Spring Cleaning in the Highlands
Tomorrow (Wednesday 1st April) sees the launch of this years National Spring Clean month. This event, organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful, encourages groups of volunteers who have an interest in their locality to get out and undertake a spring clean.
New Canal Protocol Begins on 1 April
An improved protocol to manage the opening times for the canal swing bridges at Tomnahurich and Muirtown, Inverness, is to be implemented by British Waterways Scotland from tomorrow (Wednesday 1 April).
Lochaber Royal Visit
Lochaber looks forward to welcoming a royal visitor next week when His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent visits two of the area’s most high profile rescue services.
Work To Start On Nairn Streetscape
The first phase of a £500,000 environmental project to enhance the High Street area of Nairn will start on Monday 13 April
Six Candidates Contest Inverness West Ward By-Election
Six candidates will contest the forthcoming by-election to elect one councillor to serve The Highland Council’s Ward 14 – Inverness West.
Former Highland Councillor Dies Aged 68
Former senior Highland Councillor, Bill Fulton, has died at the age of 68. Mr Fulton took ill at his home at Rasa Sayang, Fishery Pier Road, Kyle of Lochalsh, on Monday.
Council cuts speeds at Invergordon School
From Monday 6 April, 2009 another school in the Highlands will have a permanent 20mph speed limit in operation for children’s’ safety.
High Societies community website goes live
Clubs, groups, organisations and societies in the Highlands can now register on The Highland Council’s new free community information website www.high-societies.org
Cadets to Beat the Retreat at Dingwall
Once again Dingwall will play host to the massed pipes and drums of the Army Cadet Force on Good Friday. The event took off two years ago when Dingwall Initiative contacted the Cadets having heard about the week long piping and drumming concentration at the Cameron Barracks in Inverness. This resulted in the first ‘Beating the Retreat’ event that was held in Dingwall in April 2006. Now in its third year, the Retreat is fast becoming an annual event in the Dingwall Calendar.
Historic Tain Revealed In New Book
The history of Tain in Easter Ross is uncovered in a new book launched today by the Council For British Archaeology and Historic Scotland.
Dingwall Academy Second Top Team In Scotland
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Dave Thompson hosted and played quizmaster to the Young Consumers of the Year Scottish Final in the Parliament last night (24 March). Four teams earned their place in the competition following tough qualifying heats: Dingwall Academy from Highland, Linlithgow Academy from West Lothian, Boroughmuir High from Edinburgh and Kyle Academy from South Ayrshire.
Rate Relief For City centre businesses
Members of The Highland Council’s city committee are pleased to note that the Assessor has decided to award rates relief against the current financial year 2008/09 for approx 80 city centre businesses.
Council Congratulates Knoydart
Leader of The Highland Council Michael Foxley, a founder director of the Knodyart Foundation congratulated the Knoydart community for their progress over the past 10 years and wished them well for the future.
Black Isle Art Project
Older artists from the Black Isle saw their finished work printed in front of them at the Highland Print Studio in Inverness last week.
Council to commence tree works on Culloden Drive
A bat and squirrel survey will be carried out in Culloden Drive, Inverness prior to tree felling and tree surgery taking place in the area.
LEADER Funds Start To Filter Through
Since the launch of the Highland LEADER Programme in excess of £400,000 of funding has already been allocated to 27 successful local projects and plans across the Highlands.
First turf cut for Lochaber High School sports centre
Work began today (Wednesday) on the first stage of a £15 Million redevelopment of Lochaber High School.
Sound Revision For Fort William Pupils
Lochaber High School and a local dyslexia charity have joined forces to create an on-line bank of audio revision materials for pupils. Believed to be a first for Scotland, this venture blends the latest technologies with traditional methods effectively delivering revision opportunities across the curriculum.
Aiming High At Climbing Festival
Children and adults with have the chance to scale new heights in Fortrose at the weekend when The Black Isle Leisure Centre hosts a special Climbing Festival.
Countryside Rangers rise to dawn chorus
Early risers are invited to make the most of the clocks changing and join The Highland Council's countryside rangers on a dawn guided walk on Saturday 4th April.
LEADER funding for Dingwall and Seaforth communities
With the recent approval of the Dingwall and Seaforth Local Community Development Plan, the way is now clear for communities across The Highland Council’s Dingwall and Seaforth Ward to apply for £393,378 of funding available to them over the next 3 years with the potential of even more funding thereafter.
Council Offers Home Improvement Grants
The credit crunch may be biting but Highland Council has cash grants available to assist with home improvements.
Council Confirms Commitment To Develop Tourism In The Highlands
A new partnership agreement between The Highland Council and VisitScotland for 2009/10 could see the Council contributing up to £445,000 to be used to promote the Highlands as a top tourism destination.
Calling all Early Birds - get your discounted tickets for this unique event - the Scotland’s Global Impact conference
Organisers of the flagship Homecoming Scotland event, Scotland’s Global Impact – how one small nation changed the world! Buaidh Chruinneil na h-Alba – mar a dh’atharraich aon dùthaich bheag an saoghal! are calling everyone interested in our nation’s history to take advantage of the fantastic Early Bird discount announced today for this international conference celebrating Scotland’s Year of Homecoming.
Biking stars kick-off Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2009
Two of Scotland’s top mountain biking stars today (Monday 23rd March) officially launched the UK leg of the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2009, encouraging families, fans and enthusiasts to head to the Highlands ‘for a piece of the action’ at this year’s event.
Loch Ness clean up a collaborative success
A joint project to clean up the shores of Loch Ness has hauled in over four pick-up lorry loads of rubbish and reclaimed the scenic beauty of this world-famous tourism destination.
Skye Members To Bring Forward Meeting With NHS Highland
At the Eilean a’ Cheò Ward Forum meeting held on Monday 16th March, the four Ward Councillors and members of the public discussed the issue of the proposed reduction in the number of beds in the Broadford and Portree Hospitals.
Telford Street road works, Inverness
Motorists are being advised by The Highland Council that temporary traffic restrictions will be put in place at Telford Street, Inverness from Saturday 28 March, 2009 for a period of 28 days or until road works are completed.
Pupils perfect Homecoming 2009 Reel at Inverness cèilidh
Inverness pupils will celebrate the year of Homecoming by performing a new dance called the Homecoming 2009 Reel or Tha Tilleadh gu Alba Ruidhle at a special cèilidh event on 25th March.
National Theatre of Scotland in Caithness
The National Theatre of Scotland returns to Caithness with two exciting projects over the coming months.
Bayview Care Workers champion dementia and palliative care in Highland
Two senior social care workers at Highland Council’s Bayview House Resource Centre in Thurso have recently successfully completed a training course to develop their skills in palliative care with older people and older people with dementia.
National first to engage northern secondaries in sustainable travel
Five councils in the north of Scotland will take part in a groundbreaking event on Friday (March 20) aimed at involving young people and teachers in planning for sustainable transport.
Extension to Job Evaluation appeals deadline
The deadline for Highland Council staff to submit appeals against their job evaluation outcomes has been extended for one month until 8 May, 2009 by the Council’s Modernising Employment Sub Committee.
Protocol approved for Inverness Canal Bridges
An improved protocol to manage the opening times for the Canal swing bridges at Tomnahurich and Muirtown, Inverness was approved at The Highland Council’s TEC Services Committee (19 March). The protocol will be implemented by British Waterways Scotland this Spring.
Council Ranger roams in Reelig
Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger Saranne Bish is inviting people to join her on a fascinating walk to learn about the myths and history of the wide variety of trees at Reelig and how to identify them in Winter.
National first to engage northern secondaries in action for sustainable travel
Five councils in the north of Scotland will take part in the Northern Secondaries Sustainable Travel Action (NSSTA) seminar on Friday (March 20) aimed at involving young people and teachers in planning for sustainable transport.
Council to seek long term solutions on Highland Postbus service withdrawal
Members of The Highland Council’s TEC Services Committee today reinforced their support for the Convener of The Highland Council Councillor Sandy Park who earlier this week expressed his deep concerns at the recent decision by Royal Mail to withdraw five of the seven postbus services which serve some of the most remote and fragile areas within the Highlands.
Energy saving measures could light the way in Council’s capital programme
Research by Highland Council lighting experts has shown that potential energy savings could be achieved over time by converting street lighting in the Highlands from existing sodium lanterns to white light lanterns with dimming facilities.
Pupils Fly Kites To Raise Awareness of Fostering
Today (Thursday 19 March) the sky above Nairn beach was more colourful than usual for this time of year as 60 pupils from two Highland schools were filmed flying kites for a new DVD to promote fostering in the Highlands.
Highland waste management strategy favours localised solutions
Proposals for a joint waste management strategy between Highland and Moray Councils have been given the green light by members of The Highland Council’s TEC Services Committee.
Academy Pupils On Form At Forum
A 20-strong group of pupils from Inverness Royal Academy made a strong impression on local community leaders this week.
Spòrs Mòr Event For Gaelic Medium Pupils
The Highland Council is working in partnership with Comunn na Gàidhlig, to develop a national pilot event, Spòrs Mòr, for Primary 6 Gaelic Medium Education (GME) pupils.
International Craft Residency Exchange Between Scotland and Nova Scotia To Be Extended
As part of The Highland Council’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The Highlands and Nova Scotia, a Cultural Craft Exchange took place between Lochaber and Cape Breton from April to June 2008 in which an artist from the Highlands worked with school pupils in Cape Breton and an artist from Nova Scotia visited Lochaber schools.
Young Musicians Prepare For Celebratory Concert
Eighty Musicians with the Highland Regional Youth Orchestra are busy preparing for their performance in the Empire Theatre of Eden Court which takes place on Saturday 21 March.
Jim’ll Fix It For Litter Picks
April is designated National Spring Clean month and The Highland Council is encouraging groups to take up a special offer and have pride in their area.
The Highland Junior Golf Championships
The Highland Junior Golf Championships held at Spey Valley Golf Course, Aviemore will benefit from financial support from North Highland College - UHI for this year’s event on Thursday 15th October 2009.
Highland pupils assist appointment of new Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland
Two Caithness primary pupils are helping The Scottish Parliament in the appointment process of a new Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland. The successful candidate will be nominated for appointment by Her Majesty The Queen.
Nominations Sought For Inverness West Ward By-Election
From today (Tuesday 17 March), nominations are being sought for a by-election to elect one councillor to serve The Highland Council’s Ward 14 – Inverness West.
Apprentice Day for Highland Youth Parliament Members
Today (17 March) young people from all parts of Highland will get the chance to play the “Apprentice” by shadowing senior officials within The Highland Council and partner organisations, Northern Constabulary, Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue Service and NHS Highland.
Help ‘Lead’ The Way In Tain And Easter Ross
A Tain and Easter Ross partnership is the latest in line to help community groups in its area tap in to over £300,000 of European funding.
Convener’s Concern at Withdrawal of Highland Postbus
The Convener of The Highland Council Councillor Sandy Park has expressed his deep concerns at the recent decision by Royal Mail to withdraw five of the seven postbus services which serve some of the most remote and fragile areas within the Highlands.
Significant fall in number of new Highland homes built in 2008
A report published by The Highland Council shows that a progressive fall in the number of housing completions in 2008 highlights the increasing impact of the current recession on the housing market.
Highland Council to support Team Highland at Special Olympics
Members of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee have approved a grant of £10,000 to Highland Disability Sport. The funding will support an 80-strong team of athletes to participate at the Special Olympics National Summer Games in Leicester 25th - 31st July 2009.
Highland healthy living initiatives sustainability not secured
A meeting between The Highland Council and NHS Highland has been unable to confirm long-term funding for the Inverness based healthy living centre Janny’s Hoose and Ross and Cromarty based Healthwise initiative.
High Life at Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort
Members of The Highland Council’s High Life leisure access scheme will now have access to swimming and leisure facilities in Aviemore thanks to a partnership between the Council and Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.
Praise for Nairn Academy Staff and Pupils
The staff and pupils at Nairn Academy have been commended highly for the way they have rallied round in the wake of recent disruption caused by the closure of seven classrooms on the upper floor of the school. Both The Highland Council’s Director of Education Culture and Sport, Hugh Fraser, and Acting Head Teacher, Douglas Simpson, have commended staff and pupils for their positive response in the face of a significant upheaval at the school over the past two weeks.
Developing Inverness and the A96 Corridor
At the Planning Environment and Development meeting on 18th March Councillors will be updated on progress with the current major planning applications and masterplanning work underway throughout the A96 Corridor between Inverness and Nairn. Major schemes are being proposed at East Inverness, at Nairn and at Tornagrain in the centre of the corridor.
Positive Response to Nigg Development Masterplan
The first stage of public consultation over the redevelopment of the former Nigg oil yard generated 23 responses and a broad consensus that the complex should be redeveloped in accordance with the options being promoted over the next 15-20 years - namely for developments in the oil and gas sectors and for the energy and renewables sectors.
Highland Success At Young Quality Scot Awards 2009
Nominations for this year’s Young Quality Scot Awards in Highland came flooding in and twenty young people have received the accolade of Young Quality Scot.
Chance to Have your say about what LEADER should do
The draft development plan which will set the priorities for allocating some £406,000 of LEADER funding to projects in the Cromarty Firth ward area will be the subject of much discussion on Tuesday 17th March.
National Portrait Exhibition On Carers To Open In Inverness
An exhibition of carers’ portraits which was first launched at The Scottish Parliament will open at Inverness Museum and Gallery from Saturday 21 March 2009.
Historic Highland Castles Go Dark For WWF’s Earth Hour
Inverness Castle and Eilean Donan Castle became the latest iconic buildings signing up to WWF’s Earth Hour, it was announced today (Monday 9 March).
Help Your Community To Find Its Voice
Communities throughout Lochaber will get a second chance to elect representatives to ensure their voices are heard, when another round of community council elections gets underway this week.
Early Boost for Scotland's Housing Expo - The Highland Housing Fair
Scotland’s Housing Expo – The Highland Housing Fair has received an early boost with the promise of £15,000 of private sponsorship from Dunfermline Building Society.
Highland public invited to make Wildlife Count
A series of ‘Wildlife Watching’ talks starting this month will introduce members of the public to the possibilities of watching and recording wildlife.
Council Join Forces with Police to Fund New Crime Fighting Tool
Police in the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross command area have recently taken delivery of two vehicles fitted with the highly effective ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) crime fighting technology.
Positive outcome to Highland Council meeting with Transport Minister
A Highland Council delegation met with Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson today (Monday) in what was described as a very positive and constructive meeting.
Highland pupils vie for Euro-info title
Pupils from 11 Highland Primary schools are currently cramming up on European information as they prepare to go head to head in the topical knowledge competition – Euroquiz.
Day Care Provision for Older People in Nairn
The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee will be asked on Wednesday (11 March) to continue provision of registered day care at MacLean Court, Nairn, for a further six months until the users of the facility are consulted about future service provision and a review of support for older people in Nairn is concluded.
New Head Teacher for Nairn Academy
The new Head Teacher of the 800-pupil Nairn Academy is Mrs Julie Macdonald, Depute Head Teacher at Alva Academy, Clackmannanshire.
Highland Housing Project Wins COSLA Excellence Award
A Highland housing project lifted one of the top awards at the annual Convention of Scottish Local Authorities Excellence Awards.
Policy to charge Highland residents for bulky uplift of waste remains
The Highland Council reaffirmed its intention to introduce charging residents for bulky uplifts of large waste items from 1 April 2009.
Telford Street Roadworks, Inverness
Motorists are being advised by The Highland Council that temporary traffic restrictions will be put in place at Telford Street, Inverness from Saturday 28 March, 2009 for a period of 28 days or until road works are completed.
School Closures in Highland
Early morning snow has resulted in a number of school closures in Highland.
Coping with Nairn Academy Disruption
Seven classrooms on the upper floor of Nairn Academy will remain out of commission until at least the Easter holidays as the result of an incident last weekend when work on the school roof to prepare for the installation of solar panels resulted in dust and small pieces of Artex paint falling into several areas of Upper School.
Half Marathon Runners To Go Full Distance
Competitors taking part in the 2009 Isle of Skye Half Marathon will, for the first time in 25 years, run a route of exactly 13.1 miles, making it exactly half the distance of an official marathon and giving runners the additional incentive of winning not only the race but also taking the new course record which will be awarded to the fastest male and female.
Birthday Celebrations For Trust Which Supports Young Entrepreneurs
Over the last two decades, 600 businesses in The Highland Council area have received £2.5 million of support from the Princes Scotland Youth Business Trust (PSYBT). The Trust, which has also supported a further 10,000 businesses across Scotland to the tune of £32 million, was established in 1989 and preparations are currently underway to celebrate it’s 20th Birthday through a range of special events across the whole country.
Pupils Raise Funds For Motor Cycle Charity’s Work In Africa
Boys from a Black Isle School have swung into action to give support of an international organisations work to provide safe and reliable 2 and 4 wheeled transport to health workers in Africa.
Council Reinforces The Hazards Of Dog Fouling
The Highland Council is continuing its campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of dog fouling and is reminding owners that they can face a fixed penalty for not picking up their dogs mess.
Update From This Week’s East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum
Murdo Mackenzie from the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate and George Hamilton, The Highland Council’s Natural Resources Manager were guests at the East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum, which took place on Monday. (2 March)
Millburn Academy Pupils Praised for Quick Thinking in Averting Serious Accident
Two pupils from Millburn Academy, Inverness, have been highly praised for their quick thinking in averting a serious accident after the teacher who was driving the school minibus home from a rugby match in Wester Ross took ill at the wheel and fell unconscious.
Nairn Academy Update
Pupils in secondary 4, 5 and 6 will return to Nairn Academy tomorrow (Wednesday) as the clean up continues after dust and debris were found in the upper floor of the school following weekend roof works.
Nairn Academy Closure
The 800 pupils at Nairn Academy were sent home at noon today (Monday) as a precautionary measure after dust was found in the upper floor of the school.
Lochaber economy on agenda for first joint Lochaber Partnership / Ward Forum meeting
The Lochaber economy will be the main item on the first joint meeting of the Lochaber Partnership (Lochaber’s community planning partnership) with the two Highland Council Lochaber Ward Fora.
Being Young Is not a Crime – Scottish Youth Parliament sitting March 2009, Dunfermline
A group of young people from the Highlands went down to the Scottish Youth Parliament Sitting which took place on Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 March 2009 in Dunfermline. The theme for the sitting was ‘Being Young is not a Crime’.