Housing Plea to UK Government Minister
The Highland Council is urging the UK Government to stimulate the housing and construction industry in the Highlands during the economic downturn by releasing much-needed funds. The Council, which has a stock of 14,000 houses, is currently spending £15 million each year on loan charges to service its £146 million housing debt. The debt is the equivalent of £10,264 per house and the loan charges are equivalent to 37p for every £1 of rent collected.
Temporary Road Closures During Inverness Half Marathon
Inverness Half Marathon and Fun Run event takes place on Sunday 8 March and the Council is advising drivers that temporary traffic restrictions will be in place in and around the city from 11am to 3.30pm.
Leisure Pool Reopens One Month Ahead Of Schedule
Management at Inverness Leisure are delighted to be able to announce that the Leisure Pool at the Bught Park complex is due to reopen now that repairs have been completed to the damage caused by the fire in the plant room in September last year.
New Toilet Block Opened at Golspie
A new public convenience has opened in Golspie, providing local residents and visitors alike with modern surroundings. The Highland Council has invested £286,000 in the facility on the Main Street that includes male, female, disabled toilet units and an attendant’s store. Additionally there is a separate 24 hour toilet unit, accessible using a swipe card which can be obtained from the local Council Service Point. Nappy changing facilities have been provided within the female toilets.
Highland Council Events Officer Honoured
Gerry Reynolds, The Highland Council’s Events Officer for Inverness, has scooped a top national award in recognition of the “outstanding” events he has delivered in recent years such as the Inverness Highland Games and the Inverness Winter Festival.
New Deputy Chief Fire Officer for the Highlands and Islands
Highland and Islands Fire Board have announced the appointment of John Donaldson to the position of Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service.
Civic return to the Old Town Hall, Thurso
Highland Councillors returned to their civic home in Thurso earlier this week after a two year absence.
Skye Blue Bin Recycling Collections Reach End of First Rota
Blue Recycling Bin Collections in Skye and Lochalsh began at the beginning of the month and this Friday will see the end of the first four week rota. The collections are proving a great success with already over 60% of residents putting out their bins on some routes.
Public warned of illegal mussel harvesting in the Highlands
People in the Highlands are being warned that illegal mussel harvesting is taking place in the area and that buying mussels from unclassified sources for human consumption could put consumers at risk.
Blue Recycling Bin Collections Begin in Rural Lochaber
The recent introduction of blue recycling bin collections in rural parts of Lochaber is proving a great success with an average of more than 70% of residents putting out their bins during last week.
Greater Fort William Education Review
The Highland Council has written to head teachers, parent councils and community councils in the Greater Fort William area to assure them that they will be fully consulted over a review of pre-school and primary education provision in the area and that no changes will be introduced until the finance is in place to provide better facilities than exist at present.
Planning the Highlands – Moving Forward
The Highland Council has launched the preparation of the new Highland-wide Local Development Plan which will tackle the strategic issues across Highland for the next 20 years.
East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum to discuss Scotland Rural Development Programme
The next Highland Council East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum will meet at 7.30pm on Monday 2nd March in Rogart Hall to discuss the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).
Scottish “Maldini” Visits School
A Highland school will be welcoming a Scottish football legend for a visit on Thursday 26th February.
Wick Ward Explores Help Available To Those Feeling The Credit Crunch
The Wick Ward Forum will meet on Tuesay 3 March 2009 in the Mowat Room, Assembly Rooms, Sinclair Terrace, Wick. The focus at the forum meeting will be the credit crunch and help that is available to those feeling the effects of it.
New Head Teacher for Kilchuimen Primary, Fort Augustus
A new Head Teacher has been appointed to Kilchuimen Primary School. She is Ms Wendy Scollay, currently on secondment as Acting Head Teacher at the school.
Dornoch Derby Nears Completion
Sutherland school Dornoch Academy is completing preparations for the up-coming Dornoch Derby and Garden Party.
Four Scottish Artists Feature At Inverness Museum and Art gallery
“Confluence” is the title of the exhibition currently in display at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which showcases four distinguished Scottish artists - Alfons Bytautus, Bill Scott, George Macpherson and Norman McBeath.
Council reduces speeding at another Caithness school
From Monday 23rd February 2009, another Caithness School will have new full time 30mph and part time 20mph speed limits in operation for children’s’ safety.
Athletics Stadium At Inverness Leisure To Get Silver Anniversary Facelift
The team at Inverness Leisure are delighted that they have been able to secure £125,000 funding in order to undertake full refurbishment and upgrading to the athletics track located at the Bught Park facilities.
New Ward Manager for Aird and Loch Ness
The Highland Council has appointed a new Ward Manager for the Aird and Loch Ness Ward.
Ministerial meeting prompts postponement of City Transport Forum
The Highland Council has secured a meeting with Scottish Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, to discuss the implications for the Highlands of the recently published Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR).
Launch of Highland Reading Blog
A new initiative to help children to share reading experiences with each other across the region was launched today (Thursday).
Council supports UHI Centre for History development
Members of The Highlands Council’s Resources Committee have pledged their support to the development of a UHI Centre for History at Dornoch.
Councillors Welcome Improving Accident Statistics
The number of accidents reported to The Highland Council’s Health and Safety team has significantly reduced, councillors have been advised.
Caithness volunteers brave winter weather at St John’s Pool
A small but hardy group of dedicated Caithness Countryside Volunteers recently braved wintry conditions to undertake maintenance work at St John’s pool.
Additional Investment for Money Advice and Welfare Rights Services
For a second year running, The Highland Council is committing a further £100,000 to money advice and welfare rights services in the Highlands.
Customer Services at Highland - “a beacon of public service delivery”
The Highland Council has retained its Charter Mark Standard for excellence in customer service delivery at its network of 37 Service Points, and its new Service Centre at Alness with a glowing report from Government assessors which concluded the Council should be held “as a beacon in public service delivery”.
Two arrested for counterfeit games and illegal chipping service
Raids on two separate addresses to investigate an illegal counterfeiting operation has lead to the arrest of two people in the Scottish Highlands. Further to Friday’s raids, a large number of items including consoles and games have been seized as part of the ongoing fight against Intellectual Properly (IP) Crime by investigators from ELSPA (the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) working in partnership with the local police and trading standards.
Ward Forum drives transport plans
Transport will be the focus of discussion at the next meeting of The Highland Council’s Tain and Easter Ross Ward Forum, which is being held at Fearn Village Hall from 7.30 pm on Thursday 26 February.
Winter Maintenance Update
The prolonged period of adverse weather conditions this winter has resulted in a significant increase in the usage of rock salt to treat roads in the Highlands.
Inverness by-election date chosen
A by-election will be held in The Highland Council’s Ward 14 – Inverness West - on Thursday 23 April to choose a successor to Councillor Jimmy MacDonald, who died on 30 January at the age of 60.
No messing in Ness-side
Council officers reported that in January six fixed penalty fines of £40 each were issued to dog owners who failed to clean up after their dogs in the Council’s Ness-side Ward. Three of the penalty notices were issued in Balloan playing fields, where the Council has situated two dispensers of bags for collecting dog waste. One fixed penalty was issued in Castle Heather Park, one in Macdonald Park and another in Johnstone Place.
Council Confirms Commitment to Wick Heating Scheme
The Highland Council has advised customers of its Wick district heating system that their supply of heat and hot water will continue as it investigates the best way forward for delivering heat to their homes in the future.
Council Confirms Council Tax Freeze and Growth in Key Services
A freeze in the Council Tax and a growth in spending to accommodate priority front line services has been confirmed by The Highland Council. The Independent/Liberal Democrat and Labour Administration were successful with their recommendation to keep the tax at 2008/9 levels and deliver a revenue budget for 2009/10 of £598 million, an extra £23 million (or 4.3% increase) over the current financial year. The Band D will be £1,163.
Proposed tree work in Tain
The three Highland Councillors for Tain and Easter Ross are seeking the views of Tain residents over the future of two large Cypress trees in the Rose Garden in the town’s High Street.
Snow Affects Schools in North Highlands
A total of 23 schools and education units in the North Highlands have closed today (Wednesday) as a result of adverse weather.
Broadford Primary gets the Blues during Village Clean up
Broadford Primary School carried out a village clean up with a difference on Monday. Braving snow underfoot all the pupils took a turn at being Waste Warriors during the course of the day, not only cleaning up the village but also separating out and recording items that can be recycled in the new Blue Bins.
Fort William Waterfront – Conclusion of Missives expected
Conclusion of missives is expected shortly with Fort William Waterfront Ltd, The Highland Council’s preferred developers of the Waterfront project in the West Highland town.
Staff Presented With Top Toilet Awards
Following The Highland Council’s success at the Loo of the Year Awards, staff from the Education, Culture and Sport service who are responsible for looking after the award winning toilets were presented with their certificates at a special ceremony in Inverness.
Cromarty Firth Ward explores help available to those feeling the credit crunch
The Highland Council’s Cromarty Firth Ward Forum will meet on Thursday 26th February at the Kiltearn Parish Church Hall in Balconie Street, Evanton. The focus at this month’s meeting will be the credit crunch and help that is available to those feeling the effects of it.
Highland children benefit from Lottery payout
Over 4,000 children in Highland pre-school education are receiving all weather suits just in time for playing in the snow.
Love is in the cold crisp air!
This Valentine’s Day, Highland Council Countryside Rangers are inviting people to get out of the house and enjoy the crisp winter weather and join them on a ‘Love is in the Air – Valentine walk’.
The Highland Council receives Carbon Trust Standard Certification
The Highland Council is one of only three Councils in Scotland to receive Carbon Trust Standard certification in recognition of the progress it is making in reducing carbon emissions. Since 2006-7, carbon emissions from Council buildings have reduced by 12%.
Beware of online puppy scammers! – Highland Trading Standards warns consumers.
Online classified advertisements do offer an easy and sometimes free means of advertising goods for consumers. However, they can also be a means for traders to disguise themselves as ‘private sellers’ and for bogus sellers to operate scams.
HMIe Report on Plockton Primary School and Nursery Class
Plockton Primary and Nursery School have received an overall positive inspection report from HM Inspectors who visited the school in November 2008 as part of a national sample of primary education, covering key aspects of the school’s work at all stages.
Safer Internet Day 2009
Every pupil in the Highlands is being issued this week with important information to protect themselves online. They will receive a leaflet entitled ‘How can I protect myself? Ciamar A Dhìonas Mi Mi-fhèin?’, which has been distributed to coincide with ‘Safer Internet Day’, a global event which takes place each year in early February with the purpose of promoting safer and more responsible use of online and mobile communication technology.
Council to offer businesses City roundabout sponsorship deals
Members of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee have given the final go ahead for a sponsorship scheme of the City’s roundabouts.
Final home determined for Faith, Hope and Charity statues
The location of a permanent home for three nine foot statues, Faith, Hope and Charity, that once adorned the roof of an Inverness High Street drapers store, was decided today by members of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee.
Public to be consulted on expansion of 'Operation Respect'
The Highland Council is to canvas communities around Inverness to establish support and potential demand for the expansion of a public safety initiative called ‘Operation Respect’.
School Closures in the Highlands
A total of six primary schools and one nursery school were closed today in The Highland Council area due to winter weather related conditions.
Skye Road Meeting
A constructive meeting was held yesterday (Thursday 5th February) between Transport Scotland, The Highland Council and Scotland Transerv to discuss a number of issues regarding the Winter Service and road maintenance on the A87 Trunk Road on Skye.
Second Day of Bad Weather Closes 41 Highland schools
A total of 41 schools in Highland were closed or partially closed today (Friday) as a result of the adverse weather. This involved 36 primary schools, and 5 secondary schools.
Highland Council Household Bin Collection
The winter conditions the Highland area is experiencing has resulted in a disruption in the collection of household refuse and recycling bins.
Bridgend Primary switches on to solar power
Pupils at Bridgend Primary in Alness will be able to monitor how much of the energy they use is powered by the sun.
Motorists urged to cut speed at East Ross School
From Monday 9th February 2009, another East Ross school will have part time 20mph speed limits in operation for children’s’ safety.
Bad Weather Closes 65 Highland schools
A total of 65 schools in Highland were closed or partially closed today (Thursday) as a result of the adverse weather. This involved 50 primary schools, 10 secondary schools, one school for pupils with additional support needs and four nursery units.
Council Administration recommends Council Tax freeze
A freeze in the Council Tax is being recommended by the Independent/Liberal Democrat/Labour Administration of The Highland Council when the Council holds a special meeting on Thursday 12 February to confirm the 2009/10 Council Tax levels. The tax is set to remain at the 2008/9 level and deliver a revenue budget for 2009/10 of £598 million.
Caithness primary school pupils are healthy highlanders
Pupils at a Caithness primary school have been named as the winners of a competition to celebrate Healthy Highland Week in which they had to suggest healthy alternatives to sweets as rewards.
Gaelic Authors For New Highland Writing Initiative
Sgriobhadh sa Sgìre is the name of a new Highland Gaelic writing initiative which will see published authors and established writers visiting schools to work alongside pupils. The writers will also take in part in arts and community based events and the project will also promote Gaelic books through sales and marketing.
Funding For Sutherland Drug And Alcohol Projects
Sutherland-based groups working with people with drug and alcohol problems are being invited to apply for funding from the Sutherland Drug and Alcohol Forum (SDAF).
Works at Tradespark Wood, Nairn
Members of the public are being advised that environmental improvement works will be taking place at Tradespark Road, Nairn with tree surgery expected to commence on Friday 6th February.
Locals urged to contribute to Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Homecoming Scotland exhibition.
To celebrate Homecoming Scotland 2009, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (IMAG) is creating an exhibition which will portray the experiences of local emigrants and immigrants.
Highland Museums create banners and big bright books
Ancient symbols, light house lamps, birds of prey and World War II helmets are just some of the museum objects which inspired art work on show at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery from 7th February to 2nd March.
Don't fall foul of the scammers
The Highland Council’s trading standards team has joined forces with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to warn that if an offer through your letterbox or e-mail inbox looks too good to be true, it probably is.
School closures in the Highlands
A total of six primary schools and one nursery school were closed today in The Highland Council area due to winter weather related conditions.