see exports of Scottish goods rise and result in economic growth, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.  

21/3/2015

Workforce gender gap closing

Employment level continues to increase.   Labour Market Statistics published today by the ONS, covering November 2014 to January 2015, show that 2,611,000 people are now in work in Scotland, an increase of 48,000 compared to this time last year.  

21/3/2015

New social security powers

Scottish Government sets out first details on devolved benefits.   Detailed information on the scale and reach of social security benefits to be devolved to Scotland has been published.  

21/3/2015

Further £200m to support health & social care integration

Two-year additional funding package to deliver landmark change.   Funding of £200 million is to be allocated over two years to support the implementation of health and social care integration, the Health Secretary has announced today.