Highland Housing Register
The six main providers of rented accommodation in the Highlands have joined forces to make it easier for applicants on housing waiting lists to access housing.
Public Meeting Dates Chosen for PO Debates
Two public meetings are to be held on the evening of Tuesday 5 February to allow the communities of Maryburgh and Dingwall West End to highlight their case for retaining their local post offices.
Motorists Warned of Disruption on A830 Fort William – Mallaig road
Motorists are being advised of a disruption to traffic on the A830 Fort William – Mallaig trunk road to allow work to proceed on Transport Scotland’s £22.7 million upgrading of the road between Arisaig and Loch-nan Uamh.
Public Invited to Comment on the Lochaber part of the West Highland and Islands Local Plan
The public is being invited to have their say on proposals published by The Highland Council on how it believes land should be earmarked for building or development over the next 5-10 years within Lochaber.
Public Meeting Date Chosen for Saltburn PO Closure Debate
A public meeting is being held at Saltburn, Invergordon, on Wednesday 6 February when the local community will highlight their case for retaining the local post office.
Strathpeffer Spa Gardens get planting makeover
Work begins this week on planting works in the historic Victorian Spa Gardens in Strathpeffer, as part of the Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service capital programme of environmental improvements.
Dalwhinnie Primary School's Favourable HMIE Report
Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools have published a favourable report on Dalwhinnie Primary School. They noted the pride felt by pupils, staff and parents in a school which had created a “caring and stimulating environment for learning” with “a climate of mutual respect and trust where pupils and staff feel value”.
Glen Nevis Visitor Centre boosts Lochaber Mountain Rescue coffers
Over £2000 was donated to Lochaber Mountain Rescue this week by The Highland Council’s Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.
Ward Forum Focuses on Money Advice and Benefits
Money advice and entitlement to benefits will be the focus of discussion when Highland Councillors for the Culloden and Ardersier Ward hold their next ward forum at Smithton Primary School on Tuesday 5th February at 7.30 p.m.
Report Praises Highland's Innovative Children's Services
Two national think tanks have published a report that highlights integrated children’s services in Highland as a prime national example of innovation in public services. The report by The Young Foundation and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) examines why some areas innovate more effectively to meet social needs than others, and how these areas – like Highland - have gone further to create a culture of social innovation.
Official Opening of Two Black Isle Schools
Two Black Isle Primary Schools were officially opened today (Friday 25 January), representing an investment of £7.5 million by The Highland Council.
Temporary part road closure Castle Road, Inverness
The Highland Council is advising motorists that due to works being carried out by Scotland Gas Networks to install a new gas main in Castle Road, Inverness - temporary traffic restrictions will take place from Sunday 27th January.
Inverness to London Air Services
Highland Councillors are to ask the UK Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, to protect air services from the Highlands to hub airports in London, particularly Gatwick and Heathrow.
Ness Walk Traffic Management
Representatives of The Highland Council met with business and residential stakeholders from the Ness Walk area today (Thursday) to review the latest options for traffic management and streetscape design for Ness Walk. The meeting followed talks in May last year when local businesses asked the Council to reconsider the planned introduction of one way traffic northwards ie from the Cathedral towards the Ness Bridge.
Council Commitment to Keeping Highland Communities Cleaner
The Highland Council is set to spend an additional £1 million in the new financial year in keeping Highland communities cleaner and tidier.
Council Ready to Act if Stalemate Continues over Nigg Yard
Highland Councillors have confirmed their readiness to act if a stalemate continues over the sale of the disused Nigg oil fabrication yard, Easter Ross.
Refurbishment of Multi-Storey Car Park to be Completed
The refurbishment of Inverness Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey Car Park is to be completed at a cost of £765,000.
Emergency Works at Corran Ferry Slipway Given Go Ahead
Emergency works on the Nether Lochaber slipway at Corran Ferry are to be carried out this summer at an estimated cost of £650,000. The work is needed to allow the continued future operation of the ferry, which has the highest vehicle movements of any ferry in Scotland.
Thurso Cemetery Footbridge to be Replaced
A footbridge, which forms an important pedestrian link to Thurso Cemetery, is to be replaced by The Highland Council at a cost of £400,000. The bridge was lost in the floods of October 2006 - and with it went one of the town's most popular walks.
Highland Council Takes Top Team Trophy
The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport cleaning staff have scoped the UK In-house Cleaning Award trophy at the Loo of the Year Awards.
Fast Track Social Workers Praised for Commitment and Endeavour
The Highland Council Social Work Service has again benefited from a national scheme to fast track trainees into a career in social work.
Sutherland Local Plan consultation drawing to a close
The deadline for submitting comments on the draft Sutherland Local Plan is drawing to a close.
Young Highland Musicians Prepare For Eden Court Showcase Concert
Over 200 young musicians, representing 12 of The Highland Council’s secondary schools, are putting the finishing touches to their performances for the forthcoming Highland Futures showcase in Eden Court’s Empire Theatre on Wednesday 30th January.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Caithness Journalist
Noel Donaldson, reporter with the Caithness Courier and John O’Groat Journal, is the winner of this year’s Barron Trophy, which recognises lifetime achievement in journalism in the Highlands and Islands. Noel (62) will receive his award from Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond at the Highlands and Islands Press Ball being held at Nairn on Friday 1 February.
West Highland Free Press Wins Newspaper of the Year Award
The West Highland Free Press has been chosen as the Newspaper of the Year by the Highland and Islands Media Awards' judging panel. Editor Ian McCormack, will receive a cheque for £500, to be donated to a charity of the newspaper's choice, at the Highland and Islands Press Ball being held at the Newton Hotel, Nairn on Friday 1 February. The newspaper caught the eye of the judges with its all round coverage of news, features, comment and sports.
Eastgate Bus Priority Scheme
The Highland Council is to commence works to install a bus priority system at Eastgate, Inverness, on Monday (28 January).
Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Forum
The next Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Forum will take place on the 30th of January at 7.00 pm in the Council Offices, Dingwall. The main topic for discussion will be Community and Elderly Care.
Creating a Legacy for 2007
Highland Councillors are to hold early talks with the Scottish Government, HIE, Creative Scotland and cultural groups to discuss how best to build on the success of Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrated Highland culture.
Croy - An Improving School Community
An HMIe report on Croy Primary School published today (Tuesday) highly praises pupils, whose behaviour and attitude to learning were seen as key strengths of the school.
Inspection Works, An Aird, Fort William
The Highland Council has today (Monday 21st January, 2008) informed residents and businesses located on reclaimed land at An Aird, Fort William that it is taking precautionary action to investigate land which may be contaminated and ensure that any necessary remediation is carried out.
Highland Support Group presents exhibition in Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
A support group that helps families affected by violence against women is displaying an exhibition in Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
Glen Urquhart Wildlife Recorders
A wildlife watching group is being set up by The Highland Council’s Rangers for local volunteers and enthusiasts covering the Glen Urquhart, Glen Affric and Strathglass areas.
Calendar Boys and Girls
Twelve Highland pupils have won top prizes in an art competition to design Lyreco Office Supplies 2008 calendar.
Start Of City Centre Street Pastors
Next Friday (25 January) a new scheme in Inverness will see trained Street Pastors on the streets offering support and care to people in the city centre between 10pm and 3am.
Gold For Alness Academy
Alness Academy has been presented with a Gold Award for SHAW (Scotland’s Health at Work), the first school in the Highlands and only the fifth in Scotland to achieve this top award.
Councillors Back Campaign to Retain Saltburn Post Office
The four Highland Councillors, who represent Cromarty Firth, are supporting a local campaign to retain Saltburn Post Office.
Highland Rent Increases Pegged at £3 Per Week
A council house rent increase of £3.09 per week is being recommended by The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee.
Fort William Waterfront Update
Senior officials of The Highland Council have met with members of the Council’s Administration and Lochaber Members to update them on the progress of the £80million Fort William Waterfront development.
Public Invited to Comment on Skye and Lochalsh Local Plan
The public is being invited to have their say on proposals published by The Highland Council on how it believes land should be earmarked for building or development over the next 5-10 years within Skye and Lochalsh.
Highland Council approves Slackbuie retail application
Members of The Highland Council’s Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey Planning Applications and Review Committee today (15th January 2008) were minded to grant outline planning application by Elphinstone Land Ltd / ASDA Stores for the development of a superstore, petrol filling station, 5 small retail units and associated works on land at Slackbuie Farm, Inverness.
Interim Director of Planning and Development
Following the retiral of John Rennilson as Director of Planning and Development with The Highland Council, and until an appointment is made on a permanent basis, the Chief Executive has asked Richard Hartland, Head of Planning and Building Standards, to act as Interim Director of Planning and Development with immediate effect.
HMIe publishes positive report on Gairloch High School
Gairloch High School has received a very positive report from HMIe Inspectors after a recent visit.
Convener clarifies Council capital funding budget statement
The Highland Council’s Convener Sandy Park has expressed his delight at the huge public support for Highland Lights on Saturday night when 20,000 attended the torchlight procession and fireworks display and another estimated 30,000 watched from various vantage points around the Kessock Bridge.
Work Starts on Landmark Highland Project at Acharacle
Work began today (Monday) on a landmark project - the Highland’s first fully sustainable school. The new Acharacle Primary School, Ardnamurchan, will be a timber building with exceptional levels of insulation, air tightness and a minimal need for heating.
Film Project To Promote Health & Social Work Services
The Highland Council in partnership with NHS Highland have commissioned a series of Public Information videos of 60-90 second duration, to be screened at a special community roadshow in the Eastgate Centre in Inverness from Monday 28 January for seven days.
Interpretation encourages visitors to see Great Glen by boot, boat or bike
A £200,000 public access and interpretation project along the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen Way comes to fruition this week, as forty nine information and interpretation panels are installed as part of “The Great Glen Ways Initiative”.
Chairman’s Pride in Delivering Highland 2007
The Chairman of Highland 2007, Councillor Sandy Park, Convener of The Highland Council, said the Board and staff of Highland 2007 are proud of what has been achieved during Scotland’s Year of Highland culture.
First Minister opens Scotland’s first purpose built Gaelic Medium School
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond today (Friday) formally opened Scotland’s first purpose-built Gaelic Medium School at Inverness.
Highland Lights - a highlight to kick off 2008
This Saturday (12 January) The Highland Council presents Highland Lights ~ Solais na Gaidhealtachd, the grand finale to Highland 2007 in Inverness and a great start to the New Year in the Highland capital.
School Closures Due to Adverse Weather
Nine Highland primary schools were closed today (Wednesday) due to adverse weather.
Highland Lights promises “Fantastic Programme of Entertainment”
Members of The Highland Council's Inverness City Committee are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the city for Saturday’s Highland Lights - Solais na Gaidhealtachd event.
Advice to motorists ahead of Highland Lights
In the interests of public safety, The Highland Council is advising the public of various temporary road closures to accommodate Highland Lights, the finale of Highland 2007, which is taking place on Saturday (12 January).
Post Office Closure Proposals
The Highland Council will respond to the consultation on the 29 post office closures proposed for the region.
Whiteness Head walk with Council Ranger
Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger John Orr is leading a guided walk to Whiteness Head on Sunday 13th January.
Rock Face Work In Lochaber
Drivers in Lochaber are warned that they could face delays when driving on the A861 and the B863 to allow work to stabilise roadside rock faces.