First time voter's birthday treat
Lynne MacKenzie from Inverness is one of five young people in the Highlands who will be able to mark their 18th Birthdays by putting a cross on an election ballot.
Smart Living at the Eastgate Centre
Householders in the Highlands are invited to take part in the Smart Living event taking place at the Eastgate shopping Centre on 7th and 8th May. The event will showcase information, demonstrations, displays and shows on a wide range of “green” issues, from food waste to energy, furniture recycling to nappies.
Early Retirement and Voluntary Severance
The Chairman of The Highland Council’s Resources Committee, Councillor Carolyn Wilson, has criticised Unison for a recent communication with its Highland members on early retirement and voluntary severance, which she described as “alarmist and insensitive”.
Council urge Scottish Government to consider Nigg Yard purchase
The Scottish Government is being urged to consider bringing the former Nigg oil yard into public ownership.
North Kessock Primary School makes it to Euroquiz final in Scottish Parliament
North Kessock Primary School in Ross and Cromarty has won a coveted place in the grand final of the Scottish European Trust’s Euroquiz, to be held on 10 May in the Scottish Parliament Debating Chamber.
Lampkin and Macaskill launch the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship at Fort William
The final count down to the UK leg of the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship; to be staged at Nevis Range, Fort William, in the Outdoor Capital of the UK, from 25 - 27 June 2010 was launched today.
Out and about in Wester Ross for Scottish Biodiversity Week
An invitation has been extended from Highland Council’s Wester Ross Countryside Ranger to celebrate Highland nature during Scottish Biodiversity Week 15 - 23 May 2010.
Give it a Grow during Compost Awareness Week
‘Give it a Grow’ is the message being put out by The Highland Council to mark the tenth annual Compost Awareness Week, which runs from 2-8 May 2010. This year Zero Waste Scotland and The Highland Council are encouraging us all to try our hand at new composting activities in order to do our bit for the environment.
Extended Licensing arrangements for Scottish Cup Final
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Divisional Licensing Board have recognised that The Scottish Cup Final between Ross County and Dundee United on the 15th May 2010 is a special event of local significance.
Church Archives are returned to the Highlands
Around 1000 volumes of Church of Scotland archives have recently been transferred from the National Archives of Scotland in Edinburgh to the Highland Archive and Registration Centre in Inverness.
Becoming a Safe Highlander
2,000 Primary 7 pupils from schools within Inverness and the surrounding area will be heading to the Cameron Barracks, Inverness, between 5th and 14th of May at different times to take part in a community safety project aimed at making them Safe Highlanders.
May Day Procession in Inverness
The public are advised of a procession being organised by Inverness and District Trade Union Council in Inverness city centre on Saturday 1 May, 2010.
Caitlin crowned Rotary Young Chef of the Year
Caitlin Grainger from Inverness has proved she is the cream of the crop after winning Rotary Young Chef 2010.
Aliens invade art galleries
Have you ever wondered how thrilling it would be to come face-to-face with a Martian? Or how about Darth Vader, or even The Predator?
Bushcraft Day at Abriachan
Highland Council’s Inverness Rangers will be getting outdoors this weekend and are inviting people to join them to practice at the ancient skills of Bushcraft.
Increased interest in postal voting
The number of people in the Highlands seeking to vote by post at the General Election has increased again.
Young Ross-shire and Inverness musicians shine
Young musicians from four Highland music groups entertained family, friends and guests during a concert at Fortrose Academy last week.
Public urged to make their views known on Highland community care consultation
Members of the public have eight weeks left to make their voice heard in a consultation on changes to community care services in the Highlands.
Young film makers busy as deadline approaches
With the deadline for entries to the Highland Council’s film script competition approaching young aspiring film makers are busy putting the finishing touches to their storyboards.
Craft Spotlight shows
The first of four ‘Spotlight’ craft exhibitions – solo shows highlighting the work of Highland makers - opens on 1st May 2010 at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to coincide with Craft Month and Craft Festival Scotland.
Boom-time for home insulation in the Highlands
5,763 homes in Raigmore and Hilton areas of Inverness and Fort William to get insulation through the Home Insulation Scheme
Caithness pupils participate in Countryside Ranger Experience Programme
Students from Wick High School’s special education recently (Friday 16 April) planted trees at Newtonhill Croft near Wick with Highland Council’s East Caithness Countryside Ranger.
Canisbay pupils clean up nicely
As part of their Eco-Schools programme the pupils from Canisbay Primary School undertook a litter pick around the school grounds and Canisbay Village this week (21 April).
Ringing and singing at Glenurquhart Library
On Tuesday (27 April) the musical sounds of ringing and singing will fill Glenurquhart community library during a special evening to help an Oxfam project raise funds for a library in Africa. This event was scheduled to take place in December and again in February but both times it had to be cancelled due to the snow.
Community Service clean up
Offenders subject to community service orders across the whole of Scotland will be busy collecting litter and cleaning up local areas this weekend to support the Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring Clean campaign.
All routes lead west
A major streetscape enhancement project will get underway in Fort William next week, bringing added vitality to the High Street.
Recognition for Council Staff
Two customer services staff with The Highland Council have received national recognition for representing the professional face of local government to the public.
HMIe Inspection of Brora Primary School
An HMIe report is published today (20 April) for Brora Primary School as part of the inspectorate’s ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities. The report is based on an inspection visit which was carried out in February 2010 and comments on the quality of education at the school.
Sgoilearan às an Eilean Sgitheanach is Dùn Èideann air iomlaid chultarail tro phròiseact ealain
Dh’fhosgail sgoilearan às an Eilean Sgitheanach agus Dùn Èideann taisbeanadh bho chionn ghoirid ann an Gailearaidh am Fruitmarket, Dùn Èideann.
Nominations for General Election announced
A total of 21 candidates are seeking election on Thursday 6 May in the three Highland UK Parliamentary constituencies.
HMIe Inspection of Caithness Schools
As part of the inspectorate’s ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities, reports are issued today (20 April) on the inspection by HMIe of the quality of education at Pulteneytown Academy Primary and nursery class in Wick and Crossroads Primary School, Dunnet in Caithness.
Fort William Waterfront
The Highland Council has been advised by Fort William Waterfront Ltd that they have withdrawn from their plans to develop the Fort William Waterfront development. The company say their decision is linked to the current global economic situation which dictates that this scheme is not capable of being funded in today’s market.
Bridging the generation gap
For the third year in succession Highland Youth Voice members attended the Highland Senior Citizens Network conference held in Inverness last week. Following on from the success of last years technology workshop the young people returned to continue building links between the generations.
HMIe Inspection of Kinlochleven High School
Pupils and staff at Kinlochleven High School received high praise in a report published by HMIe.
HMIE report on Nairn Academy
During the HMIe follow through visit to Nairn Academy, the inspectors noted the following particular strengths of the school:-
Bad weather is just another learning opportunity at Dunbeath school.
Pupils learning from making an igloo during very cold winter weather demonstrated to HMIe how staff at Dunbeath Primary School are increasingly providing opportunities to learn through practical activities in line with the new Curriculum for Excellence.
Success of Nairn concert
Such is the popularity of Highland Regional Music Groups that the Concert in Nairn's Community Centre on Saturday night featuring the Highland Schools Wind Band and the Highland Youth Big Band was a sell-out and the young musicians certainly did not fail to please the capacity audience.
Council supports Nairn High Street businesses
At the second meeting of the Nairn Streetscape Stakeholders’ Group held last week, it was confirmed that The Highland Council would be making £15,000 available to the business community in support of promotional activities during and on completion of the streetscape works. The onus is on the business community to come up with proposals to stimulate trade and the funding will be administered through the Association of Nairn Businesses. Funding provided by the Council will enable additional funding to be sought through the Leader Programme.
Inverness club bowled over
The 2010 outdoor bowling season at Inverness Bowling Club will be extra special due to support from the Common Good Fund and the Inverness West Ward Discretionary Fund.
Highland Council working with the PDSA to ensure healthy dogs message
For three days this month the PDSA (Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals) caravan will be touring the Highlands offering free health checks and advice about keeping pets healthy.
Council response to KBR Nigg decision
KBR’s decision not to proceed with the redevelopment of the former oil fabrication yard at Nigg, Easter Ross has been met with disappointment by The Highland Council, who are now eager that the site is remarketed as quickly as possible.
Local communities in the spotlight at Ward Forum
The work of local communities will be the main focus of The Highland Council’s Cromarty Firth Ward Forum when it meets on Thursday 22nd April in the Alness Heritage Centre, High Street, Alness.
Lochaber pupils get a taste for golf at the Dragon’s Tooth Course
Kirkhill children are credit to the community
Pupils, parents and staff at Kirkhill Primary School have received high praise from Her Majesty’s Inspectors in their report which was published on April 13th.
Way forward agreed for transferring village halls to local community groups
The Highland Council has taken on board the views of community organisations to ensure the transfer of 11 village halls in the Inverness and Easter Ross area from the ownership of the council to local groups can be concluded to the satisfaction of both parties.
Aonta ùr airson a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail sa Ghàidhealtachd
Tha Buill Chomataidh Gàidhlig Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd air dreachd Chùmhnant Lìbhrigeadh Seirbheis aontachadh eadar An Comunn Gàidhealach agus Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd a thaobh mar a bhios Mòdan Nàiseanta Rìoghail air an cumail sa Ghàidhealtachd.
New agreement for the Royal National Mòd in the Highlands
Members of the Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee have approved a draft Service Delivery Contract between An Comunn Gàidhealach and The Highland Council in relation to the delivery of Royal National Mòds in the Highlands.
Safety inspection requires closure of city centre streets on Sunday
Four city centre streets will be closed to vehicles on Sunday (18 April) between 6 am and 2 pm in the interests of public safety during a safety inspection of the Clocktower Steeple Building, which is located on the corner of Church Street and Bridge Street, Inverness, as well as the nearby Town House.
Senior ECS official dies aged 59
Hector Robertson, The Highland Council’s Education Culture and Sport Manager for Inverness, Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey, has died at the age of 59 following a long battle with illness.
Reminder to first time voters
First time voters from across the Highlands are being reminded that they have until next 5pm on Tuesday (20 April) to registered to vote in the 2010 General Election which will take place on Thursday 6 May.
Easter Ross Ward Forum postponed
As a mark of respect for the family of a Balintore woman, Donna Forrest, who died in an incident in her home at the weekend, Highland Councillors for the Tain and Easter Ross Ward have postponed their scheduled ward forum meeting next week.
Delivery of writs marks start to three General Election contests in the Highlands
The UK Parliamentary General Election in the Highlands began today (Tuesday) when Returning Officer Alistair Dodds received the writs to run elections in the three Highland parliamentary constituencies.
Book of Condolences opened for Poland’s President
The Highland Council has opened a book of condolences at key Council offices in memory of Poland President Lech Kaczynski and all those who lost their lives in the air crash on Saturday 10 April near the Russian city of Smolensk.
Council gets tough on Fly Tippers
With recent additions to the list of items that can be accepted by The Highland Council’s waste and recycling centres, local enforcement officers are launching a new poster to highlight the fines that could be dished out for fly tipping.
Community Safety on agenda at Easter Ross Ward Forum
Community Safety is the subject of the next Tain and Easter Ross Ward Forum being held next Wednesday (21 April).
Bridge replacement at Craggie Bridge, near Inverness
The Highland Council is spending £130,000 on the replacement of the deck of Craggie Bridge, which is situated on the C 1056 Craggie – Daviot Station – Dalroy – Galcantray – Budgate road near Inverness.
Stephen’s Street rejuvenation, Inverness
The Highland Council has awarded a contract to M M Miller (Wick) Ltd. to undertake the last phase of the Inverness City Streetscape Project at Stephen’s Street in the Crown district of the city.
Work to start on Nairn Streetscape
The second phase of a £1.3 million package of town centre improvements will start in Nairn High Street this month.
Countryside Ranger events on offer in Farr and Nairn
With Spring in the air why not get out and enjoy some fresh air next weekend? From building bat boxes to a riverbank stroll, the choice is yours as The Highland Council Countryside Rangers invite you join them for two different events.
Cadets to Beat the Retreat at Inverness
Inverness city centre will play host to the massed pipes and drums of the Army Cadet Force on Saturday 10 April to mark the 150th anniversary of the Army Cadet Force.
Force and Police Board welcome encouraging Audit Scotland Best Value review report
Northern Constabulary and its governing authority, Northern Joint Police Board, have been praised in Audit Scotland’s Best Value Review for displaying elements of best value and sound partnership working practices.
North West Highlands Geopark celebrates European Geoparks Network revalidation
The North West Highlands Geopark, set up in 2004 as Scotland’s first Geopark, is celebrating its most recent triumph! At a recent meeting of the European Geoparks Network (EGN), the Geopark was awarded the prestigious “Green Card”, permitting continuing EGN membership for another four years. The award followed the visit of two EGN assessors last autumn, and was announced at last week’s EGN conference in Luberon, in South-West France.
Budget options considered at Wick meeting
The implications of budget challenges facing The Highland Council will be the focus of discussions at a meeting of the joint Caithness wards forum at the Mackay’s Hotel, Wick on Tuesday night (6 April), starting at 7.30 pm.
Skye and Edinburgh pupils share cultural exchange through art project
Pupils from the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh recently opened an exhibition in the Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh.