Launch of West Highland College UHI brings new opportunities for students
Today (Tuesday) sees a significant change in the educational landscape across one of the most stunning areas in Europe. West Highland College UHI, formed by the merger of Lochaber College UHI and Skye and Wester Ross College, will be formally launched today at a gathering in Gairloch, Wester Ross, creating benefits for students across the region.
Town House clean-up affects pedestrian movements
The public are advised that essential maintenance works to the guttering and turrets on the roof of Inverness Town House will affect pedestrian movements around the building on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 September.
Ten fines issued during Inverness city centre litter crackdown
A recent anti-litter purge in Inverness city centre resulted in 10 Fixed Penalty Notices of £50 each being issued for smoking related offences.
Nairn town centre redevelopment plans
New plans to redevelop the town centre in Nairn will be presented to the local community soon.
Bookbug receives a warm welcome in Dingwall
The new mascot for an early years reading programme aimed at parents with children up to Primary 1 school age visited Dingwall recently.
Advance notice given for temporary road closure on Nairn High Street
Local businesses and residents in Nairn likely to most be affected by a temporary road closure on Nairn High Street have received a letter from W A Fairhurst, consulting engineers, on behalf of The Highland Council giving advance notice of temporary restrictions and providing details of arrangements which will be put in place to keep any disruption to a minimum.
Partnership working paves the way for Crown play park success
The provost of Inverness has paid tribute to Crown Community Association for their drive and determination in providing one of the best play parks in the Highlands.
Ensure your right to vote in next year’s election
This week 130,000 households in the Highlands and Western Isles will receive the annual voter registration forms.
Northern Joint Police Board to commence search for New Chief Constable
Northern Joint Police Board has today (Friday) agreed the process for recruiting the new Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary, who will replace Ian Latimer when he retires in March of next year.
Housing Expo on course to meet 30,000 target of visitors
Scotland’s Housing Expo at Inverness is set to meet and possibly surpass the target of 30,000 visitors for the month-long event, which ends on Tuesday 31 August.
Council welcomes A 96 design work go ahead
The Highland Council has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that early design work for a major upgrade of the A 96 between Inverness and Nairn is under way.
Intensive support packages – transition to new arrangements
Sense Scotland, NHS Highland and The Highland Council have agreed not to renew the current contract for intensive support packages to 47 people across the Highlands with complex support needs.
Gergask Primary School
Pupils, parents and staff at Gergask Primary School have received praise from Her Majesty’s Inspectors. The inspectors found evidence of a community which was working in partnership to provide good quality learning experiences for pupils.
Culloden Academy to re-open
Culloden Academy will re-open to all pupils tomorrow (Thursday 26 August). The 1132 pupil school in Inverness has been closed since a fire broke out in the kitchen early on Tuesday morning.
Harmonies of Dunbeath - free event for the whole family
An event which aims to encourage people from all walks of life to get out and about, enjoy their environment and learn about the wonderful local biodiversity takes place in Caithness on Saturday 4 September.
Scottish historian, author and broadcaster Neil Oliver invites the public to Ask Scotland
Scottish historian, author and broadcaster Neil Oliver took time out from filming today to launch Ask Scotland, a brand new online reference service which allows users to pose any question to a Scottish librarian and receive a fully researched answer within 48 hours.
Alvie Primary School HMIe
Pupils, parents and staff at Alvie Primary School have received high praise from Her Majesty’s Inspectors in their report which was published today (August 24th).
HMIe Inspection of Newmore Primary School
As part of the inspectorate’s ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities, a report is issued today on the inspection by HMIe of the quality of education at Newmore Primary School. The report is based on an inspection visit which was carried out in May 2010 and comments on the quality of education at Newmore Primary.
HMIe Report on Hilton of Cadboll Primary School
In an HMIe inspection of Hilton of Cadboll Primary, the following key strengths were identified
HMIe Report on Strathconon Primary School
Strathconon Primary School has received a positive inspection from HMIe , in which the following key strengths were identified
Culloden Academy to remain closed tomorrow
Culloden Academy in Inverness will remain closed tomorrow (Wednesday 25 August) to all pupils following a kitchen fire early this morning.
Determination of two wind farm applications
The Highland Council’s Inverness Nairn Badenoch and Strathspey Planning Applications Committee has determined two planning applications for wind farm developments in the area.
The Kirking of the Council
Colour and pageantry will mark the occasion of the Kirking of The Council on Sunday 12 September 2010 in Inverness.
Chance to comment on proposed permanent traffic order in Tain
Members of the public have until Friday 10 September to submit any written objections to a planned permanent traffic order associated with the proposed new Tesco in Tain.
Discovering Self Directed Support
Care providers throughout the Highlands are being invited to attend an event in Inverness highlighting a new flexible way of providing Social Care Services which puts the person receiving care more in control.
Traditional music taster session
A traditional music open evening and taster session for adults and children in the Inverness area will take place on Wednesday 25 August from 7pm to 8:30pm in Crown Primary School.
Resurfacing work on Barnchurch Road, Inverness
Resurfacing work will take place evenings, overnight and early morning on Barnchurch Road, at its junctions with Tower Road and Keppoch Road, and on the adjacent sections of Tower Road and Keppoch Road.
Temporary overnight closure of city road
King Duncan's Road in Inverness will be closed overnight on Wednesday (25th August) from 7.30pm to 6am to allow for re-surfacing work to take place.
Major reviews target savings and efficiencies
A number of key strategies, which are aimed at delivering more efficient services and significant savings, have been agreed by The Highland Council’s Resources Committee.
Stòr-dàta Ainmean-Àite Gàidhlig a’ dol air-loidhne
Chaidh stòr-dàta ùr air-loidhne, a bheir seachad fiosrachadh ùghdarrasach mu ainmean-àite Gàidhlig ann an goireas singilte, a chur air bhog an-diugh (19 Lùnastal 2010) aig Comataidh Ghàidhlig Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd.
Gazetteer of Gaelic place-names goes online
A new online gazetteer providing a single authoritative source of information on Gaelic place-names was launched today (19 August 2010) at The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee.
Public asked for views on site of new Wick High School
The public is being invited to have their say on the choice of two sites for the new Wick High School.
Traffic calming measures – Culloden Road, Balloch
Motorists and pedestrians are being advised by The Highland Council that work restarts on Monday 23 August to introduce Phase 2 of a series of traffic calming measures on Culloden Road, Balloch.
Community care on Lochaber ward forum agenda
Attendees at the Lochaber South (Ward 22 Fort William and Ardnamurchan) and North (Ward 12 Caol and Mallaig) Forum meetings will have the opportunity to make their voices heard as part of the consultation process on changes to community care services in the Highlands.
Portree set to welcome its largest cruise liner
This Friday (20 August) Portree will welcome the largest cruise liner ever to call at the port. Holland America Line’s 82,500 gross tons “Westerdam”, carrying some 1800 passengers, is scheduled to be in port from 8am to 6pm. The giant liner, 11 decks high, will present a spectacular sight anchored in the harbour.
Opening of Raasay Ferry Terminal
Islanders on Raasay, off Skye, were today (Tuesday) celebrating the opening of their £12 million new ferry terminal.
Highland schools return to school today
More than 31,000 pupils go back to school in the Highlands today (Tuesday 17 August).
Exhibition on ceramics by Highland craft artist
A Craft Spotlight exhibition featuring the work of Highland based ceramicist Daniel Kavanagh has opened in the Small Gallery at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. This is the fourth series of craft exhibitions that the Highland Council Exhibitions Unit in partnership with HI-Arts has presented this summer.
Highland secondary pupils to receive mobile phone safety advice
Pupils in Highland secondary schools are to receive guidance on mobile phone safety as they return to school this week.
EXPO marks 10,000 visitor milestone
Scotland’s Housing Expo in Inverness celebrated its 10,000th visitor this weekend (Friday, 13 August) as Aislinn Haszeldine and her family walked through the gates.
Get into buildings this September
Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors? Every September, the national Doors Open Days offers free access to landmark buildings, private homes and usually private work spaces that the public never normally get a chance to see.
TEC Services chairman clarifies Council’s stance on re-opening Conon Railway Station
While The Highland Council supports the re-opening of Conon Bridge Railway Station, responsibility for maintaining and upgrading the rail infrastructure lies with Network Rail.
Council gets a scent of success with wildflower roundabouts project
A biodiversity project on Inverness roundabouts is continuing to prove a blooming success while providing a sponsorship income to The Highland Council to assist with maintenance.
Assynt Centre open day
Members of the public are being invited by The Highland Council and Community Care Assynt to an Open Day at the Assynt Centre in Lochinver on Thursday 26 August.
Probation teachers receive a warm welcome in the Highlands.
Seventy five probationer teachers who will start work in Highland schools next week attended an induction day in Inverness today.
Essential maintenance works in Inverness.
The Highland Council is to carry out essential works affecting pedestrian access on Ardross Street and Castle Street, Inverness.
Crack down on hardline debt collectors
Trading Standards Officers have joined forces with Money Advice Service colleagues on The Highland Council to tackle the “unacceptable and aggressive practices” of debt collectors.
Bookbug makes debut at Inverness Book Festival
A new early years reading programme aimed at parents with children up to primary 1 school age was launched today (Thursday 12 August 2010) in the Highlands at Inverness Book Festival.
Council exceeds road safety improvement targets
Highland Councillors have welcomed a report that highlights that the area is exceeding the improvement targets set by the UK Government to reduce the number of fatal and serious casualties.
Euro funding bid for lifeline road project
The Highland Council is seeking Euro funding to proceed with three lifeline road projects.
Monitoring availability of land for housing
The Highland Council will be undertaking an important audit over the next two months, consulting with landowners to find out how land for housing will be brought forward over the next few years.
Essential maintenance works in Inverness.
The Highland Council is to carry out essential works affecting pedestrian access on Ardross Street and Castle Street, Inverness.
Summer hockey camp hailed a success
A three-day hockey camp recently run at Bught Park was hailed a success by the organisers, as many new players were introduced to this fast and exciting sport.
Inverness Winter Festival theme takes a page out of Lewis Carroll classic
The Highland Council has confirmed that a Halloween show called Malice in Wonderland will launch this year's Inverness Winter Festival.
Rose Street Car Park update
An analysis of the bank notes collected yesterday from the new pay on exit scheme at Rose Street Car Park in Inverness has revealed that the new pay on exit system is accepting almost as many Scottish pound notes as it is English pound notes.
Moving forward with development planning in Highland
The public is being invited to have their say on the Highland-wide plan that will govern future developments in the Highlands, from the siting of major wind farms and industry to a new community along the A 96 corridor between Inverness and Nairn.
Communities assessed for green credentials
Two Highland communities will be visited by a Beautiful Scotland ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ assessor to find out how they are faring in their efforts to improve their local environment.
Changing community care in Badenoch and Strathspey
Members of the public are being invited to have their say on community care and the development of the Joint Community Care Plan at a meeting of The Highland Council’s Badenoch and Strathspey Ward Forum on Wednesday 18 August.
Population projections for the Highlands
The latest statistics from the General Registers Office for Scotland project that the population of the Highlands is expected to grow by 18% to 259,768 in 2033 if the trends experienced during the period from 2004 to 2008 continue.
Night walk in Farr
A night-time walk with Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers is on offer this Friday 13 August near Farr, Inverness.
Phased approach to development of new city park
The £620,000 funding earmarked for the first phase of a new district park in Inverness – at Inshes – is in place, and it is hoped that further funding will become available to complete the second and third phases of the project.
City trees to get new light garlands
Tree lights along the banks of the River Ness are to be replaced with £62,000 funding from the Inverness Common Good Fund.
New Ullapool kerbside recycling collection is a huge success
The Highland Council’s new blue bin kerbside recycling service in the Ullapool area has proved a great hit with residents wishing to recycle.
Ace turn out for Inverness tennis camps
As part of The Highland Council’s summer activities programme, over the last two weeks, more than 60 children, aged between 5 and 12, took part in tennis coaching at Bellfield Park.
Successful summer at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Early indications from visitor numbers at Highland Council’s Inverness Museum Art Gallery are showing that the facility has received its highest number of visitors over the last 3 years for the month of July.
Council Tax rebate scam
The Highland Council’s Finance and Trading Standards teams have been alerted to the fact that Highland residents are currently being targeted by a Council Tax rebate scam.
Councillors to consider renewed Inverness City Vision
A report will be considered by members of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee on Monday 9 August, which sets out a renewed vision for shaping the future of the city.
School closures confirmed by ECS Committee
The Highland Council’s Education Culture and Sport Committee has agreed to amalgamate or close rural primary schools which it has deemed to be no longer educationally viable.
Council apply to extend freeze on council house sales
The Highland Council is applying to the Scottish Government for permission to extend the freeze on the right to buy council houses to ease housing pressures.
Highland Council to consider delivery of community learning and leisure services by arms length organisation
Members of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service have agreed to the principle of setting up an arms length organisation to deliver the local authority’s community learning and leisure services.
Highland pupils perform above the Scottish average in SQA results
Highland pupils have done well in their SQA exams, again performing above the Scottish average.
New house building model
The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee has unanimously agreed to investigate the feasibility of embarking on a new council house building programme.
The shifting sands of Culbin
Locals and visitors to Nairn are being invited to join Highland Council Countryside Rangers on a stroll among the Culbin sand dunes on Wednesday 11 August.
Children make funny faces at Caithness countryside centre
Around seventeen children packed out the Seadrift Centre at Dunnet in Caithness yesterday to take part in a “Funny Faces” mask making event organised by The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers.
Tribute paid to outgoing Director of Social Work Services
Tributes were paid today (Wednesday 4 August 2010) to Harriet Dempster, who retires later this month after 36 years in social work and 11 years at the helm of The Highland Council’s Director of Social Work Services.
Changing Community Care – East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum
Helmsdale Community Centre will host the East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum at 7.30pm on Tuesday (10 August).
Investigation into offspring of cloned cow
A Council spokesman confirmed that officers from the Council’s Environmental Health team had visited the farm at Auldearn yesterday (Tuesday) to interview the farmer who owned 2 of the bulls born in the UK from embryos from a cloned cow.
Tribute to Nairn depute head teacher
Hugh Fraser, The Highland Council’s Director of Education Culture and Sport has paid tribute to Mrs Caroline Johnston, depute head teacher at Rosebank Primary School, Nairn, who died as the result of a horse riding accident.
Matisse exhibition comes to Inverness
A Hayword touring exhibition - "Drawing with Scissors" - the late works of Matisse 1950 - 1954 will be on display at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery from 7 August to 5 September 2010.
South West Inverness Flood Relief Scheme
The public will get a chance to find out about the progress being made on the South West Inverness Flood Relief Scheme at a public exhibition taking place in the function room at Fairways Golf Club between 3 and 7pm on Thursday 12 August.
Youngsters have whale of a time with countryside rangers
A group of local and visiting children recently joined Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers at Dunnet Bay in Caithness to help build a life size sand sculpture of a minke whale.
Reminder for Broadband improvement funding
A new deadline date of Wednesday 6 October has been set for community groups across the Highlands wishing to bid for Euro funding to help improve their broadband services.
Temporary closure of road bridge in Alness
The road bridge which crosses the Averon River in Alness will be closed between 7pm - 9.30pm on Wednesday 11 August for a routine inspection.