News Archive

4/11/2011

Council Wants Bids To Replace Footbridge

Council seeks contractor for replacement footbridge at Highland beauty spot.   The Highland Council is inviting contractors to express their interest in a contract for replacement of the suspension footbridge at Rogie Falls near Contin.  

3/11/2011 : Libraries, Museums & Galleries

The Challenges Facing Britain's Libraries

In recent weeks a corner of north-west London has become an unlikely battleground, with scenes that could eventually play out across the country.   Brent Council's decision to close six of its 12 libraries has been met with a staunch protest movement and on-going legal challenges, but following an approval from high court judges the council looks to be finally getting its way.  

3/11/2011 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration P'Ship - Update

Week commencing 24th October: Energy: Following last week's announcement of a consultation on revised ROC bandings for renewable energy sources, further positive news for the wave and tidal industry in the form of a Scottish Government announcement that £18M is to be made available to "improve capability and infrastructure, as well as helping fund technology solutions and the roll out of marine arrays".  The Scottish Government is to consult with the industry about the nature of projects to be supported by the fund.  

3/11/2011 : Local Authority

Highland Recycling Rates Best Yet

Recycling rate tops 40% for the first time thanks to public support.   The Highland public is being congratulated for helping The Highland Council achieve for the first time a recycling rate of more than 40 per cent.  

3/11/2011

Government sets out its offer on public service pensions

The Government today set out details of its offer to workers on public service pensions.  This new offer will mean that while most workers will still have to work longer and pay more, the pension that most low and middle earners working a full career will receive pension benefits at least as good, if not better, than they get now.  

3/11/2011

Go Ahead For Ambitious University Plans

Beechwood campus plans at Inverness approved.   The Highland Council's Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Planning Applications Committee has unanimously approved a number of outstanding issues surrounding plans by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to establish an educational campus at Beechwood, Inverness.  

3/11/2011

Beatrice Offshore Windfarm - Public Information Event In Wick

Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (BOWL) is the joint venture partnership formed between SSE Renewables (75%) and Repsol (25%) (formerly SeaEnergy Renewables).  In February 2009.  

3/11/2011

Three Steps To Happier Home-working

Do you work at home or take your work home with you? You are not alone.  In the US almost 50% of workers take their work home.  

3/11/2011

Online government services - don't get conned

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is investigating websites that charge people for government services that are available directly from government, either at no cost or for a lower fee.   A number of private services have been set up online, which often sound and look like the official service.  

2/11/2011 : Local Authority

 
Appointment of Director of Finance in Highland

Derek Yule was Head of Finance and Section 95 Officer in Aberdeenshire Council, has been appointed Director of Finance with The Highland Council.   He started in his new post with highland Council opn m,onday 31st October 2011 He will take over as Director of Finance from Alan Geddes, who retires at the end of September after 40 years in local government and 13 in his current post.  

2/11/2011

Funding Alert - Climate Challenge Fund

GENERAL The 9th round of the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) opened recently £10.3m is available in Scotland for projects that help communities tackle climate change by reducing their carbon emissions Maximum grants of £150k are available but, in previous rounds, the awards have been significantly less than the maximum amount: a few thousand or tens of thousands of pounds rather than hundreds of thousands of pounds The application deadline date is 2nd December 2011 Funded projects must be completed by 31st March 2015 WHAT IS IT? CCF applications will be judged against three main criteria:- · Communities must be at the heart of the decision-making processes · Funded activities funded must lead to significant and measurable CO2 emissions · Funded activities must result in a positive legacy for the community In the current round, a proportion of the funding will be allocated to the Junior Climate Challenge Fund for projects that help under 18s become involved in a low carbon future.   Both revenue and capital funding is available.  

31/10/2011 : Agriculture & Associated Services

Aberdeen & Northern Marts - Quoybrae Sale 31/10/2011

Monday 31st October 2011 QUOYBRAE, Aberdeen and Northern Marts (October 31st) sold 145 store and breeding cattle.   Bullocks (65) averaged 181.7p per kg to 234p for two 312kg Charolais from J A C Campbell, Mayfield, Weydale, Thurso and £1,000 gross for a 537kg Simmental from Mrs A Flockhart, Sunray Cottage, Huna, Wick.  

31/10/2011

Ranger Services In Scotland Make A Difference

Ranger services across the country make a big difference to the people and nature of Scotland, a new report by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has confirmed.   Working with people to help them enjoy, understand and care for the outdoors, the report recognises the vital part ranger services play in helping to improve public health, well-being and supporting the economy.  

30/10/2011 : Agriculture & Associated Services

New Edition of SAC Farm Management Handbook

High Prices and High Costs Make Business Planning Essential The continued high costs of livestock feeds mean merchants no longer have stocks of materials available at discount (as many did last winter).   In the new 32nd edition of SAC's Farm Management Handbook the budgeted cost of feed and forage for beef finishers is 35% higher than anticipated this time last year.  

27/10/2011 : Local Authority

Changes to Council Planning Committees and Working Groups

At a meeting of The Highland Council held earlier today (Thursday 27 October 2011) Members voted to reduce the current three Planning Application Committees to two - a North Planning Application Committee and a South Planning Application Committee.   The new structure will come in to affect in January next year.  

27/10/2011 : Other Public Services

Get Ready For Winter Campaign kicks off

Northern Constabulary is this weekend taking part in the national, ACPOS-led Get Ready For Winter Campaign.   The awareness raising weekend begins concludes on Halloween (31 October 2011).  

27/10/2011 : Local Authority

Council highlights adverse impact of UK welfare changes

Highland Councillors have voiced their grave concerns at "Draconian" changes in welfare payments planned by the UK Government through the Welfare Reform Bill.   Councillors David Chisholm (Dingwall and Seaforth) and Bill Barclay (Black Isle) successfully presented a motion to the Council requesting that a letter be sent to the Scottish Government asking them to refuse to legislate on those aspects of the Bill which relate to devolved matters.  

27/10/2011 : Bakers

 
Cakes By Carrie-Anne

Christmas, Celebration, Wedding and Novelty cakes.   I produce freshly made cakes and pastries for every occasion.  

27/10/2011 : Auctioneers

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 27th October 2011

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October, 27th) sold 5,271 store sheep.  Lambs (3,119) averaged £50.73 and sold to £75.50 gross for Texel crosses from Peallaig, Dingwall.  

26/10/2011 : Gifts, Crafts & Arts

 
Local Artwork For Christmas

Artisan Caithness - Hand crafted with originality Artisan Caithness, based in Gills, will be at Mey Market on 25th October, 8th, 22nd November, and at the Christmas Special on 4th December, as well as Castlehill pre-Christmas fair on 12th November.   Selling original paintings, prints, cards, felt sculptures, earrings, and semi-precious stone necklaces, a wide choice of individual gifts for Christmas.