The finalists in Skills Development Scotland's Modern Apprenticeship Awards include a rugby coach, a plumber, a joiner, two welders and a hotel housekeeper. Also in the running for this year's Awards are employers from Shetland and Dumfries, two Lanarkshire colleges, national companies BT and Scottish Gas, local authorities and housing associations.
Moray Task Force quizzes Secretary of State for Scotland over RAF base closures and calls for PM to face communities. The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore met with members of the new Moray Task Force in Elgin today to hear of the concerns for the area's future.
Government announces successful bid for superfast broadband for Highlands and Islands Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) today [Wednesday, 20 October, 2010] welcomed the news that its bid for UK Government funding to deliver superfast broadband in some of Scotland's most rural areas had met with success. HIE Chief Executive Alex Paterson said he was delighted that the strengths of the Highlands and Islands' case for funding had been recognised.
Scottish Government welcomes success for Highlands and Islands superfast broadband bid The Scottish Government has expressed its ambitions for Scotland's digital future, aiming for availability of superfast broadband throughout the whole of Scotland by 2020. Published today, the Government's position paper - 'A Digital Ambition for Scotland' - also sets out an ambition that the rate of broadband uptake in Scotland should at least match the UK average by 2013, and should be the highest among the UK nations by 2015.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October, 20th) sold 634 weaned calves and store cattle and 76 OTM cattle. Stot calves (295) averaged 174.4p and sold to 216.4p per kg for a 305kg Limousin cross from Kildun, Dingwall.
Those intent on dropping litter and fly tipping are being given advance notice that enforcement teams will be in Dingwall, Fort William and Inverness over the next two weeks beginning on Monday 25 October - and they will be adopting a zero tolerance approach. Anyone found dropping litter or fly-tipping will be presented with an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice of £50.
The Highland Council has launched its 'Reduce Water Waste' campaign today, which aims to raise awareness and promote water minimisation in schools and amongst all council staff and Members. While we each use 150 litres of water every day, we waste a third of this! Reducing our water use will: * Save money and energy * Reduce our carbon emissions * Contribute to the continuing health of our valuable ecosystems Visit www.highland.gov.uk/waterminimisation for more information on water use, the impacts of water waste and useful tips on how you can reduce it! The website also contains water conservation information, tips, fun activities and games for kids.
Plans to protect housing stock approved Steps to prevent shortages of affordable housing in Highland have been announced today. The Highland Council's application to extend and expand 'pressured areas' status has been approved by the Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil.
The Government has today put plans before Parliament to protect two cornerstones of British life - the Royal Mail and the Post Office. The Postal Services Bill will be scrutinised and debated by the House of Commons in the coming months, before being considered by the House of Lords.
Thinking of starting your own business in the next few months, or developing your existing business? Then contact Jennifer Irvine, Regional Development Officer, Business Gateway, Caithness. Call 01955 605360 (mobile 07921758450).
Orkney jewellery designers and creators Aurora have their Thurso shop window under wraps this week as international designer Simon Costin prepares a display to mark the Royal National Mod. The world-class art director arrives in Caithness on Wednesday (6 October), fresh from Milan Fashion Week, to dress the window.
HRH THE DUKE OF ROTHESAY TO VISIT 107th ROYAL NATIONAL Ṃd CAITHNESS EVENT RECEIVES ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL Am Ṃd Nàiseanta Ŕoghail (The Royal National Ṃd), Scotland's premier festival celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, will this year play host to a very special visitor, HRH The Duke of Rothesay. On Thursday 14th October, HRH The Duke of Rothesay will visit the nine day celebration of Gaelic music, dance, drama, arts and literature, meeting local Gaelic and Caithness organisations, listening to Gaelic music and presenting the prestigious Gold Medals.
ROYAL NATIONAL MOD ANNOUNCES EXCITING FOOD AND DRINK LINE UP FOR OCTOBER EVENT WICK MARKET CALLS OUT FOR MORE CULINARY EXHIBITORS - Helping to celebrate Scotland's Year of Food and Drink, Am Ṃd Nàiseanta Ŕoghail (The Royal National Ṃd), Scotland's premier festival celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, which is taking place in Caithness in October 2010, has announced the details of its food and drink programme. The nine day celebration of Gaelic music, dance, drama, arts and literature, running from Friday 8th until Saturday 16th October, is set to attract thousands of spectators to the Caithness towns of Wick and Thurso, two of the most northerly points of mainland Scotland.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October, 1st) sold 8,909 store lambs including 1,173 sheep on behalf of Lewis Livestock Producers. Lambs (7,638) averaged £46.92 and sold to £100 gross for a Texel lamb from Bogallan, North Kessock.
More than 270 fragments of nuclear fuel have been recovered from the seabed since the latest phase of offshore clean-up got underway at the start of August. Of the 279 recovered to date, 40 fragments have been categorised as a "significant risk" to health, with the remainder falling into lower levels of radioactivity.
Don't be caught out by 'free' offers and trials online warns Highland Council Trading Standards Highland Council Trading Standards are warning other consumers to be on their guard when responding to online classified adverts or advertising features after hearing from Highland consumer, Ms Jessica Thomas. Ms Thomas was attracted to an advertising article online promoting Acai berries as a slimming aid.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (September, 30th) sold 6,085 breeding and store sheep. Gimmers (619) averaged £113.32 and sold to £150 gross for Cheviots from Greenacres, Barbaraville.
Scotland's Chief Statistician today published a range of statistics from a Scottish Government survey of the size, value, condition, capacity and running costs of the school estate in Scotland. For the first time this year, the publication brings together consistent data on school rebuilds and refurbishments over the last three financial years.
A consultation is underway that may affect Caithness. If you wish to have your say on the changes got to the Scottish Government web site at - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/09/06152625/0 Responses to this consultation paper are required by 1st December 2010.
Scotland's Chief Statistician today published statistics relating to the pre-appeal attainment of pupils in Scottish schools at national and education authority levels. The statistics relate to further analysis of the August 2010 SQA pre-appeal exam results and present cumulative attainment in 4th, 5th and 6th year for pupils in publicly funded secondary schools.
