Easter Ross homes to receive major upgrades
The Apollo Group’s Scotland office has been awarded a £½ million contract by The Highland Council for a major insulation and roofing programme to be carried out on houses in Milton, Easter Ross.
Weather Update - Friday 26 February
A total of 8 secondary schools and 38 primary schools were closed today (Friday) as a result A total of 8 secondary schools and 38 primary schools were closed today (Friday) as a result of the continuing adverse weather.of the continuing adverse weather.
Forum to focus on ways of growing the Black Isle
The next Black Isle Ward Forum takes place on Thursday (4 March) and under the heading of “Growing the Black Isle”, the main topic of discussion will focus around local allotment oppThe next Black Isle Ward Forum takes place on Thursday (4 March) and under the heading of “Growing the Black Isle”, the main topic of discussion will focus around local allotment opportunities and community and farmer markets.ortunities and community and farmer markets.
Weather Update
A total of 16 secondary schools and 72 primary schools were closed today (Thursday) as a result of the continuing adverse weather.
Winter weather halts Highland Council Ward Forums
Two Highland Council Ward Forums due to be held tomorrow (Thursday 25 February) have been postponed due to weather conditions.
Weather update as snow returns to Highlands
A total of 33 primary schools and six secondary schools closed today (Wednesday) as the result of adverse weather.
Highland Council Convener and Scots MEP join forces in Brussels at new Rural Committee
Councillor Sandy Park, Convener of The Highland Council, attended his first meeting at the Committee of the Regions (CoR) Commission Natural Resources (NAT) today Tuesday) in Brussels.
Early Moves dance initiative widens activity choices for primary school children and teachers.
A project is being piloted in the Inverness and Nairn areas to offer a new way to be active in primary school.
Creating a Highland Citizens’ Panel
The Highland Council has this week written to a random sample of 14,000 Highland households, with the aim of securing agreement from 2,300 volunteers to serve on a Citizens’ Panel. The Panel will be used on an ongoing basis by the Council as one method of consultation with the public.
Highland schools urged to join Gairloch Primary School in Scottish Education Awards nomination
People in the Highlands are being urged to nominate their local schools, nurseries or individuals for their outstanding achievements before its too late, as applications for the Scottish Education Awards 2010 will close on Friday 5 March 2010.
Highland Council recruiting Genealogy Trainee
Highland Council is seeking to recruit a trainee Genealogist to support the Council’s Genealogy staff in the operation of the Family History Centre at the Highland Archive and Registration Centre, Inverness.
Highland Council uses drama to help avoid cyber bullying crisis
A new play being toured in Highland secondary schools aims to teach pupils how to use the internet responsibly and avoid cyber bullying.
Construction works commence on Fort Augustus village improvements.
Works are due to begin on a £100,000 project to enhance Fort Augustus village centre at the end of this month.
Hidden Highland Histories
Hidden Highland Histories WW2 exhibition opens at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday, 20 February 2010.
Highland Trading Standards Officers alert public to resurgence of free alarm offers
Highland consumers are being ‘cold called’ at home with the promise of free household alarm systems. However, the offer may sound too good to be true and Highland Council Trading Standards Service are warning householders to be on their guard.
Author aims to get Dingwall teenagers excited about reading
Alan Bissett, author of “Boy racers” and “The incredible Adam Spark”, made a visit to Dingwall School and Community Library today (19 February) to talk to an audience of 1st – 4th year pupils and read from his work.
Còmhradh a dhìth gus leasain Ghàidhlig a leudachadh
Tha oileanaich nas adhartaiche a tha ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig sa Ghàidhealtachd tro Ùlpan ag innse gu bheil feum aca air barrachd taic Eadar-lìn agus seiseanan còmhraidh le structar, gus an sgilean cànain a thoirt air adhart.
A’ Chomhairle dol a leasachadh modail airson Foghlam tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig do chloinn aois 0-3
An-diugh chuir Comhairlichean na Gàidhealtachd fàilte air molaidhean gus modail seasmhach airson Foghlam tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig a chruthachadh do chloinn aois 0-3 sa Ghàidhealtachd.
Council to develop model for 0-3 year olds Gaelic Medium provision
Highland Councillors welcomed proposals today to create a sustainable model of Gaelic Medium provision for 0-3 year olds in the Highlands.
Conversation required to expand Gaelic language lessons
Feedback from advanced students learning Gaelic through the Ulpan method in the Highlands is showing that more Internet-based back-up support and structured conversation sessions are needed to advance their language skills.
Fact finding visit to RAF Kinloss
The Convener of The Highland Council, Sandy Park, yesterday visited RAF Kinloss to be briefed on the current and future role of the base.
Highland Councillors agree savings in members’ budget
Highland Councillors have today agreed to a package of measures to reduce costs arising from Members’ travel, catering, councillor surgeries and accommodation expenses.
Improving working and financial arrangements with the third sector
Highland Councillors have today (Wednesday) welcomed a new agreement with third sector organisations in Highland - voluntary, charity, community organisations and social enterprises - which aims to strengthen working relationships.
Pathfinder North Implementation Project completed
Members of The Highland Council’s Resources Committee have welcomed the completion of the £70 million Pathfinder North Broadband Project, which is one of the largest local government shared services projects in the UK and is also one of the largest collaborative broadband procurements in Europe.
Young people to feature at Highland Environmental Conference
On Saturday 6 March The Highland council will be hosting a conference in Inverness organised by the Highland Environmental Network (HEN) on the theme of encouraging young people to connect with the environment.
Public invited to have their say on improvements to Beauly Square
Following on from the Consultation held in Beauly Square in September last year, the Planning and Development Service of The Highland Council will be holding another consultation with the local community on Thursday 25th February.
Surf and turf on menu at Easter Ross Ward Forum
The Highland Council’s role in Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Harbours is the topic of the next Tain and Easter Ross Ward Forum being held next Thursday (25 February).
Nominations sought for new Community Awards
The contribution of local people’s time, effort and energy to improve the lives of others and emerging new talent is to be officially recognized. Elected members from the Eilean a’ Cheò ward are inviting people living on the islands of Skye and Raasay to nominate representatives from their local community for a Civic Recognition Award.
Enhanced ePlanning goes live in the Highlands on Tuesday 23rd February
From Tuesday 23rd February, all planning applications received by The Highland Council will be processed electronically by a team of seven staff based at the Council’s electronic processing centre in Inverness. Scanned and validated applications will be available to view on the Council’s web site: http://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/
Money saving ideas for community buildings in Easter Ross
Volunteers involved in running community buildings are invited to find out more about grants of up to 100% to help them save money on energy bills.
Ward Forum gets a lesson on Education
The Highland Council’s Cromarty Firth Ward Forum has invited the Head Teachers of the two local Academies to attend their Ward Forum next Thursday (25th February 2010).
Highland Museum is finalist for national award
The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore is one of 6 museums in Great Britain chosen by the public to reach the final stages of the Guardian Family Friendly Museum Award 2010.
Reprieve for key bus service for Dingwall and Ullapool communities
The positive effect of The Highland Ward Forum system was much in evidence in Dingwall on Wednesday 10th February.
Special Planning Committee overturns wind turbine decision
At today’s special meeting of The Highland Council's Planning, Environment and Development Committee members overturned a previous decision to grant planning permission for a 15 kw wind turbine erected on a 15 metre tower on a site at the Heights of Achterneed, Strathpeffer.
Planning Committee confirms previous decision for change of use at Croy site
Members of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee have today (11 Feb 2010) confirmed the decision made by the Inverness, Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey Planning Applications Committee on 19 January to grant full planning permission for the change of use of an existing business at Parkhead, Mains of Kilravock, Croy.
Council Tax frozen as Council sets £607 million budget
The Highland Council has confirmed a freeze on the Council Tax for a third year in succession.
Population projections for the Highlands
If the trends of recent years continue, the population of the Highlands is set to reach 257,965 by 2033, representing an increase of 18% (38,565) from the 2008 population of 219,400.
Inverness Traditional Music Project - song workshop
Straight from Celtic Connections - clarsach musician and singer - Katie Mackenzie is offering the opportunity for singers to come and take part in a Scots Song Workshop.
Highland Libraries launch High-CAT
Readers in the Highlands can now browse a new library catalogue system provided by The Highland Council. Talis Prism 3 known as High-CAT has been launched by the Council’s Highland Libraries, the first local authority Library service in Scotland to provide the service.
Tourism is focus of Caithness ward forum
Tourism will be the focus of discussion at a meeting of The Highland Council’s Caithness Joint Ward Forum to be held in the Pentland Hotel, Thurso, on Tuesday 16 February at 7.30 pm.
Council agrees to delay slipway repairs at Nether Lochaber
The Highland Council is to continue working closely with local communities to identify how best to minimise the disruption to the Corran Ferry service during proposed essential repairs to the slipway at Nether Lochaber on the mainland side of Loch Linnhe.
Climbing the Walls at Gairloch
A fund-raising campaign in Gairloch has reached its target, paving the way for much improved facilities for climbers of all ages at Gairloch High School Leisure Facility.A fund-raising campaign in Gairloch has reached its target, paving the way for much improved facilities for climbers of all ages at Gairloch High School Leisure Facility.
Highland amphibian and reptile surveyors receive plaudits at national conference
The Community Greenspace Wildlife Audit Project which has run in Easter Ross and the Black Isle for the last three years as part of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recently received praise from the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme at their national conference.
Business as usual during streetscape works
Work began this week on the second phase of a £947,000 package of town centre improvements in Dingwall.
HMIe report on Newtonmore Primary School and Nursery Class, Inverness
In an HMIe report on Newtonmore Primary School and Nursery Class, Badenoch and Strathspey, the inspectors note the following particular strengths of the school:
HMIe Report on Kinmylies Primary School and Nursery Class, Inverness
In a HMIe report on Kinmylies Primary School and Nursery Class, Inverness, the inspectors noted the following particular strengths of the school:
Social Enterprise awarded contract to recycle household waste electrical appliances for the Highlands
Alness based social enterprise, ILM (Highland), has recently been successful in being awarded a two year contract to recycle all household waste electrical appliances.
Youth Convener tours Highland secondary schools
Highland Youth Convener, Magnus Monahan, has begun his tour of Highland secondary schools to deliver a presentation about Highland Youth Voice, the youth parliament for the area, and his role as Youth Convener.
New Business start up grant scheme launched in Highlands
A new grant scheme has been introduced in the Highlands to help new businesses with their start up costs.
Inverness public in tune with Highland Hospice
£325 has been presented (on Friday 5 Feb 2010) to the Highland Hospice by members of the Inverness Clarsach Society and Highland Council’s Events Officer.
Council Tax frozen as Council sets £607 million budget for 2010-11
The Highland Council will be asked to confirm savings of £12.1 million when they meet on Thursday 11 February to set a revenue budget of £607.2 million for 2010-11 and confirm a freeze on the Council Tax. The budget is based on the Council Tax at Band D remaining at £1,163 for the fourth successive year.
Advice to travelling public in the Highlands
Motorists are being urged to show the utmost care on Highland roads because of the persistent wintry conditions and the growing pressure on road salt supplies used to treat road surfaces.
World premiere of “A Moving Story”
A Highland Council Ranger project in Sutherland came to fruition when the red carpet was rolled out for the World premiere of “A Moving Story”, a film starring many of the children of the North West Highlands Geopark which was shown at the Screen Machine 2 in Kinlochbervie on Monday (1st February)
Pupils clean up at anti-litter awards
Highland Council today announced the winners of a "Don’t Litter Competition" that is believed to be the first competition of its kind in Scotland. Secondary and primary pupils from schools in Nairn, Inverness, Portree and Helmsdale attended a ceremony held in Inverness earlier today to receive their awards after successfully coming up with creative ways to get the “Don’t litter” message across.
Alteration works to Fort William Service Point
The Highland Council’s Service Point at Fort William currently located on the ground floor of Lochaber House will close on Wednesday 10 February for six weeks.
Caithness volunteers clear Castletown path
A path in Castletown which was overgrown with gorse has been cleared by the Caithness Countryside Volunteers group.
MSPs urged to back local council aquaculture planning powers
The Highland Council has written to Scottish MSPs seeking their support for the retention of aquaculture planning powers by local authorities.
Corran Ferry meeting
A public meeting to discuss the proposed works at Nether Lochaber slipway and the impact this will have on Corran Ferry operations is being held on Tuesday 9 February.
Greater Fort William Pre-School and Primary School review
Recommendations from a review of the pre-school and primary school provision in the Greater Fort William area will be presented at a meeting of The Highland Council’s Lochaber Joint Ward Forum being held next Monday (8 February).
Mapping the way ahead for heating the Highlands
Work has started on a joint project to produce a map for the Highlands which will show the way renewable and other heat sources could be used in years to come.
Walk to beat the winter blues
The Highland Council’s Badenoch and Strathspey Rangers are inviting people to beat the winter blues and come and join them on an invigorating walk around Carrbridge next week.
East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum to discuss roads and winter maintenance
The next East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum will be held on Tuesday 9 February at 7.30pm in Rogart Hall. The theme of the Forum is Roads and Winter Maintenance and will be addressed by Mr. Campbell Stewart, Area Roads and Community Works Manager.
Knife dealers’ licensing scheme
The Highland Council is advising business people, who sell sporting knifes and daggers as well as ceremonial swords, that they will need a licence to sell these goods in the future.
Application granted for dangerous wild animals licence
Members of the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Licensing Committee have unanimously agreed to grant Alladale Wilderness Reserve a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
School closures
A total of 13 schools were affected today (Monday 1 February) by adverse weather.
Free art magazine launched
Inverness Old Town Art (IOTA) shares a final surprise at the end of the empty windows project.
Easter Ross homes to receive major upgrades from Apollo
The Apollo Group’s Scotland office has been awarded a £½ million contract by The Highland Council for a major insulation and roofing programme to be carried out on houses in Milton, Easter Ross.
Ringing and singing at Glenurquhart Library
On Tuesday (2 March) 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.