News Archive

1/3/2024

National Care Service Bill - Parliament Agrees General Stage 1 Principles

Legislation which will see the introduction of a National Care Service for Scotland (NCS) has passed Stage 1 in Parliament.   MSPs have voted for the general principles of the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill which will ensure greater transparency in the delivery of community health and social care, improve standards, strengthen the role of the workforce and provide better support for unpaid carers.  

29/2/2024

Takeaway Owner Banned As Company Director For Abusing Covid Loan As The Law Closes In

The takeaway owner applied for a Bounce Back Loan and did not use the funds as declared in his application.   Zaman Shaa fraudulently secured a £30,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan during the pandemic.  

29/2/2024

 
Aqua Nor conference

Three-quarters of Team Scotland cohort expect to see an increase in turnover after attending the Aqua Nor conference.   A collaborative Team Scotland trade mission to Norway is expected to unlock new opportunities and increase turnover for the SMEs involved, according to the organisers of a shared Scottish pavilion at Aqua Nor 2023.  

29/2/2024

 
Scottish Secretary Reacts To GDP For Q4 2023 And December 2023

Alister Jack says boosting business and continuing to drive down inflation is key to long-term growth.   Latest figures show Scotland's onshore GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.4% in December 2023.  

29/2/2024

Labour Calls Out Half Baked National Care Service Bill

Speaking ahead of the Stage One debate on the government's National Care Service bill, Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: "Scottish Labour is steadfast in its support for a National Care Service worthy of the name.  But the botched bill that the SNP, supported by the Greens, is trying to force through parliament is well short of what is needed.  

29/2/2024

 
In Too Deep? The Impact Of The Cost Of Living Crisis On Household Debt

Economists Felicia Odamtten and Simon Pittaway from The Resolution Foundation look at household debt.   Hard economic times and rising interest rates have brought a renewed focus on household debt in recent years, with concerns that more and more families could find themselves overwhelmed by the burden of debt.  

29/2/2024

 
Choose Safe Not Fake Campaign Targets Beauty And Hygiene Counterfeits

The campaign supports the IPO's commitments to raise public understanding, and ultimately respect, for IP rights.   The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has today launched its latest targeted awareness campaign, designed to help tackle consumer demand for counterfeit goods.  

29/2/2024 : Auctioneers

Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 28 February 2024

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (February 28th) sold 3,156 sheep of all classes.   Lambs (1,958) averaged £95.78 and sold to £184 gross for a pen of Cheviot mules from 31 Larel, Halkirk.  

29/2/2024

£31m Committed To Protect Democratic Process

£31 million of new funding to protect democratic processes and enhance security measures for elected representatives.   The government has committed an additional £31 million to protect the UK's democratic processes from disruption and provide new security provisions to elected representatives over the next year.  

29/2/2024

 
Parcelhero's Move Into The £14bn B2b Logistics Market Creates Exciting New Opportunity For Investors

The international delivery expert Parcelhero is introducing Parcelhero Pro, a revolutionary B2B SaaS platform.  Its launch creates a new opportunity for potential investors looking to enter the fast-growing B2B logistics market.  

29/2/2024

Widespread Reforms To Transform Delivery Of Kit To Uks Armed Forces

A new procurement system will see earlier expert assurance of future military programmes, ensuring they deliver for UK forces on the frontline.   Integration, early industry engagement, and exportability at the heart of Spring 2024 reforms.  

29/2/2024

Free Court Transcripts For Rape Victims

Victims in rape and serious sexual assault cases in Scotland will be the first in the UK to have access to transcripts from their court cases free of charge.   The year-long pilot, commencing this week (01/03), will see complainers whose cases are heard in the High Court be eligible to apply for transcripts of what was said in court.  

28/2/2024 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
£24.5m To Secure £350m Inward Investment

Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables Ltd plans to establish major operations in the region, supplying high voltage cables to the growing offshore wind energy sector.   A funding package has been agreed to secure an estimated £350m in inward investment for Scotland, based in the Highlands.  

28/2/2024 : Auctioneers

 
Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd- Sale 27 February 2024

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (February 27th) sold 8 Prime Cattle.   Prime Bullocks (1) averaged 290.0p per kg (+4.9p) and sold to 290.0p per kg and £1,812.50 gross.  

28/2/2024

 
Spittal To Loch Buidhe To Beauly Overhead Line Public Events

SSEN Transmission are hosting a series of public information events across the project route from 11 March to 28 March 2024.   SSEN Transmission are reinforcing the overhead line network from Spittal to Loch Buidhe to Beauly as part of the wider Pathway to 2030 strategy.  

28/2/2024

 
Cutting Back On The Investment And Delivery Of Public Services Is Not What The Economy Needs - Or What The Electorate Wants

The Government's current plans for post-election cuts to public spending look undeliverable given rising prices and increasing demand on services.  As discussed below, plans to cap day-to-day spending increases at 1 per cent (after allowing for inflation) imply very big cuts to departments not covered by existing spending commitments.  

28/2/2024

 
Renters Reminded Of Rights Before Rent Cap Ends

Private renters are being urged to know their rights before the emergency rent cap and additional evictions protections in Scotland come to an end from 1 April 2024.   Tenants in Scotland have some of the strongest rights of any part of the UK.  

28/2/2024

Monthly GDP Estimates For December For Scotland

Scotland's onshore GDP grew by 0.4% in December, according to statistics announced today by the Chief Statistician.  This follows 0.8% contraction in October and no growth (0.0% change) in November.  

28/2/2024

 
New Report Outlines How Pro-innovation Regulation Could Unleash Quantum's Potential For UK Economy

New report by the Regulatory Horizons Council sets out a pro-innovation approach to regulating quantum technologies, setting the stage for safe and effective advancement while cementing the UK's position as a global leader in the technology.   New Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) report showcases progress in delivering the UK's National Quantum Strategy, unlocking its transformative potential.  

28/2/2024

Budget Bill Passes In Scottish Parliament

With all the billions mentioned it is hard to get your head round the fact that many cuts are coming in local councils.   Tomorrow 29 February 2024 Highland will discussed its budget and the cuts being proposed and use of reserves.