Promoting rail travel for the blind
The Highland Council is to seek the support of the Scottish Government, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and First ScotRail to re-instate a scheme which will promote opportunities for blind people to travel by rail.
Exciting times at Nairn Academy
An extension to Nairn Academy will see construction of a new library and science faculty, consisting of 11 state-of-the-art science laboratories, staff base and various technicians’ rooms.
Exhibition Celebrating 30 Years of Scottish Glass To Tour The Highlands
A contemporary glass exhibition based on the theme of migration will start it’s national tour in the Highlands thanks to a collaboration between The Highland Council and The Scottish Glass Society.
Forum Leads On Tourism Initiative
Individuals, businesses and volunteers involved in tourism are being urged to work together following the latest Tain and Easter Ross Ward Forum meeting.
New Head Teacher for Kingussie Primary School
The new head teacher of Kingussie Primary School, is Ms Morven Snodgrass, Head Teacher at Logie Primary School, Moray, for the past four years.
Interim follow-through inspection of Helmsdale Primary School
As part of the inspectorate’s ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities, the report is issued today (30 June 2009) on the inspection by HMIe of the quality of education at Helmsdale Primary School. The follow-through report is based on an inspection visit which was carried out in May 2009 and describes the improvements that have been made since the original inspection in 2008.
Ùlpan Gaelic students receive awards
Fifty four Gaelic language students recently attended an award ceremony at Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis (Thursday 25 June) to receive their Ùlpan certificates of attainment.
Ceremony marks Completion of Inverness City Centre Streetscape Works
The £6 million Inverness Streetscape and Transportation Project has transformed city centre streets with an upgrade of the street surfaces and a change to traffic management.
Warm weather boosts butterfly volunteers
A recent sunny Sunday (21 June) saw a strong team of Countryside volunteers turn out to help provide habitat for one of the small blue butterfly colonies in Caithness.
Council agrees minor changes to Gaelic Plan
The Highland Council has agreed minor changes to its Gaelic Language Plan to provide greater consistency and clarity in the implementation of bilingual signage. Amended wording to the Plan will be forwarded to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for their consideration.
Best Value Audit
The Highland Council is one of five councils in Scotland which will be subject to a detailed review of its performance by the Audit Commission.
Licensees Reminded of Need for Personal Licence
Highland Licensing Board would like to remind licensees in the Highland Region who have applied for a premises licence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 of the requirement to nominate a Premises Manager who must be the holder of a Personal Licence.
Largest primary school in the Highlands celebrates its success
Around 200 invited guests joined Provost of Inverness, Councillor Jimmy with teachers and pupils of the 354 roll Inshes Primary School, Inverness for a celebration of success.
Major Consultation Planned Over Community Council Review
A major review of Community Council arrangements, including boundaries and memberships, is to be undertaken over the next 18 months, including three periods of public consultation.
Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards presented
Thirteen young people from the Highlands were presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards during a meeting of The Highland Council held earlier today. (Thursday 25 June).
Record Entry for Masters World Championships
Scottish Minister’s Positive Response to Housing Plea
Officials from The Highland Council and the Scottish Government are to work together to identify ways of easing homelessness and an acute shortage of social rented housing in the Highlands.
Third Caithness Conference
The Assembly Rooms in Wick will be the venue for the 3rd Caithness Conference which will take place on 1st October 2009.
Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu): Joint Planning Continues within the Highlands and Islands
The Highlands and Islands Strategic Coordinating Group (HISCG) has been regularly meeting to plan for and manage any potential impact of Influenza A (H1N1) within the Highlands and Islands.
User group to be formed to manage Grantown Park
The Highland Council has given Strathspey Thistle Football Club a licence to occupy Seafield Park, Grantown, which will allow the new Highland League outfit to begin limited amounts of work while a lease is negotiated.
500th Request for assistance
Business Gateway, the business information and advice service for the Highland and Moray Councils which is delivered by The Highland Council’s Enterprise Trust, Highland Opportunity Limited, has just reached its first major milestone with the 500th request for advice and assistance since the service started on 1 April.
New cycle route named "The Caledonia Way"
The new national cycle route linking Inverness and Campbeltown is to be named “The Caledonia Way”, Highland Councillors have confirmed.
Ward support for Sea Scouts
The 1st Avoch Sea Scouts are now able to work away on boat repairs after
East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum to Focus on Community Safety
The next East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 29 June in Brora Community Centre to discuss the community safety issues in East Sutherland and Edderton Ward.
Highland pupils take part in fishy tales
Fifty five pupils from three schools were involved in the 'Fishy Tales' project over a three week period early June.
2009 Neil Gunn Writing Competition winners announced
Winners of The Highland Council’s Neil Gunn writing competition 2009 were announced today (Tuesday 23 June) at a prize-giving ceremony held at Inverness Town House.
Malawian sports leaders make return visit to Nairn Academy
Nairn Academy’s sports leaders and staff were recently delighted to welcome three teachers and seven pupils from their link school, Chipasula Community Day Secondary School in Lilongwe, Malawi to the Highlands.
Highland Young Musicians End Year On A High Note
After a day of intensive rehearsal and performance, six of the eleven entrants for Monday’s Highland Young Musician of the Year took part in the public final. The judges decision awarded David Bühl, cellist and pupil at Charleston Academy, Inverness the 1st prize and Richardson Trophy for Musical Excellence with Thurso High Schools Erica Sinclair (clarinet) being placed as runner-up. The ‘Most Promising Talent’ award was given to Hector Waudby-West, a double bass playing pupil from Millburn Academy, Inverness.
Faeries To Feature At Local Library
On Thursday (25 June) Rag Tag n Textiles will be setting up a faery exhibition in Dingwall library during the regular Rhymetime session for mothers and babies.
City School’s Prize For Litter Crackdown
Pupils at Hilton Primary are celebrating after winning an award for cutting down the amount of rubbish being dropped in the school grounds. To coincide with their anti-litter crackdown, pupils of all ages have been involved in projects to raise awareness and promote a clean and healthy environment.
Council keeps Highland young people occupied with summer activities – gnìomhan samhraidh
Parents and carers of young people in the Highlands can now access hundreds of things to do during the school holidays with The Highland Council’s programme of summer activities – gnìomhan samhraidh 2009.
Shaping Allotment Policy
The Highland Council is seeking the views of the public in shaping its policy on allotment gardening.
A Blast For Brass Musicians
85 brass playing young musicians from schools across the Highlands met up in Inverness last Wednesday for a special day of tuition and group playing.
HMIe Report on Foyers Primary School, Inverness
In an HMIe report on Foyers Primary School, Inverness, a range of key strengths were identified. The primary school was strongly commended for:• children’s enthusiasm for learning;• teachers’ use of the local environment to promote learning; and
TUC Occupational Health and Safety Awards
Eight members of staff with The Highland Council, who represent their trade union colleagues in the workplace, have gained their TUC Occupational Health and Safety Diploma, through a health and safety training scheme sponsored by the Council and the TUC in association with Stow College, Glasgow.
Council reduces speed at west coast school
From Saturday 27 June, 2009 a 20 mph speed limit Order will become effective at Poolewe.
Young Enterprise - Highland teams scoop top prizes at Scottish Finals
For the second year in a row, a Highland secondary school has won the Award of ‘Best Company ‘ in Scotland at the Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme Finals in Glasgow.
Young Highland Musicians Compete For Top Title
Thirteen of the Highland’s most talented young musicians will gather at Drumossie Hotel, Inverness on Monday (22 June) as they complete for the title ‘Highland Young Musician of the Year 2009’
Millburn Academy – new car park and pedestrian arrangements
The Highland Council is highlighting to pupils, parents, community users and visitors to Millburn Academy, Inverness that new car park and pedestrian arrangements will come into place next week.
North of Scotland Ramps Up Marine Energy Lead
The North of Scotland strengthened its reputation as the hub of the global marine energy industry this week, with the announcement of £14m investment for energy-related skills development and research projects.
Flag Flying Event To Mark Armed Forces Day in Badenoch and Strathspey
The MOD is encouraging councils, businesses and homes across Scotland to show their support for our Armed Forces by flying a special flag celebrating Armed Forces Day.
Kingussie Pupils Help Keep Award Winning Memorial Looking Good
Gynack Gardens in Kingussie will be looking in tip-top condition once again this summer thanks to the efforts of Gardener Charlie Young who will be helped this year by pupils from Kingussie High School.
Recycling Used Cooking Oil Fuels New Business
More cars and vans in the Highlands will be running on recycled cooking oil thanks to a new business about to be launched by local farmer Ian Grant.
Traditional Start to Inverness Summer Festival
The first Inverness Summer Festival opens on Saturday (20 June) with one of the Highland capital’s oldest and much loved events – the Marymas Medieval Fair.
Highland capital set to be rocked by Celtic and Scots acts
This weekend Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, will be a hive of Celtic and Scots language activity with a number of events celebrating new song-writing and developments in these ancient tongues.
New Agreement Signed To Create Employment Opportunities
Councillor Carolyn Wilson, Chairman of The Highland Council's Resources Committee, has signed the Local Employment Partnership Agreement with Jobcentre Plus, which expresses the Council’s commitment to work with Jobcentre Plus to help potential recruits to move from welfare to sustained employment using a number of measures including work trials, work placements, training and mentoring.
Skye Events During National Recycle Week
Next week is Recycle Week (22 – 28 June) and this year the Recycle Now campaign is encouraging people to think about the many, easy ways they can waste less and make more of the resources we have.
Inspection of Invergordon Academy and the learning community surrounding the school.
Separate reports were issued yesterday (16 June) on the inspection by HMIe of the quality of education at Invergordon Academy and community learning and development in the surrounding area. These reports were issued as part of the inspectorate’s new joined-up strategy for evaluating all of the educational provision of local authorities
Countryside ranger walk affords fabulous views of the Findhorn
A challenging guided walk with great views is being offered to people with a good level of fitness by Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger Service on Sunday 21 June.
Isle of Skye School wins Scottish Education Award
A primary school in the Highlands collected a prestigious accolade at the Scottish Education Awards today (Tuesday 16 June), which is sponsored by the Scottish Government to celebrate success and excellence in Scottish education.
Spectacular International Flotilla Sets Sail
A visually arresting international flotilla of historic and modern craft were given a rapturous send off today (Tuesday 16th June) as they set sail from Neptune’s Staircase, Banavie, on a five day journey along the Caledonian Canal as part of The Crossing, British Waterways Scotland’s contribution to Homecoming 2009.
Biodiversity Partnership to help local groups
The Highland Biodiversity Partnership has just launched an Agreement setting out its aims and working procedures, which has been signed by all 30 members.
Partnership Approach to Rockness 2009 - Round up
Multi agency partners are today happy to report the overall success of Rockness 2009 from the emergency services perspective on previous years.
Enterprise Minister Invited To Chair Nigg Yard Development Meeting
The Convener of The Highland Council has written to the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism inviting him to chair a meeting of parties interested in moving forward the Nigg Yard Development Master Plan.
Inverness City Centre Streetscape Works
Works to upgrade City Centre streets in Inverness are nearing completion. The £6 million project, which has been ongoing since early 2007, is due to be completed by the end of this month. The works have involved the upgrading of street surfaces with Caithness flag stones, granite setts and kerbs. New street furniture, feature lighting and artwork, along with traffic management changes are also incorporated in the scheme.
Dog owners invited to poop scoop event in Castle Heather Park
Dog owners are being encouraged nationally to help keep streets and public spaces clean this summer by following the simple ‘Grab it, bag it, bin it’ mantra as part of National Poop Scoop Week 2009.
Getting Safely to and from Rockness 2009
Multi agency partners are reminding Rockness festival goers to stay safe when travelling to and from this year’s festival.
Success of Council’s Trainee and Apprentice Scheme
The number of trainees and apprentices employed by The Highland Council is already exceeding the target of 200 set by the Administration for March 2011.
Drink in the atmosphere, go easy on the alcohol at Rockness 2009
In preparation for the North’s biggest music festival Rockness fans are being reminded to stay safe when it comes to alcohol; overdoing it can ruin it.
Highland schools celebrate cluster arrangement
One hundred pupils from two Black Isle Primary Schools will tomorrow (Wed 10 June, 2009) mark the confirmation of the permanency of a new cluster arrangement between the two schools.
Ward Forum looks healthy
The health of local servcies will be on the agenda at the Cromarty Firth Ward Forum next Thursday (18th June).
Transform Caithness Hunter - Cruth-atharraich Gallaibh Mac an t-Sealgair
The National Theatre of Scotland returns to Caithness.
Council Budgets on Target
Highland Councillors are being advised that Services have not only fully delivered the capital budget (buildings and vehicle purchase) but achieved a significant underspend on the revenue budget (day-to-day spending), which will help offset other pressures.
Inverness Town House tours to commence in summer
Tours of the Inverness Town House are due to commence this summer led by professional guides from the Highlands of Scotland Tour Guides Association (HOSTGA).
Drugs Awareness and Information - Rockness 2009
Rockness revellers are being urged to play it safe to get the most out of this year’s three day music festival.
Inverness pupils celebrate nature
An Inverness Primary School is holding a fun filled celebration day of nature, health and fitness activities on 11 June (10am to 3pm) culminating in a mass drumming session with the local community.
Highland Pupils winning environment photographs displayed in Eastgate Centre
Winners and finalists of The Highland Council’s 2009 ‘Highland Environment’ photograph competition will have their works displayed in a two-week exhibition at Eastgate Centre, Inverness from Monday 15 June, 2009.
Highland Result of European Parliamentary Election Count
There were 52,924 votes cast in Highland in the five-yearly European Parliamentary Elections, a turn out of 30.8%. This included 11,086 postal votes. These votes, counted on Sunday at the sports hall of Inverness Leisure, were relayed to Scotland’s Regional Returning Officer, who collates the results from 32 local areas in Scotland and determines the six MEPs to represent Scotland.
Blooming Boost For Day Centre
Adults attending The Highland Council’s Bruce Gardens Day Centre are looking forward to spending more time outdoors enjoying their garden thanks to £3,000 from the Inverness West Ward Members.
Kingussie High School flooding
Parents and pupils of Kingussie High School are being advised by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service that they hope to be back to business as usual on Monday 8 June following Wednesday's flooding incident.
Agencies join forces to improve safety and health at Rockness 2009
Revellers attending Rockness 2009 will benefit from a multi-agency approach to health, safety and security. This year’s festival is expected to attract around 75,000 people over a three day period.
Addressing Youth Crime in the Highlands
Highland’s Joint Committee on Children and Young People will consider a proposal at its meeting tomorrow (Friday) to create a new and unique service to address youth crime in the Highlands. The proposal from Bill Alexander, Head of Children’s Services, is for the appointment of three uniformed police youth co-ordinators to help divert offending young people from further offences.
Path to grave of Lybster village founder cleared by Caithness volunteers
A path in Lybster leading to the grave of General Patrick Sinclair was cleared of overgrowth last weekend (Sunday 31st May, 2009) by the Caithness Countryside Volunteers and Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger.
Homecoming Theme For City School’s Summer Fete
What has Crown Primary School in Inverness’s annual Summer Fete got in common with the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, T in the Park and the Scottish Open Golf Championship?
Flooding Incident at Kingussie High School
Kingussie High School will be closed to all but those few pupils sitting SQA exams on Thursday and Friday as the clean up continues following a flooding incident that closed the school today (Wednesday).
Euro Election Day
Polling takes place in the Highlands tomorrow (Thursday 4 June ) to help elect 6 Members of the European Parliament for Scotland.
Bellfield Park Benefits From Upgrade
The Provost earlier today officially opened £120k of improvements in Bellfield Park which will give a new lease of life to this popular city landmark.
Ward Forum On Tourism
Residents, tourism organisations and tourist related businesses in the Tain and Easter Ross Ward area are invited along to their next Ward Forum to speak to Visit Scotland and The Highland Council’s own Tourism Co-ordinator about how to enhance tourist information and services for visitors to the area.
North West Highlands Geopark Report Published
The North West Highlands Geopark, which covers much of North West Sutherland and Coigach in Wester Ross, is celebrating publication of its report on the 7th European Geoparks Network Conference, which it hosted.
Ferries Meeting at Mallaig
A meeting is being held in the Marine Hotel, Mallaig on Thursday 11 June 2009 to give the public the chance to have their say on the Scottish Government’s Ferries Review. To allow for ferry arrivals, the start time of the meeting will be 3.15 pm.
New Highland Youth Convener Sought
The search is on for a new convener to champion the cause of young people in the Highlands. Applicants for the position of Highland Youth Convener have until mid-day on Wednesday 17th June 2009 to register their interest in the 12-month position, which carries a bursary of £10,000.
Opening of Achiltibuie Playing Fields
A new playing field serving the Wester Ross community of Achiltibuie, Wester Ross, will be opened on Saturday (6 June).
£2 million Investment at Grantown Grammar School
The start of work on a £2 million extension at Grantown Grammar School was marked today (Tuesday) with a turf cutting ceremony.
Highland Pupils To Enjoy Special Opera Performances
A collaboration between Scottish Opera and The Highland Council means that two top quality performance events for young people will take place in Alness and Inverness this week.
Scottish Hydro Electric Key Meter Replacement Programme
In the latest phase of Scottish Hydro’s token meter to key meter rollout project in Scotland, the utility is preparing to withdraw the sale of tokens from Post Offices and PayPoints in selected postcode areas in the Highlands from Monday (15 June).
Highland Members of The Scottish Youth Parliament
Five young people from the Highlands have been elected as members of the Scottish Youth Parliament and will take their seats in Edinburgh when the youth Parliament meets on 13 and 14 June.
Launch of Nigg Development Masterplan Consultation
An 10-week period of public consultation begins today (Monday 1 June) on the final draft of a development masterplan and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Nigg Yard. People will have until Friday 7 August, to have their say on the proposals for the future development of the site as a multi-user facility.
Celebrating Completion of Inverness Resettlement Project
The resettlement of 38 adults with learning disabilities from New Craigs Hospital, Inverness, into their own supported tenancies within the Inverness area has been hailed as a “great success story”.
Council Invests £1 million in Community Transport Projects
The importance of good transport services in rural communities has been recognised by Highland Councillors with an allocation of £1,004,000 worth of grants over the next two years to community transport projects.