Rural Affairs Secretary looks ahead to 2014. “2014 will be a truly momentous year for Scottish farming and our nation.
Minister to host business events across Scotland. Minister for Learning Alasdair Allan will host a series of business events to discuss the benefits of Curriculum for Excellence to employers.
Scots urged to remain vigilant on commute. As the return to work and school begins, a multi-agency response team remains vigilant to help keep the vast majority of Scots on the move, said Transport Minister Keith Brown.
Thurso High School, which was damaged on Christmas Eve during a storm, is to reopen to all pupils and staff on Monday 6 January On 24 December a large section of the roof of the 802 pupil school was blown off during high winds. The school was closed for the Christmas holidays at the time and no one was injured but some damage was reported to private cars in the neighbouring area.
The creation of the most northerly distillery on mainland Britain is moving forward as work is due to begin at Dunnet in Caithness. Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd are building a new micro gin distillery, using botanicals which will showcase and promote the heritage and provenance of Caithness and the Highlands.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December, 31st) sold 69 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (27) averaged 237p (+7.1p) and sold to 280p per kg for a 620kg Limousin cross from Newton of Ferintosh, Conon Bridge, and £1,810.50 gross for a 710kg Charolais cross from Wester Craiglands, Fortrose.
Scottish businesses urged to prepare for new rules on waste. With just a few days to go before 2014, businesses and public sector organisations across Scotland are being reminded new Waste (Scotland) Regulations are coming into force on 1 January.
The ten-year campaign to mount a community purchase of the Pairc Estate is now firmly in the hands of the community after a funding package was put in place to allow local residents to buy the 26,775 acre area of land on the Isle of Lewis, Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse announced today. The Pairc Trust will receive £230,000 from the Scottish Land Fund that will allow it to complete the purchase of the Pairc Estate, which was backed by the community at a recent public meeting.
First Minister calls on Prime Minister to return CAP funds to Scotland. The UK Governments failure to pass on hundreds of millions of Euros rightfully due to Scottish farmers in EU payments is a bitter blow that has caused understandable furore across Scotland, First Minister Alex Salmond has told David Cameron.
A large section of Thurso High School roof has been blown off with the high winds. Police and Highland Council staff are in attendance and Ormlie Road has been closed.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December, 24th) sold 51 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (29) averaged 229.9p (-1.7p) and sold to 240p per kg and £1,780 gross.
Poultry plan aims to deliver sustainable and profitable future. A premium brand for Scottish chicken could be created to safeguard the future of the Scotland’s poultry sector, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has confirmed.
More than 17,400 Scottish farmers and crofters will have received their Single Farm Payments in time for Christmas, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has confirmed. The latest payment run of £1.6 million to 140 farmers will reach bank accounts today (Tuesday December 24, 2013) – meaning a total pre-Christmas boost to Scotland’s rural economy of about £424 million.
Scottish GPs will have more time to spend with patients after changes to their contact were given the green light. The changes, agreed with BMA Scotland, aims to reduce bureaucracy and give doctors more time to focus on the needs of their patients.
A report for Highland Councillors has highlighted the early results from the 2011 Census which shows that the population of the Highlands has grown over the last decade by 11.1%, with the strongest population growth taking place in the Inverness South and Aird and Loch Ness Wards. The report also highlights that across the Highlands there is a large number of people in the 55 to 65 age group which means the area should see a steady increase in the number of retired people over the coming years.
2013 has seen the Council receive its largest number of major pre-application enquiries in connection with renewable energy projects. In total 38 potential applications have been presented to the Planning and Development Service - an increase of 10 from those processed in 2012.
The Highland Council is to step up security at its Inverness headquarters as the result of a recent break-in. The Council has commissioned a security firm to patrol the building during the day and through the night to deter intruders.
Scottish Water is taking the opportunity during this mild spell of weather to remind customers to ensure homes and businesses are protected and prepared for winter. Protect your pipes - Be prepared, is Scottish Water’s winter message, asking customers to protect their pipes, be prepared and heat, insulate and protect their home and business.
Ship will lay 20 fibre optic undersea cables across Highlands and Islands in BTs biggest ever subsea project in UK territorial waters. BT has awarded three firms a 26.9 million contract for an ambitious subsea cabling project which will help deliver fast, fibre broadband to the Highlands and Islands.
Scotland first country in UK to ensure continued protection of shellfish waters. New legislation comes into force today to ensure the continued protection of Scottish shellfish growing waters.