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..
Starting a New business? Find out what deductions, reliefs and allowances you can claim to help reduce what tax you pay..
Whether you’re starting or growing your new business, find out how we can help make your business idea a reality. For assistance with your new or existing business, call 0845 609 6611 or request a call back.
Check out www.highland-opportunity.com. The business of HOL is that of an Enterprise Trust for the Highlands – a body whose purpose is to stimulate economic activity, promote the start up and growth of business ventures including social enterprises, to help create new jobs, improve access to employment and foster business activity and trade.
Any business looking to expand to take on new employees would do well to check out what is on offer at Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE). www.hie.co.uk.
Week commencing 7th January 2013 Energy: The new year brings further good news from Subsea 7 as it secures another significant contract which will help maintain its current workforce of around 120 at Wester, near Wick. The contract, for Dana Petroleum, will involve pipeline construction for Dana's Harris and Barra fields located to the east of Shetland.