New fund to enhance access to vital services and support for disabled people A new fund launched today offers £1.5 million in grants for projects designed to break down barriers and strengthen services that disabled people depend on. The Improving Access Fund is a key part of the Scottish Government's £3 million Disability Equality Plan.
Industrial heartlands and coastal communities across the UK are set to benefit from skilled jobs, economic growth and greater energy security. New deals are announced to accelerate the drive for clean, homegrown power. Prime Minister arrives at COP30 with major vote of confidence from industry to build the UK's clean energy revolution and deliver national renewal.
Sprinklers will become a mandatory requirement for traditional buildings that are newly converted into hotels in Scotland if changes to the law are passed. These follow recommendations from the fatal accident inquiry into the Cameron House Hotel fire in December 2017 which caused the deaths of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson.
‘From empty properties to homes: Bringing houses back into use for Highland communities' The Highland Council's, Housing & Property Committee met today (Wednesday 5 Nov 2025) and agreed a new strategic action plan titled ‘From Empty Properties to Homes', aimed at addressing the issue of long-term empty homes across Highland. The Council’s plan outlines a coordinated approach to bring these homes back into use for individuals and families in need.
Members of Highland Council's Climate Change Committee have welcomed continued progress across a range of projects within the Council’s Net Zero Programme, alongside the approval of four new initiatives to further accelerate action towards a climate-resilient and sustainable Highland. At the meeting, updates were provided on key areas of delivery under the Built Estate & Energy and Social Housing & Housing Revenue Account (HRA) workstreams.
The Housing and Property Committee met on Wednesday 5 Nov 2025 and considered an update on the development of a long-term Financial Strategy for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), including a proposed Rent Strategy for 2026-2031. Members agreed a set of key principles to guide financial planning and rent setting and also recommendations for the upcoming annual tenant rent consultation.
ollowing a detailed review of current housing data and short term let (STL) activity, the Caithness Area Committee has agreed that there is currently no justification for establishing a Short Term Let Control Area in Caithness. The report presented to members at their meeting held on Monday 3 November 2025 shows that only 2% of potential dwellings in Caithness are licensed as STLs - significantly below the Highland-wide average of 6%.
A free, downloadable PDF guide helps food and drink wholesale businesses in Scotland understand climate risks and take practical steps to build their resilience. The guide offers industry-focused advice on how to prepare for rising temperatures, increased rainfall and flooding, extreme temperatures, supply chain risk and more.
Attend this free online workshop, from Scottish Enterprise, to learn how employee ownership offers a tax efficient exit route that protects your company's legacy. Ensure you get a competitive price for the business.
The Highland Council's latest Revenue Budget Monitoring Report (Q2 2025-26) paints a picture of cautious progress amid ongoing financial strain. The Health Social Care & Wellbeing Committee meets on 12 November 2025 to scrutinise progress and agree ongoing monitoring of placement numbers and service transformation.
This Scottish Government partnership programme provides support to help businesses start using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. You'll learn about the benefits of using AI technologies and get insight into whether your business or social enterprise would benefit from using AI technologies as part of your business activities.
Release programme includes exclusions and governor vetoes. The Scottish Parliament has approved plans to release some short-term prisoners early due to rising prison numbers.
Welcome to London - a global capital of culture and connection - and to WTM 2025. It's wonderful to see so many tourism ministers, industry leaders, innovators, and partners gathering here to shape the future of world travel and tourism.
Landmark legislation has been approved to help create new small landholdings to increase farming opportunities and bring agricultural tenancy law into the 21st century. The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, passed by Parliament, grants greater protections for tenant farmers and small landholders and safeguarding fair compensation should they be removed from their holding.
Highland Council's Climate Change Committee has agreed the Council’s 2024/25 Annual Report under Public Bodies Climate Change Duties, reaffirming its commitment to achieving Net Zero while recognising the complex balance between service delivery, community needs, and long-term decarbonisation. The report shows that total operational emissions for 2024/25 were 34,893 tonnes of CO₂e — a 5% rise compared to the previous year.
The Railways Bill will help create Great British Railways (GBR) - a new, publicly owned company that prioritises passengers and their experiences. On 5 November 2025 Heidi Alexander MP published a consultation response: A Railway Fit for Britain's Future and introduced the Railways Bill to Parliament.
The UK Carrier Strike Group will strengthen NATO security through major exercises in the Mediterranean following five months in the Indo-Pacific region. Defence Minister Alistair Carns and Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, welcomed the ships and crews as they return to European waters. Ships and personnel to participate in major NATO exercises after five months in Indo-Pacific. Deployment reinforces UK commitment to European security and NATO leadership. Italian-led Exercise ‘Falcon Strike' will see cutting edge UK and Italian F-35s operating side-by-side. The UK Carrier Strike Group will strengthen NATO security through major exercises in the Mediterranean following five months in the Indo-Pacific region.
We review our fees every year to make sure they're set at the right level and reflect the cost of delivering our services. From 1 February 2026, some of our fees will be changing.
A new 5-year strategy sets out the agency's aims to support economic growth by improving corporate transparency and protecting businesses and individuals from harm. Companies House has laid out an ambitious vision for its future designed to boost economic growth, by continuing to transform itself into a more active gatekeeper over its data and take further steps to crack down on economic crime.
A new ‘cyber observatory' to help protect Scotland’s public bodies from online threats will be set up as part of a package of measures to promote the country’s cyber-security. A newly published refreshed Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland details actions and support to help people, businesses and organisations across Scotland, including local authorities, NHS boards and schools to recognise and prepare for inevitable cyber threats and ensure that Scotland stays ahead of the ever-growing cyber risk.
