News Archive

9/11/2023

Uk Dairy Industry To Be Boosted By New Export Programme

The Department for Business and Trade has launched the Dairy Export Programme designed to help grow agri-food exports in overseas markets.   New Dairy Export Programme launched to help grow agri-food exports in overseas markets.  

8/11/2023 : Local Authority

New Members Wanted For Local Access Forums

The Highland Council is looking for new members to fill vacancies on the six local outdoor access forums in Caithness, Sutherland, Ross & Cromarty, Inverness & Nairn, Skye & Lochalsh and Lochaber.  There are currently at least 2 vacancies on each group.  

8/11/2023

 
Marina To Slash Energy Costs With Net Zero Upgrade

A marina on the Isle of Bute is expecting to save up to 90% in its electricity costs while cutting its carbon emissions by 25% within a year.   Port Bannatyne Marina Limited has secured £29,350 investment from Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE).  

8/11/2023

 
£4 Billion UK-Poland Air Defence Deal Strengthens European Security

The UK and Poland defence industries have signed a deal worth over £4 billion to continue the next phase of Poland's future air defence programme, Narew.   Industry deal worth over £4bn to deliver next generation air defence system to Poland.  

8/11/2023

 
UK And European Space Agency Funding Boost For Satellite Launch From Shetland

Satellite launch company RFA UK (Rocket Factory Ltd) has received £3.5 million to support its plans to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands.   The funding was awarded by the UK Space Agency as part of the European Space Agency (ESA), Boost! Programme, which aims to help innovative companies develop new launch technologies and bring them to market.  

8/11/2023

 
The King's Speech 2023 - 7 November 2023

His Majesty's most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament.   My Lords and members of the House of Commons It is mindful of the legacy of service and devotion to this country set by My beloved Mother, The late Queen, that I deliver this, the first King's Speech in over 70 years.  

8/11/2023

UK House Prices Slight rise in October But Trend Still Downwards

Kim Kinnaird, Director, Halifax Mortgages, said, "UK house prices rose in October, up +1.1% on a monthly basis, breaking a run of six consecutive monthly falls.  The average house price is now £281,974 - an increase of almost £3,000 compared to the previous month.  

8/11/2023

Education And Skills Reform - Views Sought On New Qualifications Body And Inspectorate

People are being asked to share their views to create a new national qualifications body and new approaches to inspection, as part of reforms to Scotland's education and skills system.   Legislation will be introduced to Parliament in 2024 to implement the Scottish Government's commitment to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new organisation.  

8/11/2023

Firms Should Strengthen Anti-fraud Systems And Must Treat Victims Of Fraud Better, Review Finds

From the Financial Conduct Authority.   Firms should strengthen anti-fraud systems and must treat victims of fraud better, review finds.  

8/11/2023

Government Slashes Up To £1bn A Year Of Business Burdens

Obsolete and burdensome EU rules to be removed from UK law Reforms allow businesses additional freedoms while retaining the UK's world leading workers’ rights.   Proposals include reducing record keeping requirements around Working Time Regulations and simplifying the calculation of holiday pay and entitlement.  

8/11/2023

Tackling Antisocial Behaviour - New Drive To Keep Communities Safer

Preventing and addressing antisocial behaviour will be the focus of a new independently chaired working group being set up by the Scottish Government.   Members will look at the current approach and make recommendations on what long-term changes can be made to reduce such behaviour and support victims.  

8/11/2023 : Auctioneers

Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 7 November 2023

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (November 7th) sold 11 Prime Cattle.   Prime Bullocks (2) averaged 280.0p per kg (-6.4p) and sold to 284.0p per kg and £1,746.60 gross.  

8/11/2023

UKEF Backs Major Taiwan Offshore Wind Project, Creating Over £130 Million In Uk Exports

The UK government's export credit agency announces that it has issued its largest ever project financing guarantee for renewables, securing UK export contracts worth over £130 million.   UK Export Finance (UKEF) has guaranteed £380 million in financing for one of Asia's largest-ever offshore wind projects.  

8/11/2023

First Minister Of Scotland To Participate In COP28

First Minister Humza Yousaf intends to participate in COP28, the international climate change conference, in Dubai at the end of the month.   Mr Yousaf said the global conference provides an opportunity to highlight Scotland's commitment to addressing the twin crises of climate and nature as a good global citizen, as he pledged to call on world leaders to take greater action and provide loss and damage funding for countries suffering the worst impacts of climate change.  

8/11/2023

Gender Representation On Public Boards In Scotland

Legislation to amend the Gender Representation on Public Boards Act has been published.   The Act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2018, aims to address the under-representation of women in public life by setting an objective that 50% of a public board's non-executive members are women.  

7/11/2023 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Mission Progress Report 2023

This report shows the progress being made against the NDA mission to decommission the UK's earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and cost effectively.   The NDA Mission Progress Report (MPR) demonstrates the progress being made across the NDA group since 2005, and how much work there is left to do over the next 120-plus years.  

7/11/2023

 
Friends Of The North Baths Received Funding For Picnic Benches, Seats And Maintenance Equipment Through The Caithness Community Fund

More than 20 groups in Caithness are benefiting from the second round of awards from ScottishPower Renewables' Halsary Windfarm Community Benefit Fund, which is set to deliver £3.75 million locally over the next 24 years.   A total of £59,688.43 has been committed to 15 projects through the Caithness Community Fund.  

7/11/2023

 
Digital Grant For Highland Businesses - Up To £5000

The Highland Council is inviting local businesses to apply for grant support to enable them to introduce new digital systems which will improve business performance and encourage growth.   Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "We know that many Highland companies are keen to digitalise their business model but want advice and support to ensure they are doing the right thing.  

7/11/2023

 
Marriage Allowance - Find Out If You Could Be Better Off In Just 30 Seconds

Couples who are married or in a civil partnership are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to spend just 30 seconds to see if they can claim Marriage Allowance and boost their finances by up to £252 a year.   By using HMRC's online Marriage Allowance calculator during Talk Money Week, couples can find out instantly if they are eligible.  

7/11/2023

 
Dr John Campbell - Nhs Information

Within 4 weeks following infection, 90-99% of individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus develop detectable neutralizing antibodies.   Available scientific data suggests that in most people immune responses remain robust and protective against reinfection for at least 6-8 months after infection (the longest follow up with strong scientific evidence is currently approximately 8 months).