News Archive

2/12/2023

 
Dr John Campbell - Vitamin A And Mystery Pneumonia

Vitamin A has several important functions helping natural defence against illness and infection (immune system) work properly.   helping vision in dim light keeping skin and the lining of some parts of the body, such as the nose, healthy.  

1/12/2023

 
Baldur's Gate 3 Became The Surprise Hit Of 2023 By Upending Conventional Wisdom About What Gives Video Games Broad Appeal

Few predicted that the smash hit video game of 2023 would feature old-school game mechanics, hours of brooding cutscenes and a vexing learning curve.   Yet "Baldur's Gate 3," a 20-year-old title based on a 50-year-old role-playing game, has already become one of the highest-rated video games of all time.  

1/12/2023

New Planning Rules To Boost Solar Rollout And Slash Energy Bills

Homeowners will be able to install rooftop solar panels more easily without costly planning delays.   Homes and businesses will be able to install rooftop solar panels more easily, under new rules announced on 30 November 2023.  

1/12/2023

Alcohol Marketing Consultation - Further Discussions To Be Held On Reducing Alcohol Harm

The Scottish Government will hold more talks with public health stakeholders and the alcohol industry early next year to discuss ways of limiting young people's exposure to alcohol promotions.   The development comes following publication of the Scottish Government's recent consultation analysis on restricting alcohol advertising and promotions.  

1/12/2023

 
COP28 Begins - 4 Issues That Will Determine If The UN Climate Summit Is A Success, From Methane To Money

The United Nations climate conference is underway in Dubai, and representatives from around the world will be confronting an extraordinary array of challenges over its two weeks.  They carry with them some long-held - and new - grievances, and strong expectations.  

1/12/2023

 
As Plastic Production Grows, Treaty Negotiations To Reduce Plastic Waste Are Stuck In Low Gear

Plastic pollution has spread to Earth's farthest reaches, with widespread effects on wildlife, the environment and human health.  To curb this problem, U.N.  

1/12/2023

 
Heat Pump Applications Surge After Increase In Government Grant

New applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme surged, after the government increased its grant for installing a new heat pump to £7,500.   New figures show applications for Boiler Upgrade Scheme tripled in the week after grants increased to £7,500.  

1/12/2023

Attention Company Directors - File Your Accounts Early This December To Avoid A Penalty

All limited companies, whether they trade or not, must deliver accounts to Companies House each year.  This includes dormant companies.  

1/12/2023

 
CMA Sets Out Autumn Update In Review Of Competition In Groceries Sector

Some branded suppliers have pushed up prices by more than their costs increased, but in most cases, shoppers can find cheaper alternatives.   CMA to examine further whether ineffective competition in the baby formula market could be leading to parents paying higher prices.  

1/12/2023

 
Record National Insurance Cut Arrives On 6 January 2024

27 million employees to receive largest ever cut to National Insurance on 6 January 2024.   The House of Commons has debated the National Insurance Contributions (Reduction in Rates) Bill, with the average employee and self-employed set to get an extra £450 a year and £350 a year £9 billion a year tax cut means that personal taxes on the average salary are set to be lower in the UK than every other major economy The Bill was debated throughout the day with Members voting on the Bill.  

1/12/2023

Working Hand-in-hand With Business

The voice of business is being heard at the heart of government, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray has told industry leaders.   Addressing the Scottish Chambers of Commerce annual dinner in Glasgow, Mr Gray said he was committed to strengthening the partnership with business and consulting on policy.  

1/12/2023

 
Moneyfacts Year in Review 2023 - Mortgages

Following on from the turbulence of late 2022, some average mortgage rates in 2023 have reached levels not seen since (and in some instances, before) the 2008 global financial crisis.  With significant fluctuation having occurred across interest rates and product availability alike, Moneyfacts offers its analysis of the mortgage market in 2023.  

30/11/2023

Bank of Scotland To Close Mobile Banking Services

The Bank of Scotland have announced they will close it mobile banking service from May 2024.   The nearest in the north are services for Helmsdale and Dornoch.  

30/11/2023

 
A Virgin PR Bubble Burst - Why The World's First Flight Powered Entirely By Sustainable Aviation Fuel Is A Green Mirage

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off from Heathrow on November 28 and head for JFK airport in New York, powered by so-called sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).  According to its operator, Virgin Atlantic, the world's "first 100% SAF flight" will mark "a historic moment in aviation's roadmap to decarbonisation".  

30/11/2023

The Role Of Privately Held Firms In Income Inequality - Read This And You May Understand How The Rich Have More Choices On Paying Tax Or Not

We study the role of privately held firms in income inequality in Finland, especially looking at the the role of retained earnings.   Business owners of privately held firms have multiple opportunities to decide how much taxable income to take out from their firm and how much to retain within the firm.  

30/11/2023 : Local Authority

Improving Behaviour Issues - Funding To Address Problems At The Root

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has announced £900,000 in new funding for staff to tackle poor behaviour and attendance in schools.   The funding will be provided directly to local authorities to train support staff to respond to new challenges and develop behaviour management strategies in schools post COVID.  

30/11/2023

Government Introduces New Post Office Compensation Bill For The Biggest Miscarriage Of Justice Ever In UK

The government has today introduced the Post Office (Horizon System) Compensation Bill to the House of Commons.   New legislation will ensure all those exposed to the IT scandal do not miss out on compensation.  

30/11/2023

 
Have Your Say On The NDA Social Impact And Communities Strategy

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has launched its Social Impact and Communities Strategy for consultation until 21 February 2024.   On Wednesday 29 November 2023, the NDA has opened its updated Social Impact and Communities Strategy for consultation, which will run for a period of 12 weeks until Wednesday 21 February 2024.  

30/11/2023

£29 Million Bank Scams Prevented - Fraudsters stopped in their tracks

Criminals have been prevented from fraudulently withdrawing around £29 million from bank accounts over the last five years, according to a report into serious organised crime in Scotland.   The report by Scotland's Serious Organised Crime Taskforce (SOCT) updates on the success of the Banking Protocol since its launch in 2018.  

29/11/2023 : Local Authority

 
New Bins For All - Waste Services Projects In Highland

Members at today's (29 November 2023) Communities and Place Committee were updated on a series of Waste Projects and approved Highland Council's amended Household Waste Policy.   An update was provided on the progress of the phased introduction of waste and recycling collection service changes, which is being funded through the Scottish Government Recycling Improvement Fund (RIF).