Scottish regional airport operator HIAL ended the year on a high with an increase in passengers in December and in 2012 as a whole. Latest figures show that HIAL’s 11 airports handled 1,283,362 passengers in 2012, an increase of 3.1% on the previous year.
The Leader of The Highland Council Councillor Drew Hendry met with First Minister Alex Salmond today (Friday 18 Jan 2013) to discuss the key issues that are facing the Highlands. Meeting at Inverness, Council Leader Drew Hendry highlighted the Council’s priorities, giving an update on progress of projects and initiatives throughout the vast area covered by the Council.
Cod quota for Scottish fishermen will remain unchanged in 2013 following the conclusion of the successful bilateral negotiations between the EU and Norway. This EU-Norway agreement has substantial implications for Scotland fishing industry both at sea and onshore – including 2013 quota decisions on North Sea cod, haddock, whiting and herring, as well as the setting of a catch limit for mackerel in the ongoing absence of agreement with Iceland and Faroes.
Crofting Connections, a unique crofting project for children and young people in the Highlands and Islands, will launch its second phase Plockton High School today (Friday 18 January). 2013 The launch event will be addressed by Minister for Learning Dr Alasdair Allan and attended by pupils, teachers, crofters, MSPs and representatives from the Crofting Commission and the Scottish Crofting Federation.
New support for young people to gain vocational qualifications and to work in the arts and creative industries 80 paid graduate internships and up to 23 Modern Apprenticeships to take place thanks to new Youth Employment Programme. Young entrepreneurs also supported.
Scottish Water’s charges will rise this April for the first time in four years - but below the rate of inflation. The combined water supply and waste water collection charges for the 2.4 million households across Scotland will increase by a below inflation 2.8 per cent, the first increase since 2009.
The Crown Estate announced it is considering investing in the UK’s first wave and tidal stream array projects, in support of its strategy to encourage growth of the emerging industry. This follows a report last year which found there is potential for tens of gigawatts of wave and tidal projects around the UK.
Members of The Highland Council’s Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee have agreed that the Council will continue to provide advice and support to privately owned facilities which have been affected by the storm surge. Members were informed today (Thursday) that the extent of damage to 24 Council harbour facilities and coastal defences during the 14/15 December 2012 storm is likely to exceed the current estimate of £2.555 million.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts, (January, 16th) sold 3,531 sheep of all classes. Lambs (1,785) averaged £38.82 and sold to £63 gross for Texels from Ravensview, Achterneed.
The Highland Council has produced a proposed strategy for growth for the public and private sectors over the next five years to ensure Highland climbs out of recession with a stronger and more sustainable economic base and having the potential for growth. Following approval of the draft Plan at todays (Wednesday 16 January) Planning, Environment and Development Committee, it will now go out to key public and private sector partners for wider consultation before being adopted.
With the arrival of low temperatures and snow in Scotland, Scottish Water is reminding people to ensure their properties are protected and to play safe around watercourses. We are asking householders and businesses to ensure that their properties are protected and urging them to follow Scottish Water’s winter code - a set of simple steps to protect your pipes, be prepared and heat, insulate and protect your property - whether it’s your home, a holiday home or business premises.
Transport Minister Keith Brown has received reassurances from Transport Scotland that robust plans are in place to minimise disruption during the main Kessock Bridge repairs starting next month. Following unforeseen delays due to the Longman Roundabout advance works earlier this week, Mr Brown had requested assurances that sufficient plans were in place to ensure the situation would not be repeated during the main resurfacing works on the bridge.
The Scottish Government will not impose changes to the starting salaries of police officers in Scotland. Following the announcement that Home Secretary Theresa May has agreed to cut starting salaries for police constables in England and Wales by £4,000 to £19,000, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:"The Scottish Government did not commission the Winsor Review which relates to policing in England and Wales.
There has been another significant fall in the number of people assessed as homeless in Scotland, Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess announced yesterday. Official statistics released today show that there were 10,269 applications for homelessness assistance between July and September 2012 – down 13 per cent from 11,604 in the same period the previous year.
Ackergill Tower, Wick 25/01/2013 to 27/01/2013. Come and join us this Burns Night at Ackergill Tower and celebrate in true Scottish Style.
Work on the new Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan will begin later this month. As part of this the communities of Wick and Thurso will each have a unique opportunity to shape the future of their community and influence future development decisions in the area.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (January, 15th) sold 46 prime cattle. Prime bullocks (22) averaged 209.1p (+1.0p) and sold to 217p per kg and £1,472.90 gross.
Work prospects for young Scots are being boosted with Scottish Water launching a number of schemes to provide training and employment opportunities. The utility's Modern Apprentice programme now has 77 young people enrolled, working across the business from operations to engineering, customer service and science.
Police appeal following report of a man being struck by a vehicle in Thurso on Saturday Police are appealing for witnesses following an alleged report that a man was struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Saturday morning(12 January 2013) in Thurso. The incident is reported to have taken place shortly after 03:00 hours in the Millbank Road area of Thurso.
A Business Gateway film suggesting ways to finance your business..