Royal opening of Cawdor Primary School
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal today (31st October 2007) officially opened Cawdor Primary School as she unveiled a plaque in front of over 150 guests, teachers, friends and families of the 126 pupils at the school.
Repair work at Loch of Mey bird hide
Caithness Countryside Volunteers have recently painted the Jimmy Gunn memorial hide at the Loch of Mey and carried out odd job repairs inside. The repairs were necessary due to vandalism caused earlier this year.
Funding To Benefit Ross-shire Young People
The Highland Council’s Youth Development team have received over £11,000 in funding from Youthlink Scotland to deliver some new and exciting projects.
Bt Debate Comes To New Gaelic School
The 10th BT Gaelic Schools Debate kicks off this year at the recently opened Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 November.
Strathpeffer to host National Youth Music Showcase
Some of Scotland’s finest young musicians are about to come together to present an exciting concert, which will display the vibrant and healthy state of the country’s music scene.
First Ward Forum for Thurso
The first Ward Forum for The Highland Council electoral ward of Thurso will take place in the Royal Hotel, Thurso, on Monday 5 November 2007 from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm.
DIY kit launched to help improve school playgrounds.
As part of Healthy Highland week, Nairn Highland Councillor Provost Liz MacDonald today (30th October) helped 26 Primary 2’s from Rosebank Primary in Nairn launch The Highland Council’s document ‘How to Upgrade your Outdoor Area.’
Maternity Exhibition For Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
A new exhibition based on images of the mother and child from the collections of the National Galleries of Scotland will open at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 10 November.
HMIE follow through inspection - Miller Academy
HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) published a report on the inspection of Miller academy in June 2005.
Young People From Hilton Rediscover Inverness
Nine teenagers from the Hilton area of the city have been chosen to have their photographic work displayed in the 'Hilton Rediscovered' exhibition which goes on display at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery’s Community Gallery on Tuesday 6 November.
Women’s No Pay Day
The Highland Council support the Women’s No Pay Day campaign and is committed to eradicating any pay inequalities in its pay structures to ensure equal pay for all its employees.
Salmond Addresses Convention of the Highlands and Islands
The Highlands and Islands are Scotland's crown and now we need to find the smartest way to wear it, First Minister Alex Salmond told the Autumn Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Fort William today.
Positive Response to Green Travel Plan Survey
The Highland Council is working with HITRANS, the strategic transport authority for the Highlands and Islands, to prepare a green travel plan for the Highlands with the aim of rationalising car use, reducing Co2 emissions and transport costs throughout its services.
Sutherland Core Paths Plan - One Step Closer
The Highland Council is one step closer to producing its first Core Paths Plan for Sutherland. This plan has been developed through public consultation and advice from the Sutherland Local Access Forum.
Bursaries Awarded by the Governors of the Catherine McCaig Trust
At their recent meeting in Oban, the Governors of Catherine McCaig’s Trust awarded the Argyll Bursary and six Open Bursaries to students proceeding to study Gaelic at Scottish Universities.
Healthy Highland School Lunches
To encourage the new intake of primary one pupils to have a healthy school lunch, The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service undertook a pilot exercise at the beginning of term and offered one free lunch voucher to every Primary 1 pupil in the region.
Go Ahead for Pilot Sustainable Project at Acharacle
The Highland Council has agreed unanimously to go ahead with the replacement of Acharacle Primary School through a pilot sustainable development scheme. The estimated cost of the new school is £5.5 million, £600,000 of which has been already spent on taking the project to this stage.
Confirmation of Preferred Bidder for Fort William Waterfront Development
The Highland Council has confirmed a decision taken earlier this year to select the Fort William Waterfront Company as the preferred bidder to develop the Fort William waterfront project.
Culloden Drive tree survey
An avenue of trees known as Culloden Drive in Culloden near Inverness will be surveyed next week (29th Oct – 2nd Nov) by The Highland Council.
Latha Mòr na Gaidhlig – The Big Day for Gaelic
More than 500 Gaelic Medium primary pupils from all over Scotland will gather in Aviemore Highland Resort on Thursday (1 November) for a Big Day for Gaelic activity to celebrate Highland 2007, the year that Scotland celebrates Highland culture.
New Head Teacher of Drummond School, Inverness
The Highland Council has appointed Linda Schubert as head teacher of the 98-pupil Drummond School, Inverness. Mrs Schubert, who has been acting head teacher of the school since November, last year, takes up her post with immediate effect.
Survey Highlights Need To Cut Use Of Cars on School Runs
Travelling to school in the car is no longer the most frequently used mode of transport in the Highlands, as shown in a recent travel survey.
Lochbroom House Refurbishment
A proposed £600,000 refurbishment of Lochbroom House, Ullapool – a care centre for older people - has prompted The Highland Council to seek alternative accommodation for the nine residents and the 12 people, who attend the day care service and lunch club, while work is carried out.
Almost Back to Normal - One Year After Floods
The Highland Council has completed more than £5 million worth of repairs since the severe widespread flooding of 26 October last year, which affected communities on the east of the Highlands – from Dingwall to Thurso.
Council warns motorists to slow down near Easter Ross school.
Motorists are being warned that part time 20mph speed restrictions have been introduced at another school in Easter Ross for children’s safety.
Launch of unique Gaelic Christmas Cd by The Highland Council
The Mairi Mhor Gaelic Song Fellowship for The Highland Council, in conjunction with major record label Greentrax, launched the first ever Scottish Gaelic Christmas CD Duan Nollaig at the National Mod in Fort William last week and orders for the double album of 35 songs, suitable for all ages are now flooding in.
Council Marks Energy Efficiency Week
The Highland Council is marking Energy Efficiency Week (22nd- 26th October) with events for staff and elected members aimed at raising awareness and maintaining the progress made in reducing energy use within Council properties.
Remember, remember the 5th of November
The Highland Council have confirmed that this year’s Inverness Civic Bonfire and Fireworks Display will be held in Bught Park, Inverness on Monday November 5th.
Household Survey Highlights Positive Trends in the Highlands
The results of a Scottish wide household survey has highlighted a large number of positive trends for the Highlands, including a high rating from residents for considering their neighbourhood as a very good place to live.
Tree Felling At Tomnahurich Cemetery, Inverness
The public is being advised that The Highland Council will be carrying out essential tree felling and maintenance work to dangerous trees along the eastern boundary of Tomnahurich Cemetery in Inverness, which, between 5-19 November, will require temporary access restrictions to allow the contractor to install heavy machinery to carry out the work.
Nicola Wins Council Mod Competition
The Mairi Mhor Fellowship Silver kilt pin for senior learners in traditional singing has been won by Nicola Pearson of Carnoustie.
Second Key Appointment for Far North Regeneration Plan
The post of programme manager for the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership will be taken up on an interim basis by Gordon Cox pending a permanent appointment.
Groundbreaking Gaelic Christmas CD Launched
The Mairi Mhor Fellowship for The Highland Council is once more breaking new ground in making Gaelic song accessible to as many people throughout the world as possible.
Dive Club’s New Boat Unveiled
Dingwall Youth Sub Aqua Club have taken delivery of a new £23,000 rescue and dive boat which was unveiled during a special get together for members, their families, sponsors and invited guests at the RNLI station in North Kessock
Council Welcomes Caithness Choice for 2010 Mod
The Highland Council has welcomed the decision by An Comunn Gaidhealach to hold the 2010 Royal National Mod in Caithness.
Gordon Terrace Inverness to remain closed for 18 months
Motorists are being advised that Gordon Terrace, Inverness, will remain closed for up to 18 months as the result of damage caused to a boundary retaining wall by a recent fire at the neighbouring Viewhill House.
Young Peoples Artwork from The Big Draw Project Goes On Display
As part of a national campaign to promote drawing, schools from across the Highlands were sent blank postcards from their local museums and asked to draw something that represented their world and their work has gone on display in a new exhibition.
Relocation of Social Work Teams in Dingwall
Five social work teams based in Dingwall are moving to new premises in the town.
Thriller Writer To Tour Highland Libraries
Thriller Writer Ken McClure from Edinburgh who has penned over 15 novels will be touring Highland Libraries to talk about his work, read from his novels and give advice to budding Highland writers.
Lord Sebastian Coe's Visit To The Craig MacLean Centre
Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the UK Olympic Committee visited the Craig MacLean Leisure Centre in Grantown-on-Spey today (Tuesday 16 October).
East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum
A meeting of The Highland Council’s East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum will take place at 7.30pm on Monday (22 October) at Edderton Community Centre.
Thurso Pupil Wins Council Sponsored Mod Award
Sixteen year old Phillip Todd of Thurso High School has won The Highland Council sponsored Mairi Mhor Felllowship silver kilt pin for his performance in the 'Singing in Traditional style for Gaelic Learners' competition at Mod Lochabair.
Drivers Urged To Slow Down At Rural Schools
20mph part-time speed limits will start operating at two rural schools in Sutherland and Ross and Cromarty after the October holidays in a bid to improve the safety of pupils travelling to and from their schools.
Highland Junior Golf Championships at Spey Valley
A total of 60 young golfers took part in the fifth Highland Junior Golf Championships held at Spey Valley Golf Course, Aviemore, on Thursday 11 October.
Launch of the ‘City of Inverness Greenspace Strategy’
A greenspace strategy, which sets out a long term vision for protecting and enhancing greenspace within the city, will be officially launched on October 18th by the greeninverness partnership.
Transport Chairman starts final contract on Skye road.
The start of the sixth and final contract to upgrade the A851 road on Sleat, Isle of Skye, was marked today (Wednesday) at a turf cutting ceremony.
Council Tendering procedures to be reviewed
The Highland Council’s Audit and Scrutiny Committee has called for a review of arrangements for tendering of Council construction contracts.
Nova Scotia Minister Confirmed For Mod Opening
Organisers of the Royal National Mod 2007 which opens in Lochaber this week are delighted to announce that the Official Opening of the event is to be performed by the Honourable Len Goucher, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Heritage with the Nova Scotia Provincial Government.
Highland Council supports Mod Lochabair 2007
The Highland Council has announced that they will be once more supporting several prestigious events at this year’s Royal National Mod which takes place in Fort William between 12-20 October including a packed special fringe programme of talks and many non-competitive events for 2007.
Prize For Pultneytown Pupil
Calum Sutherland, aged 10 from Wick received a surprise visit to his school before the end of term from a larger than life animal character.
Lifelong Learning Opportunities For Council Staff
The Highland Council has been commended for being the first local council in Scotland to sign an agreement with non-teaching trade unions to offer staff lifelong learning opportunities in the workplace.
Alness Schools Finalists Visit Local Business
Aquascot staff have been working with three Alness primary schools - Coulhill, Obsdale and Bridgend - running fun afternoon workshops for pupils to think about their company values of commitment, effective teamwork, respect and trust.
Director of Planning and Development to Retire
The Highland Council’s longest serving Director – John Rennilson, Director of Planning and Development – is to retire at the end of the year after nearly 12 years at the helm of the frontline service.
Prize For Ardersier Pupil
Charlie Salvage, aged 9 from Ardersier received a surprise visit to her school before the end of term from a larger than life animal character.
Council warns motorists to slow down near Inverness schools.
Motorists are being warned that full time 20mph speed restrictions are being introduced at two more schools in Inverness for children’s safety.
Aficionados bring archaeology fortnight to conclusion
Over twenty archaeology experts will contribute to the final event of Highland Archaeology Fortnight - a seminar entitled “What’s New in Highland Archaeology?”.
Streetscape Phase 2 plans confirmed
Two city centre streets in Inverness – Union Street and Mid Church Street – will close from Monday 12 November for up to eight months to allow streetscape improvements to proceed in a safe and effective manner.
Highland Council Seeks To Fill Two Top Posts
The Highland Council is seeking candidates to fill two positions on its senior management team.
Inverness Library Events and National Bookstart Day Celebrations
A number of events have been organised at Inverness Library over the next few days to compliment the city’s Book Festival which is taking place.
Snapshots in time
The Highland Council’s Archaeology Unit is hosting a series of events to raise awareness of - and encourage the public to contribute to – the Highland Historic Environment Record (HER) by recording the rich past of the highlands. The events are called ‘Snapshots in Time’ and are part of Highland Archaeology Fortnight 2007.
Highland Archaeology event provides grave clues
Highland Council Archaeology Unit is hosting a family event entitled ‘Graveyard Clues’ at the Old High Church burial ground in Inverness.
Neil Gunn Writing Competition winners announced
Winners of The Highland Council’s Neil Gunn writing competition 2007 were announced today (Tuesday 2 October) at a prize-giving ceremony held at Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion.
HMIe Report on Rosebank Primary School and Nursery, Nairn
In an HMIe report on Rosebank Primary School and Nursery, Nairn Area, HM Inspectors identified the following key strengths:
HMIe for Ardross Primary School
In an HMIe report on Ardross Primary School published today (Tuesday 2nd October), several key strengths were singled out for particular praise.
New Investment in Highland Playgroups
The Highland Council has agreed an increase in funding to independent sector play groups across the authority as part of an action plan to ensure continued support for the sector from the Council.
Highland Bucks Trend on Youth Crime
Staff working across Highland on a new service for youth offenders have welcomed the announcement of continued funding until the end of this financial year. They also hope that new statistics that confirm the success of the service will ensure further funding in the years to come.
Vikings return to Glen Moriston
Dalcataig woods near Invermoriston will come alive with the call of Vikings on Saturday 13th October, 2007.
Highland Welcomes Tougher Laws on Tobacco Sales
Legislation introduced today (Monday) which prevents retailers from selling tobacco products to anyone under 18 years of age is being strongly supported in the Highlands, with The Highland Council promising to “police” the new legislation and institute prosecution where appropriate and NHS Highland reinforcing the benefits a healthy lifestyle free of cigarettes.
Rewards For Young Readers
One Hundred young readers from across the Inverness area met up at the Town House on Friday afternoon to be presented with certificates and medals by well known and loved children’s author Mairi Hedderwick.
City Centre Parking Proposals Go On Display
Proposals for the permanent parking and loading arrangements within Inverness city centre, to be introduced as part of the Streetscape Programme, are now on public display at The Highland Council’s Service Point at 23 Church Street between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
City Partnership Office on the move
Relocation, relocation is underway as Inverness City Partnership took up residence in the Town House, Inverness from today (Monday 1 October).
Go Ahead For Nairn Riverside Paths
Provost of Nairn Liz MacDonald announced at the area’s second Ward Forum that the applications for funding of Phases I and II of the riverside paths works have both been successful.
Young Ross-shire Readers Rewarded
One hundred and forty four young readers from across the Highlands met up in Dingwall on Thursday evening to be presented with certificates and medals by well known and loved children’s author Mairi Hedderwick.