An Aird Ground Inspection
More than 100 homes and 10 businesses in the An Aird area of Fort William will receive a newsletter this week updating them on land investigations being carried out in the area.
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Medals Presented
In Highland, a record 18 young people aged between 17 and 25 years have gained their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 2008 and during a meeting of The Highland Council held earlier today (Thursday 26 June) 12 of the successful participants from Inverness and Grantown were presented with their Gold awards.
Trading Standards clamp down on disguised car dealers
Trading Standards Officers from The Highland Council are targeting suspected car dealers posing as private individuals who are using car parks and other public spaces to advertise their vehicles for sale.
Council confirms commitment to Play Development
Highland Councillors have agreed a package of measures to promote the development of play for young people throughout the Highlands.
SNP Resignations
This was announced by Chief Executive Alistair Dodds at a meeting of the Council in Inverness today (Thursday) and follows a decision by the SNP Group to leave the Administration they had formed with the Independent Group.
Delivering Better Public Services
Highland Councillors have agreed a plan of action to deliver the priorities of the Scottish Government for improving public services.
UHI is awarded taught degree awarding powers
UHI Millennium Institute, the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands, has announced today (Thursday 26th June) that it has been granted taught degree awarding powers by the Privy Council.
Climate Change and The Highlands: ‘Think Global – Act Local’
The challenge of tackling the impacts of climate change in the Highlands can best be met if public, private and voluntary organisations work together on plans to conserve energy and protect the public and habitats from the threat of flooding.
Family Fun at Walker Park, Inverness
New play equipment at an Inverness public park is proving a great hit with mums and dads, grannies and grandpas as well as toddlers and young people.
Planning Photo Competition Winners Announced
Eight young people from across the Highlands have won prizes for their photographs entered into The Highland Council’s “Keep Us in the Picture” competition.
HMIE on St Bride’s School, Onich
St Bride’s Primary School and Nursery Class, Onich, near Fort William, were inspected in March 2008 as part of a national sample of primary and nursery education.
Action for Red Squirrels
People in the Highlands are being encouraged to get involved in supporting Red Squirrels.
Reducing the Carbon Footprint at Abernethy Primary
The Highland Council’s drive to improve carbon emissions has benefited one of the primary schools within the Cairngorms National Park. Abernethy Primary School, Nethybridge, has had a new biomass boiler recently commissioned at a cost of £120,000 to provide heat and hot water to the school from wood chip which is locally produced. Pupils have been closely involved in the project.
Lifescan Scotland Ltd. Promotes Inclusive Play in Muir of Ord
Members of Muir of Ord Community Association have formally accepted a donation through Play Highland from the medical devices company, Lifescan Scotland Ltd., which has provided vital funding for a birds nest swing for children with disabilities.
Council puts the brakes on motorists near Sutherland school
Motorists are being warned that part time 20mph speed restrictions will be introduced at Stoer Primary School for children’s safety from Monday 23rd June, 2008.
Conference Focuses on Climate Change in the Highlands
More than 100 delegates have signed up for the first major climate change conference to be held in the Highlands.
Disruption to traffic on A862, Clachnaharry Road, Inverness
Contractor, Ennstone Thistle Limited, will be carrying out resurfacing work for The Highland Council on the A862, Clachnaharry Road, Inverness, between its junctions with King Brude Road and Scorguie Road.
Fortrose Head’s Secondment to Nairn
The Head Teacher of Fortrose Academy, Douglas Simpson, is to take charge of Nairn Academy for one year from the start of the new school session in August.
SNP Group Withdraw from Council Administration
Members of the Scottish National Party Group on The Highland Council have notified the Chief Executive, Alistair Dodds, that they have withdrawn from the Administration, which has political control of the Council.
Highland Council takes action to protect public
The Highland Council has cordoned off part of the pavement outside the Inverness Town House today (18 June 2008) in order to protect the public from loose masonry on the Town House building.
Drivers urged to slow down near Highland school
Motorists are being warned that existing 30mph speed restrictions signs have been extended to accommodate new, part time 20mph speed restrictions which have been introduced at Achiltibuie Primary School for children’s safety.
Highland Children’s Book Awards
Voted by young readers in the Highlands, the winners of The Highland Council’s Children’s Book Awards were announced at a ceremony held earlier today (Wednesday 18 June) in Strathpeffer Pavillion.
Celebrations Mark Success Of Programme To Improve Children’s Communications Skills
Children from 12 nurseries came together in Alness today (Wednesday 18 June) to join in the celebrations as Highland Early Learning Centres were presented with certificates to mark their success in gaining accreditation in I CAN’s Early Talk programme.
IT Group in Nairn
Nairn ABE (Adult Basic Education) recently started an information technology group class that aims to empower its learners in the use of personal computers.
Ward Forum To Look At Funding Opportunities For Communities
The Highland Council’s Cromarty Firth Ward Forum has now been meeting regularly for almost a year and has visited Ardross, Alness, Evanton. Invergordon and Saltburn. A wide variety of topics have been considered ranging from recycling and winter gritting to NHS Health Services in the area.
Health Is Top Topic At Highland Youth Voice Conference
Highland Youth Voice, the elected youth parliament for the Highlands, meets this weekend (20-22 June) at Sabhal Mor Ostaig on Skye. The conference programme has been designed in response to requests from Youth Voice members to be more aware of health issues for themselves, their friends and young people in general.
Council assurance over Caol Flood Scheme
The commitment of The Highland Council to prevent flooding in Caol, Fort William, has been underlined by Convener Sandy Park, who says that significant progress is being made in developing this important project.
Fortrose Academy Pupil Is Named Highland Musician of the Year
Cellist Robin Nelson, aged 16 and a pupil at Fortrose Academy is the Highland Young Musician of the Year after winning the competition held on Monday evening at the Drumosie Hotel.
Chance To Tour New Drummond School
There will be an open afternoon and evening for anyone who would like a tour of the new Drummond School, Inverness, on Tuesday 24 June.
Essential works on B852 Foyers – Inverfarigaig Road
The Highland Council is advising motorists that essential maintenance works affecting the B852 Foyers – Inverfarigaig Road commences tomorrow (Wednesday 18th June, 2008) and is expected to last until Friday 20th June, 2008.
Enthusiastic Learners in Wick School
Happy, confident, well-behaved and with an enthusiasm for learning was HMIe how inspectors described pupils in North Primary School, Wick in their report published today (17th June 2008).
Temporary Road Closures in the City
During the Beating of the Retreat by the Bands of the 51st Highland Scots on Saturday 28 June, several city roads will be temporarily closed from between 7pm and 8.15pm.
’Excellent’’ Report for Ross-shire School
A Ross-shire secondary school has received an outstanding report from HM Inspectors of Education following a visit to Fortrose Academy.
Temporary Road Closures During Corrieyairack Challenge Event
During the Corrieyairack Challenge Event, which takes place on Saturday 5 July, a number of roads will be temporarily closed to vehicles during the day.
Virtual Conference To Help Rural Businesses Go Global
Secondary school pupils and the business community across the Highlands and Islands are being invited to take part in an online virtual conference.
Securing Clach’s Future
Talks have been held between The Highland Council and Clachnacuddin FC to ensure the long-term future of the Highland League club.
Commendation for Highland Project At National Care Awards
A training programme developed by The Highland Council’s Social Work Services, NHS Highland and other key partners has received a special commendation award at Scotland’s National Care Accolades.
Change To Council’s Bulky Uplift Service
As of 1 July 2008 The Highland Council will be changing its policy for the bulky uplift service for certain household wastes, by removing bagged or other contained excess household waste from the list of approved items. This amendment to the service is designed to help improve the environment by reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. It will also support the Council Administration’s commitment to increase the amount of waste recycled in the Highlands to 40% by 2010.
Moths Count at Borgie
A group of volunteers and experts met recently in Sutherland on National Moth Night (7 June, 2007) to count moths as part of a UK awareness raising and recording scheme.
Underwater art comes to Nairn
Nairn swimming pool is one of only two Scottish venues for the UK’s first underwater sound festival, Wet Sounds 2008.
Dingwall Invitation
Residents in the Bridaig Avenue; Bridaig Cottages; Bridaig Square; Dewar Square; Fingal Road; Gladstone Avenue; Meiklefield Road; Meiklefield Square; Millcraig Road; Peffery Road; Seaforth Gardens; or Wyvis Terrace areas of Dingwall are being invited to come along to a public meeting next week (Wednesday 25 June) to officially form their own residents group.
Culloden Academy Meet Victorious ‘A’ Team
As the Scotland ‘A’ team battled to victory over the Argentina Pumas to reach the final of the Barclay’s Churchill Cup, there were some familiar accents cheering them on from the stands. Culloden Academy from Inverness took in the game as part of their three-game Canadian rugby tour and not only did they witness a thrilling game, the pupils were invited trackside to meet the entire Scotland ‘A’ squad straight after the victory.
Inverness Highland Games Reveals Strong Community Heart
The Highland Council has announced that next month’s Inverness Highland Games at Bught Park will have the largest community involvement ever seen since the event was first staged in 1822.
Council calms traffic at four more schools
Part time 20mph speed limits have been introduced at another four Highland schools. The new speed limits operate when pupils are arriving and departing from Ullapool High, and Ullapool, Bower and Crossroads Primaries during term times.
Good News for Wick Town Centre
Highland Councillors have confirmed their intention to retain their main Council office presence in Wick at Market Square as a key part of a regeneration of the town centre.
City Lane Temporarily Closed To Pedestrians
In Inverness City, Mealmarket Close at its junction with the High Street will be closed to pedestrians from Monday 16 June at 7am until 6pm on Friday 20 June.
Temporary Road Closure During Highland Cross 2008 Event
The C31 Glen Affric Road will be temporarily closed to vehicles during the Highland Cross 2008 event which takes place on Saturday 21 June between 11am and 4pm.
Bridge Inspections Require Road Closures
Motorists are being advised of temporary closures of two Highland roads on Thursday (19 June) which are necessary to allow the inspection of bridges.
South American Artists' Prints on Show
An exhibition from the Hayward Gallery in London of the prints of South American artist Ana Maria Pacheco goes on show on at Inverness Museum & Art Gallery this Saturday (14 June) for a month.
Now is the time to apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance
Young people staying on at Secondary schools in the Highlands are being urged by Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service to apply early for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
Highland Journey Photo Exhibition To Tour
In June of 1934, the writer and poet Edwin Muir borrowed a car from his friend and fellow Orcadian, Stanley Cursiter, and set out on a tour around Scotland.
Making Best Use of Council Assets
The drive for efficiency within local government can be helped significantly by the more effective management of assets, such as buildings, plant and equipment.
Council Delegation Visits Skye
Convener Sandy Park, Vice-Convener Jean Urquhart and Chief Executive Alistair Dodds of The Highland Council visited Skye this week to meet local councillors, community leaders and partners and visit some key projects taking shape on the island.
Skye Project Nears Completion
Work on the sixth and final contract to upgrade the A851 road between Broadford and Armadale, Sleat, Isle of Skye, is on target to be completed in October.
City Lunchtime Piano Recital
Inverness classical music-lovers are in for a treat next week . A Lunchtime Piano Recital performed and introduced by Robin Colvill, one of the most versatile pianists performing in Britain today, will take place at the Town House on Monday 16 June.
Plockton Music Pupils Prepare To Go On Tour
As the current school term draws to an end, it’s time for the students of the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music to hit the road for their annual tour.
Rogue traders on the run as new consumer protection legislation introduced
Consumer protection law has been shaken-up this month as new regulations have been introduced to combat rogue traders and unfair practices.
Highland Pupils Compete For Sports Trophy
The finals of the MacRobert Cup 2008 will take place at Inverness Royal Academy on Thursday (12 June) with over 230 pupils from across the Highlands battling it out on football pitches and on basketball courts to win the hotly contested annual trophy.
HMIe Report on Farr Primary School, Inverness
In an HMIe report on Farr Primary School, Inverness, a range of key strengths were identified.
Good news for Portree High School
HM Inspectors revisited Portree High School in April 2008 to assess the extent to which the school was continuing to improve the quality of its work, and to evaluate progress made in responding to the main points for action in the initial report of 2006.
Highland schools mountain bike championships, Fort William
A Lochaber High School pupil won the boys title for the Highland schools mountain bike championships in Fort William held last Thursday 5th June.
Highland Gallery and Museum - A Vision for the Future
The public is being asked for their views on the suitability of five sites as the possible location for a new Highland Gallery and Museum – an inspirational 21st century cultural facility for Inverness and the Highlands.
Council Begins Process of Re-procuring ICT Contract
The Highland Council is seeking interest from companies to bid for a corporate and curriculum ICT contract, which will provide the Council’s ICT services for the next five – seven years. The current ICT contract with Fujitsu, awarded in 1998, expires in 2009.
New Dingwall Library Gets Seal Of Approval
Dingwall Library’s oldest member, Diane (Bunty) Marshall, aged 92 from North Kessock visited the new community library yesterday (Monday 9 June) and was delighted and impressed with what she saw.
Turfs cut for Mallaig High School Hostel
A turf cutting ceremony was held today (Tuesday 10th June) at Mallaig High School to mark the award of a construction contract for The Highland Council’s £4 million residential hostel at Mallaig High School to Les Taylor Construction.
Physical Activity Strategy
The Highland Council is developing a strategy for physical activity with its multi agency partners in the public and voluntary sector and is looking for feedback from the public on how to get everyone more active.
Sutherland Swimming Pool
Sutherland Swimming Pool in Golspie officially re-opened on Saturday 7th June after a £1.2 million refurbishment by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service. The refurbished facility now provides a first class environment for swimming, health and fitness which is fully accessible to all.
Procession To New Dingwall School
980 pupils from Dingwall Academy were joined today by staff, guests and former pupils for a lively procession from the old school down the hill to the new £28 million community school.
‘Whatever’ - A Play About Smoking Tours Highland Schools
NHS Highland and The Highland Council are working together to take key messages to young people about the effects of smoking.
Leabhar nan Gaidheal Òga – Highland launch of The Book of the Young Gael
The launch of a new book written by Gaelic medium pupils and illustrated by young people from throughout the Highlands took place in Inverness Town House this morning (Friday 6 June).
Highland Young Musician of the Year
Five young finalists from Thurso, Fortrose, Nairn and Tain will be competing next week for the title of Highland Young Musician of the Year.
Drummond School completed on schedule
After a year of construction work, Morrison Construction, part of Galliford Try group, has this week handed over, on schedule, a brand new school for pupils with additional support needs in Inverness. Drummond School is the eighth of the eleven new schools projects to be completed under The Highland Council's second PPP scheme.
New Isle of Skye Community Facilities Open For The Summer
Residents and visitors to the Isle Of Skye will be able to take part in more leisure opportunities than ever before thanks to the opening on 1 July of the new community facilities at Portree High School.
Bubble McBea and Sounds Of Singing
An exciting collaboration with Scottish Opera and The Highland Council means that two top quality performance events for young singers and musicians will take place in Inverness next Thursday (12 June).
Ness Bridge Illumination
Rock Ness revellers will be treated to an additional visual spectacle this weekend with the switching on of the feature lighting on the Ness Bridge, Inverness.
Alness Pupils Get Real Treat With New Playground
Playtime at an Alness school is about to become more imaginative and exciting thanks to a £31,000 project which has transformed a desolate and unattractive area within Obsdale Primary school into a play wonderland which encourages pupils to get creative and devise their own playtime fun.
B T Payphone Removal Consultation
The Highland Council has today (Wednesday) published on the Council’s website an initial response to BT’s payphone consultation across the Highland area.
Brora Primary School staffing response
The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee Chairman, Councillor Bill Fernie has described as "totally unfounded" claims that the authority has placed a cap on the pupil roll at Brora Primary School.
Success of Automated Blue Badge Scheme
The Highland Council is the first local authority in Scotland to introduce a fully automated Blue Badge scheme, offering customers a quicker and more efficient service.
Young Voices Wanted For New Highland Choir
Invitations have been issued to all P3 pupils in, and within, 30 minutes travelling time of Inverness to audition for a place singing with a new junior choir.
Mallaig High School Hostel
A turf cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday 10th June to mark the start of work at a new £4 million residential hostel at Mallaig High School.
Highland Council reassures home carers
The Highland Council’s Chairman of Housing and Social Work has reassured around 685 home carers working in the Highlands that the Council does not anticipate redundancies in its home care service.
Old Achintore School
Urgent restoration work is to be carried out over the summer months to the B-listed Old Achintore School, Fort William.
Funding Help At the Touch Of A Button
Organisations such as community and voluntary groups, sports and other clubs, schools, social enterprises and small businesses are now able to search across a huge range of funding sources thanks to the launch of a free scheme.
Council Welcomes Road to Recovery Campaign
The Highland Council has welcomed the Scottish Government’s “The Road to Recovery – A New Approach to Tackling Scotland’s Drug Problem.”
National Award For West Alness Resident Group
A resident’s association from Alness is one of 79 volunteering groups from across the UK who have been announced as winners of this year's Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. These awards recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others.
Community Hopes To Reverse Bad Parking Habit
An Easter Ross community partnership wants to put the brakes on an increasing antisocial problem in its area by appealing to residents to change their habits.
National Day of Action on Litter
The Highland Council and Northern Constabulary combined resources to participate in a National Day of Action on Litter yesterday (Tuesday 3rd June).
Council supports major new design awards for Highlands and Islands
The Highland Council is sponsoring a new design awards scheme for innovative and cutting edge architecture in the Highlands and Islands which has attracted over 170 entries.
Viking event hailed huge success
Thirty people including eighteen children turned out to a recent Viking event organised by The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers and Forestry Commission Scotland’s Borgie Forest team
Plea to Chancellor on Fuel Costs
The Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Sandy Park, has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Alistair Darling, to ask him to ease the burden of spiralling fuel costs in the Highlands.
Polish Storytelling Session At Inverness Library
On Saturday (7 June) Inverness Library will be hosting an event for children aged 3 – 7 celebrating Polish culture, customs and traditional tales.
Saving the smiles of sports players
NHS Highland is launching a tooth trauma kit to help minimise dental injuries and protect teeth from accidents on the sports field.
Royal Visit To REAL Projects At City School
The pupils and staff of Inverness High School are preparing to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay to the school tomorrow.
Strictly Come Shopping Campaign
A campaign to attract shoppers in to the Old Town area of Inverness whilst the £6million streetscaping improvements reach a critical stage was launched today (Monday).
Highland Housing Register Launch
Applying for social rented housing in Highland will be more straightforward following the launch of the Highland Housing Register.
Unified Courts Administration In Grampian, Highland & Islands
From today, (Monday 2 June) the Scottish Court Service is responsible for the administration of the former District Courts, now Justice of the Peace Courts as well as Sheriff Courts in Grampian, Highland & Islands. SCS also has responsibility for the Court of Session, High Court and Office of the Public Guardian.
Local Youngsters’ View to the Future
Local youngsters have risen to the challenge of presenting their vision of the future of Drumnadrochit.
Work-related road safety in the Inverness area
The Highland Council is supporting a free seminar for businesses that aims to cut the number of people killed in road crashes while they are working.
HMIe Report on Millbank Primary School and Nursery, Nairn
In an HMIe report on Millbank Primary School and Nursery, Nairn, HM Inspectors identified a number of key strengths.
Highland Education Chairman speaks out on Brora Primary School staffing
The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee Chairman, Councillor Bill Fernie has spoken critically over comments on teacher staffing at Brora Primary School.
Inverness Common Good fund supports City Pipe Band
Members of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee have approved funding of £7,500 from the Inverness Common Good Fund for Inverness’s only competitive pipe band.