Users of the A9 will welcome the news that a preferred option has been chosen for the challenging hairpin bend at Berriedale Braes on the northernmost part of Scotland’s longest trunk road. A public exhibition is being held today at Berriedale (2nd April 2014) to give people the opportunity to view the proposals and provide their comments.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April, 2nd) sold 1,094 store cattle and 28 OTM cattle. Bullocks (714) averaged 244.4p and sold to 312.2p per kg for a pen of 378kg a Limousin crosses from Westburn, Thurso, and £1,400 gross for a pair of 575kg Limousin crosses from Woodend, Muir of Ord.
Highland Opportunity this week hosted 24 delegates at a Round Table event in Inverness as part of StArt-App – a €400,000 project aimed at providing young people and adults with tools to enable them to start up and continue in business in the cultural and creative sectors. The only British partner in the project, Highland Opportunity hosted workshops, research and discussion events, and a reception at Inverness Town House for delegates from nine European project partners from Italy, Greece, Denmark, Hungary, Portugal and Croatia.
Scotland Agriculture Statistics show a fall in farm incomes in Scotland. The average incomes of Scottish farm businesses fell by 34 per cent to £30,000 in the 2012 accounting year, compared to the previous 12 months.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (April, 1st) sold 74 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (49) averaged 212.4p (-6.7p) and sold to 243p per kg and £1,596.00 gross.
The Highland Council today (Tuesday 1st April 2014) welcomes the commencement of the High Hedges (Scotland) Act, which brings into being new powers to resolve high hedge disputes between neighbours. Subject to certain criteria, people across Highland are now able to apply to the Council for a 'High Hedge Notice' where a hedge on neighbouring property is having an adverse impact on the enjoyment of their home or garden as a result of loss of light.
Highland and Islands Divisional Commander delighted with progress made during first year of Police Scotland. The Divisional Commander for the Highlands and Islands, Chief Superintendent Julian Innes is delighted with the positive progress made during the first year of Police Scotland and has confirmed that crime continues to decrease.
110 new jobs to be created. Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister, today announced the investment of £1.5 million Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) and the creation of 110 new jobs by a global oil and gas contractor, Clough in Glasgow.
Thousands of jobs to be created through investment in building projects. The Scottish Government Infrastructure Investment plan – which delivers housing, hospitals, schools and transport infrastructure projects – is set to see a further £1 billion worth of investment.
North Scottish Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has welcomed the increase of the living wage for public workers across the Highlands and Islands and Scotland, but has demanded that the Scottish Government close the low pay loophole so that it can be extended to more workers. The living wage is now set at £7.65 and hour, which represents to a full time minimum wage worker the Highlands and Islands an increase of over £2,500 a year.
CFP (Cavendish Fluor Partnership) named as preferred bidder in £multi-billion nuclear decommissioning contract. (This does not include Dounreay and the new contract refers only to the Magnox sites) Savings of at least £1 billion in the decommissioning programme of 12 nuclear sites are anticipated after the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) today named the Cavendish Fluor Partnership as the Preferred Bidder in the competition to take ownership of Magnox Ltd and Research Sites Restoration Ltd (RSRL).
Works have been going on at the Inner Basin of Gills Harbour, on the North coast of Caithness, during the past few weeks. The project, which is being undertaken mostly using large back-hoe excavators, is mainly aimed at removing boulders and loose jagged rocks from the Basin's sea-floor.
Week commencing 24th March 2014 Energy & Business Services: Following last week’s news of consents given to the two offshore wind developments in the Moray Firth, SSE has this week announced its major review of offshore wind commitments in the UK. Whilst the company has announced plans to scale back investment in renewables, the good news is that investment in a 375MW Beatrice project will continue, with further key project decision points expected at the end of 2014 and in early 2016.
From April, Riverbank Medical Practice in Thurso will become a salaried practice run by NHS Highland. The practice, which has a patient list of 6000, has been managed by NHS Highland since December 2012 but advertising for an individual or group to take over the practice was not successful so the Board will now take on responsibility for the practice on a permanent basis.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts, (March, 26th) sold 2,177 sheep of all classes. Lambs (652) averaged £57.60 and sold to £90 gross for Texel crosses from Heathmount, Tain.
The Leader of The Highland Council Councillor Drew Hendry has praised the “stunning” success of the Council’s Homeless Prevention team in achieving a 53% reduction in homeless presentations and a 33% reduction in the use of temporary accommodation since their creation in June 2011. Speaking at the Highland Homelessness conference in Nairn today (Wednesday) Councillor Hendry revealed that the team has worked with 4,269 households, recording a 65% "success" rate in terms of homeless presentations prevented.
INGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March, 25th) sold 51 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (33) averaged 219.1p (+5.8p) and sold to 237p per kg and £1,545.75 gross.
Notice of Pre-Planning Application Community Consultation Event for proposals by JOG 2 Ltd: John O’ Groats mixed use development, application for planning consent in principal for land between A836 and John O’Groats Harbour. Dates: Wednesday 2nd & Thursday 3rd April 2014 Times: 10am – 7pm Wednesday 10am – 3pm Thursday Venue: Corporate Residence, Natural Retreats Residences Further information and comments on the proposal can be made by post up to 10th April 2014 to: GLM Building Surveyors & Architects, 58 Castle St., Edinburgh EH2 3LU Please Note: Any comments are not to be made as representations to the Highland Council..
A new leadership group has been set up to drive forward a Highland Science Academy that will be a catalyst for bringing new jobs and ground-breaking educational and IT advances to the region. The move brings together The Highland Council, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the University of the Highlands and Islands in a landmark partnership that will deliver a new and innovative programme of work-based learning, ranging from pre-school to higher education.
Transport Scotland are holding a public exhibition for the A9 Improvement at Berriedale Braes. The exhibition will take place between 12 and 7pm on the 2nd of April 2014 at Berriedale Church.