BT Payphone Consultation
BT is proposing to remove 194 payphones from the network in Highland. BT say the increase in mobile telephone ownership has resulted in the number of calls made from payphones in the last three years being halved and therefore believes that there is a need for them to re-examine payphone provision.
Move to Improve Open Spaces
The Highland Council has appointed open space experts, Kit Campbell Associates, to help achieve high quality open spaces in new housing developments. Council planners will work alongside KCA to produce draft guidance that will be used to make sure that residents have high quality and well maintained open spaces close to where they live.
Two Free Family Days in Sutherland for the Long Weekend
Two visitor centres in Lairg and Brora will be open to the public over the holiday weekend, with activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Highland Ranger Guided Walks and Events
A programme of over 450 guided walks and events has been published by The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers with the Planning and Development Service.
More young people more active in Malawi
Nairn Academy Sports Leaders aim to make Malawian young people more active by introducing them to the one day Sports Leader Award.
Message from Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue Service
Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue Service is strongly advising members of the public not to stockpile fuel, as this seriously increases the extent and speed of fire spread should ignition occur.
Grant Street Park, Inverness
Members of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee today (Monday 28th April) unanimously agreed to instruct the Council’s Area Solicitor to commence proceedings in the Sheriff Court for immediate recovery of possession of land currently occupied under the terms of the lease agreed between the Trustees of the Inverness Common Good Fund and Clachnacuddin Football Club (1990) Ltd.
Success of Musical Showcase
Over 350 people enjoyed an evening of top music on Saturday at the Averon Centre in Alness when 130 talented young musicians from four music groups took centre-stage for a showcase event.
Wildlife Surveying Workshops
Two workshops will be taking place in Ross-shire to provide training and advice for community groups and volunteers on techniques to survey bats and red squirrels.
Postponement of A82 Meeting
Following the previous announcement that Stewart Stevenson MSP for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change was due to meet with the A82 campaign group on Friday 2nd May in Fort William, the group have now been informed of the meeting postponement.
Public Engagement over Inverness Trunk Link Road Route
The public is being encouraged to have their say on proposals for routing the Eastern/Inshes Section of the proposed Inverness Trunk Link Road, which will link the A96 at Smithton Junction and the A9, linking back on to the Southern Distributor to the west of Inshes Roundabout.
Highland CCTV Review
A paper was presented at the Inverness City Committee today giving members an update on the CCTV system in the city and advising them that a comprehensive review of the city system will be undertaken as part of a Highland review.
Public Bodies in Highlands and Islands working together in light of Grangemouth situation
The Highlands and Islands Strategic Co-ordinating Group (HISCG) convened today(Thursday) at Northern Constabulary headquarters in Inverness to discuss the potential impact on the communities and services within the Highlands and Islands as a result of planned industrial action at Grangemouth oil refinery.
Am Baile maps Highland authors on literary landscape.
To celebrate Scottish Literature Development Day a new feature on The Highland Council’s award winning Highland history and culture website Am Baile was launched today (Thursday 24th April) at the Town House, Inverness.
Consumers Warned to be on their Guard from Rogue Doorstep Traders
Trading Standards officers of The Highland Council are advising the public to show the door to itinerant traders, who offer to carry out a range of work on the home. And residents should not hesitate to report to the police any trader who is menacing and threatening in trying to secure a contract and cash payment.
Pupils Compete For Place in National Speaking Competition Final
Four S3 pupils from Nairn Academy and Kilchimen Academy in Fort Augustus will be discussing the diversity of Europe as they take part in the North Scotland heat of a national speaking competition.
Council puts the brakes on drivers at three more Highland Schools
Two schools in Lochaber and one in East Ross are having 20mph speed limits introduced.
Gairloch War Memorial – environmental works.
Residents in Gairloch are being canvassed this week for their views on the possible relocation of the Gairloch War Memorial.
Parents Invited To See Health Promotion In Action
Parents with children at South School Wick were invited to an open afternoon on Thursday 24th April to see for themselves the activities designed to keep their youngsters healthy.
Council Marks Service of JPs
The Highland Council recently held a civic reception at Portree to mark the service to Skye and Lochalsh of court and signing Justices of the Peace, many of whom are retiring as the result of changes, which have taken effect to lay justice provisions.
Highland Housing Fair
A Council spokesman welcomed publication of the Ombudsman’s report into a complaint raised about the way an outline planning application for the Highland Housing Fair had been handled by the Council.
New life for disused yard
Halcrow and Mackay Consultants have begun work on the preparation of a Development Master Plan for the former Nigg oil rig Fabrication Yard and surrounding areas totalling approximately 1,160 acres in the Inner Moray Firth.
Wake up with the Natural World
The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers have organised two dawn guided walks so the “early birds” amongst us can enjoy the special sites and sounds of the natural world awakening and experience the magic of a Spring day morning.
NHS Highland and the Highland Council explore options for joining forces in Grantown
Early discussions are taking place between NHS Highland and The Highland Council to look at the potential for building a single purpose built centre in Grantown to accommodate the services currently provided by Ian Charles Hospital, Grant House and the Grantown Health Centre.
HRH The Earl of Wessex Visits Easter Ross
Excitement was high at Milton Primary School in Easter Ross earlier today (Tuesday 22 April) when pupils eagerly watched a helicopter land and cheered when they saw HRH The Earl of Wessex disembark.
Buy Into Highland
A new website 'www.buyintohighland.com' has been launched to provide a one stop shop for promoting the growing number of Social Enterprise businesses.
Fortrose Academy Leads the Way With National Entitlement Cards
Pupils attending Fortrose Academy are the first in the Highlands to benefit from the High Life ~ Young Scot National Entitlement Card, which enables them to access school meals, library services, leisure facilities and public transport via one card.
Launch of Young Persons Website
The revamped Highland Youth Voice Website went live today (Monday) with the new abbreviated web address www.hyv.org.uk.
Tenants urged to consider Home Contents Insurance Scheme
Tenants of The Highland Council are being urged to consider insuring the contents of their homes to avoid the cost of having to replace furnishings and equipment lost by a major incident, such as flooding, burglary or fire.
Council to constitute Highland Schools Highland Games Association
People with an interest or expertise in Highland Games are being invited by The Highland Council to an open meeting on Monday 21st April to discuss developing a Highland Schools Highland Games Association.
Children encouraged to get creative with Highland Libraries ceramics competition
Youngsters throughout the Highlands are being invited to take part in a ‘Paint a Plate Competition’ starting on Monday 21st April in their local libraries.
Bollywood Legend Spices Up Scottish Films
Major Bollywood blockbusters could soon be adding some spice to Scotland’s film industry when Dev Anand, a living legend of Indian films, heads to the Highlands this week to hand the industry a much-needed boost.
Highland Youth Convener Represents Scotland at Dubai Event
Highland Youth Convener, Gillian Slider, 18, has been chosen to represent Scotland at a major gathering of young people - the Learning for the Futures project - in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Volunteers Plant Hedge
The Caithness Countryside Volunteers enjoyed a morning planting a holly, blackthorn and hawthorn hedge on some croft land last weekend, taking a short break to help feed the pet lambs.
Job Evaluation Update
Members of The Highland Council’s Resources Committee have been brought up to date with progress on job evaluation and equal pay.
Additional Funding Committed to Tackling Debt
Highland Councillors have agreed to increase their support for money advice and welfare rights services in the Highlands by providing additional funding of £100,000, bringing the total annual funding to more than £1.2 million.
Wildlife Group To Receive Field Guides
The recently set up wildlife group in Garve will be receiving a contribution to their resources during their Reptile Survey workshop which is taking place on Saturday (19 April).
Showcase For Young Musicians
Around 130 talented young musicians are busy rehearsing for a special showcase performance featuring the Highland Youth Big Band, the Highland Schools Wind Band, the Highland Youth String Orchestra and ‘snas ceilidh band.
New Toddler Fun Book For Gaelic Readers
Toddlers and their parents celebrated the launch of a new book of play ideas in Gaelic by enjoying fun and games in an Inverness park.
Highland hosts Scotland’s first Junior Road Safety Officer Conference
Over 300 delegates are attending the first Junior Road Safety Officer Conference of its kind held in Scotland today (Wednesday 16th April) at Inverness Sports Centre.
Eann Joins Caithness Regeneration Partnership
Thurso man Eann Sinclair has been appointed programme manager for the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership.
Taxi Fare Review
The public is to be asked for its views on proposals by The Highland Council to revise the scale of maximum taxi fares in the Highlands. The recommended increases will be advertised widely in the Highlands and the public will have a month in which to respond.
Launch of Highland Midnight Community Football Initiative
A community initiative has been launched in the Highlands to help young people to develop an interest in sport or leisure and help steer them away from involvement in drugs or alcohol or getting into trouble.
AGM Invitation
Members of the public are invited to the Annual General Meeting of the Plantation Community Association in Fort William next Tuesday (22 April 2008).
The Highland Council's Relationship With Small Businesses In The Highlands
The Highland Council’s Audit and Scrutiny Committee is eager to help small businesses overcome barriers they say they encounter in bidding for council contracts.
Former Highland Convener Dies Aged 77
Former Convener of Highland Regional Council, Duncan McPherson, died last night in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, at the age of 77. Duncan is survived by his wife, Vivian, son Niall, and daughter Lynne. He has three grandchildren.
Tomnacross Pupils Visit The Highland Council
P3 and P4 pupils from Tomnacross Primary School in Inverness paid a visit to The Highland Council’s headquarters building in Inverness to find out more about the working of local government.
Council warns motorists to slow down near Skye schools
Motorists are being warned that 20mph speed restrictions are being introduced at another three schools on the Isle of Skye for children’s safety.
Works in Castle Avenue, Invergordon
People in Invergordon are being advised by The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service that works to remove around 50 tree stumps in Castle Avenue, Invergordon, will take place on the week commencing Monday 21st April.
Council warns motorists to slow down near Ross schools
Motorists are being warned that part time 20mph speed restrictions have been introduced at another three schools in Ross and Cromarty for children’s safety.
Council warns motorists to slow down near Lochaber School
Motorists are being warned that permanent 20mph speed restrictions are being introduced at another Lochaber school for children’s safety.
Lord Lieutenant Opens Lochaber Archive Centre – Ionad Tasglann Loch Abar
An £80,000 new archive centre, which preserves and makes available documents relating to aspects of Lochaber’s history from the 15th Century until the present day, was formally opened today Friday (11 April) by Lord Lieutenant, Donald Cameron of Lochiel.
Revamped Visitor Centre Opens
The newly renamed Ferrycroft Visitor Centre in Lairg has opened for the season after a major revamp, including comprehensive re-design of all the displays and the introduction of a range of interactive activities to make the centre more family friendly.
Council Director Issues Statement on Social Work Services
The Highland Council’s Director of Social Work has issued a statement clarifying proposed changes to Social Work services following a letter issued to the media by Peter Peacock MSP.
Council Reaffirms Heathrow Priority
Highland Councillors firmly believe that some of the additional capacity at Heathrow Airport, London, which will be created by a third runway should be used to secure slots for air services which serve peripheral locations such as Inverness.
An Additional £1.662 To Roll Out Recycling Schemes In Highland
Members of The Highland Council’s TEC Services Committee have approved an additional £1.662m to be spent on providing additional recycling services across the Highlands including plastic bottle collections at all the main recycling centres.
New Policy for Bulky Uplift Service
In a move to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill sites, The Highland Council has altered its free Bulky Uplift policy so that from the beginning of July 2008 black bag waste will be removed from the list of approved items for these pre-arranged collections.
Drummuie Opening
The phased opening of the Council’s new flagship office accommodation for East Sutherland at Drummuie, Golspie, begins on Monday 14 April, when Transport Environmental and Community Services staff currently working at Victoria Road, Brora, move into their new base.
Survey Seeks Views on Political Arrangements at The Highland Council
A new working group, set up to examine political arrangements of The Highland Council, is to survey all 80 members of the Council to gauge opinion on the current political structure
Council Gets Top Marks For Customer Care
The Highland Council has been awarded the Charter Mark Standard for excellence in customer service delivery for its network of 37 Service Points and its Service Centre at Alness.
Youth Orchestra to Perform in Nairn
Young musicians from the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra are busy rehearsing for their first public concert of the year which takes place at the Nairn Community Centre on Saturday 12 April.
Glen Urquhart High School – Staff and pupil efforts praised
Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools have published their report on Glen Urquhart High School, which gives high praise in many areas.
A82 Epetition closes with 8,555 signatures
The A82 Epetition closed on Saturday with 8,555 supporters having signed up to demand an upgrading of the most dangerous road in Scotland.
Council warns motorists to slow down near two Highland Schools
Motorists are being warned that part time 20mph speed restrictions have been introduced at two more schools in the Highlands for children’s safety.
Cash boost ceiling raised for local tourism groups
Funding for local tourism projects in the Highlands has received a welcome boost from The Highland Council.
Extended Opening Hours Project At Ross-shire Leisure Centre A Success
In November 2007, thanks to external funding from Youthlink Scotland, The Highland Council was able to extend the weekend opening hours at Dingwall Leisure Centre and give local young people the chance to take part in a wide range of sporting activities during winter weekends.
Council’s Climate Change Chair calls for information on fast food wrapping and packaging.
Fast food operators throughout the Highlands are being invited to discuss their policies or practices that they have in place in relation to food wrapping and packaging.
Open Evening at Drummuie, Golspie
There will be another chance for members of the public to look around The Highland Council’s new flagship office complex in East Sutherland at Drummuie, Golspie, from 7pm to 8pm on Thursday 10 April.
Temporary Road Closure at Arabella
Drivers in Easter Ross are being advised that the B9175 Nigg Ferry road will be closed to all traffic at the level crossing in Arabella from 10pm on Monday 21 April until 12 noon on Tuesday 22 to allow Network Rail to carry out essential work.
Pipes and Drum Spectacular for City Centre
On Saturday (5 April) the city centre of Inverness will resound to the sound of pipes and drums when 120 Cadet Forces Pipers and Drummers will perform a ‘Beating Retreat’ outside the Town House at 7pm.
Communities To Find Out About Local Wildlife
Community groups across Easter Ross and the Black Isle are finding out about the plants and animals that live on their doorstep through a new project run by the Ross and Cromarty (East) Biodiversity Group.
Community Select Sculpture
The results of a vote to decide which sculpture should be the centre piece to the environmental improvements at the area outside the Hilton Community Centre at Hilton Village have now been counted.
Road and Footpath Restructuring Along Drummond Road
A temporary road closure along part of Drummond Road in Inverness comes into place on Monday 7 April for a period of 3 weeks to allow for pavement and road reconstruction, street lighting renewal and the removal of overhanging vegetation.
Transport is the Focus of Ward Forum
The need for better public transport links within Badenoch and Strathspey will be the focus of discussion at the next meeting of The Highland Council’s Badenoch and Strathspey Ward Forum, being held at Boat of Garten Community Hall on Thursday 10 April, starting at 7 pm.
Nigg Masterplan – Award of Contract
The Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are pleased to announce that the contract for the preparation of a Development Master Plan for the Nigg Fabrication Yard and surrounding areas has been awarded to Halcrow and Mackay Consultants.
Portree Public Toilets Upgraded
Public toilets in the centre of Portree on the Isle of Skye have received a £140K refurbishment and are now open for use by visitors and locals.
Questions About the A82 in Parliament
Questions on the upgrading of the A82 will be posed in the Scottish Parliament by MSP’s from all major parties over the next few weeks.