Isle of Skye Mountain Path Maintenance Days 2010 - 2011
Volunteers with a love of the outdoors are being sought by Highland Council Rangers for Skye and Lochalsh to help them with their ambitious third programme of Mountain Path Maintenance Days between June 2010 and March 2011.
Calling all Black Isle entrepreneurs
Potential entrepreneurs thinking of setting up their own business are being invited to attend the next Highland Council Black Isle Ward Forum when the topic of the meeting will be business advice and information.
Inverness Nature Reserve is venue for Biodiversity Action Day
Highland Council Countryside Rangers are inviting outdoor lovers to Merkinch Local Nature Reserve in Inverness to take part in Biodiversity Action Day on Saturday 5 June between 2-4pm.
Fort William Primary Schools netball tournament
The annual Fort William Primary Schools Netball Tournament held today (Monday, 31st May), was won by Banavie Primary School, while the League title was shared between Banavie and Upper Achintore.
Skye and Lochalsh to pilot alternate waste collection scheme
Households and commercial businesses in Skye and Lochalsh have been chosen for a six-month pilot of an alternate weekly waste collection scheme, which will run from 1 September until 28 February, next year, with the option of an extension if it proves a success.
Review of scheme to charge for Bulky Collections
The introduction of charges for bulky uplifts in April 2009 to increase levels of re-use and recycling resulted in an income generation of £71,500 in the first year of operation as well as an 88% reduction in requests and increased recycling.
Independent inquiry investigates the best response to climate change in Scotland – public meeting in Inverness
The Royal Society of Edinburgh is calling on people across Inverness and the Highlands to have their say on one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
Environmental Awareness Events
Next Saturday (5 June) is World Environment Day and the Council will be hosting two events next week for staff to raise awareness and give advice and helpful tips on ways to cut waste and live a greener lifestyle.
Made It exhibition with works from the Craft Council collection and the Highland makers inspired by them
Showing in Inverness Museum and Art Gallery from 5th June to the end of July is an exhibition of international quality featuring works from the Craft’s Council and complimented by Highland craft makers work inspired by the Collection.
Get to know your mobile event bridges the age gap in Ullapool
Young people in Ullapool have taken the mystery out of mobile phones with a series of new technology workshops for older people.
Concordait airson a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail sa Ghàidhealtachd air a shoighnigeadh ann an Gallaibh
Chaidh Cunnradh Lìbhrigeadh Seirbheis eadar An Comunn Gàidhealach is Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, a thaobh mar a thèid Mòdan Nàiseanta Rìoghail a lìbhrigeadh sa Ghàidhealtachd, a shoighnigeach ann an Gallaibh an t-seachdain seo.
Young pipers and drummers launch exciting CD
The Charleston and Nairn Pipes and Drums have launched their new CD with a rousing performance at Charleston Academy.
Council reaffirms support for Scotland’s Housing Expo
The Highland Council has reaffirmed its continued support for Scotland’s Housing Expo which will take place throughout the month of August at Milton of Leys, in Inverness.
Handyperson service reaches milestone six years on
A service which helps older people and those with a disability with small jobs in their homes, reached a major milestone last week with the completion of the 30,000th job across Sutherland and Ross and Cromarty.
Concordat for the Royal National Mòd in the Highlands signed in Caithness
A Service Delivery Contract between An Comunn Gàidhealach and The Highland Council in relation to the delivery of Royal National Mòds in the Highlands was signed this week in Caithness.
Council Budget blog focuses on waste collection, street lighting and enquiry services
Council Budget blog focuses on waste collection, street lighting and enquiry services
Highland beaches recognised with Seaside Awards
Scotland’s beaches provide the perfect place for creating memories and having fun and today, 26 May 2010, awarding body Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB), announced that eleven Highland beaches will fly Seaside Award flags above their sands this year, one in Nairn, two in Ross-shire and eight in Sutherland.
Fort William Primary Climbing Competition
The finals of the Fort William Primary Schools Climbing Competition were held recently at the Ice Factor in Kinlochleven on 22 May.
Nursery youngsters Get Set Go for 2012
150 pre-school children in the Nairn area are being encouraged to “Get Set Go” as part of the Nairn Primary Schools Health Week (24 – 28 May).
Best selling author to open Macmillan Information Centre
Best selling author Alexander McCall Smith is to officially open a new drop-in service that offers support and information to people affected by cancer in Fort William.
Formal opening of Mallaig High School hostel
A new hostel at Mallaig, providing residential accommodation for pupils from the islands of Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum as well as the Knoydart Peninsula, was officially opened today (Tuesday).
Life on the edge - a guided walk with Council Ranger
Highland Council Countryside Ranger John Orr is leading a guided walk from Ardersier Common to Fort George and back on Sunday 30th May, from 2 till 4pm.
Highland Council Advice Service Wins Top Scottish Award
A value added service offered by The Highland Council in partnership with a number of other national agencies including Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Transport Scotland has received national recognition at the Homes for Scotland Awards 2010.
Giant blue elephant reminds families in the Highlands to recycle
They say elephant’s never forget. That’s why a ten foot inflatable blue elephant visited Loch Ness on Friday (May 21st), reminding people to recycle more items, more often as part of the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste recycling campaign.
Volunteer efforts at Reiss Beach
A Caithness beach access area got an environmental tidy yesterday (Sunday 23 May 2010) thanks to members of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers group.
Music group competition hots up with audition day
Saturday (29 May) will see hundreds of talented young musicians descend on Millburn Academy in Inverness as they vie for coveted places in one of the eight Regional Music Groups run as an extension to the instrumental Tuition Service of Highland Council.
Inverness Summer Festival
Details of the programme for the 2010 Inverness Summer Festival were announced at a press conference held in Inverness Town House today (May 24th) by Provost Jimmy Gray.
Launch of new music initiative for Highland schools
The Highland Council is the first Local Authority to introduce the Active Learning through Music programme to all its schools. The programme, written by National Youth Choir of Scotland, was trialled in four Highland schools last year where it was a hit with both staff and pupils.
Support confirmed for education policy on English as an Additional Language in the Highlands
A new policy and guidance on English as an additional language will be introduced in schools and educational establishments throughout the Highlands.
Music group competition hots up
Saturday (29 May) will see hundreds of talented young musicians descend on Millburn Academy in Inverness as they vie for coveted places in one of the eight Regional Music Groups run as an extension to the instrumental Tuition Service of Highland Council.
Highland wins national competition for Internet Safety Resources
A Highland play aimed at protecting children from cyber-bullying has won a national award and is to be used as a national teaching resource.
Highland Social Workers win national award
Two Highland Practitioners have won the Kay Carmichael Travel Award which was presented at the Association of Directors of Social Work (ADSW) Conference on Friday 14 May.
Moving the Development Plan Forward
The Planning Environment and Development Committee of Highland Council will consider a report setting out the latest thinking on the vision and spatial strategy of the Highland wide Local Development Plan.
Council approves over £1.5M on education and leisure projects
Members of The Highland Council’s, Education, Culture and Sport Committee have agreed to £1.79 million additional capital funding expenditure for five construction projects throughout the Highlands.
National recognition for Highland Libraries
The excellence of The Highland Council’s Library service in implementing new technology has won national recognition.
Care Commission rates Highland Fostering and Adoption Services as excellent.
A report published by the Care Commission on their inspections of The Highland Council’s Fostering and Adoption Services has rated the service as “excellent” on all quality indicators.
Highland Council updates Multi Agency Action Plan for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands
Members of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee have welcomed progress on the implementation of a Multi Agency Action Plan for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands.
Highland Housing Register allocations policy updated
Changes to the criteria on how social rented housing is allocated in the Highlands have been approved by members of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee.
Council Budget blog focuses on swimming pools, community centres, museums and libraries
The Highland Council’s budget blog will today (19 May) switch its focus to swimming pools, museums and libraries.
Portree environmental improvements
Members of the public are being invited to have their say regarding Portree environmental improvements.
Cur air Bhog na Fèise Cudromach an Eachdraidh
Tha Fèis Blas, a tha a’ cliùthachadh na Gàidhlig agus cultar na Gàidhealtachd gu bhith a’ comharrachadh cur air bhog a’ phrògraim 2010 aice le ‘inntrigeadh’ do Ionad Tasglainn is Clàraidh na Gàidhealtachd.
Blas Festival Launch is one for the history books
The Blas Festival, which celebrates Highland culture and Gaelic, is to mark the launch of its 2010 programme by being ‘inducted’ into the Highland Archive and Registration Centre.
Budget consultation meeting at Fort William
The Highland Council continues its budget consultation at a meeting of its Joint Lochaber Ward Forum on Monday 31 May.
Highland teachers embrace Curriculum for Excellence training
Around seventy five Highland teachers are to attend a one-day conference “Embedding Global Citizenship within Curriculum for Excellence - A’Toirt a-steach Saorainneachd an t-Saoghail don Curraicealam airson Sàr-Mhathais” on Monday (24 May 2010).
Matching services to local needs – how place-based learning can make services more effective
Creative new approaches that can help the children’s sector workforce develop and deliver essential services more effectively throughout Scotland – including place-based and family learning – will be debated at a major conference in June.
Highland schools introduce national music programme
Schools throughout the Highlands are to benefit from a training event being held this weekend in Inverness which will see participants learning how to deliver the national programme “Active Learning through Music”.
HMIe Report on Carr-Bridge Primary School and Nursery Class
HMIe Report published on Carr-Bridge Primary School and Nursery Class
Council moves closer to securing new operator for Wick district heating system
The Highland Council has moved a step closer to finding an operator to run the district heating scheme at Pulteneytown, Wick, currently operated by Caithness Heat and Power Ltd, a company owned and run by the Council.
Eilean a’ Cheò Ward Civic Awards
Community groups and individuals living on the Isle of Skye, this week received civic awards to recognise and celebrate their achievement and contribution to their communities.
HMIe Inspection of Reay 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 Reay Primary School.
Fort William welcomes first cruise liner
“Spirit of Adventure” sailed into Loch Linnhe last weekend (Sunday 16th May) to become the first international cruise liner to berth at CLYDEBoyd, Corpach, Fort William.
Police and partners helping youngsters make the right Choices For Life
Around 3,100 schoolchildren from both Highland and Moray will attend this year's Choices for Life event at Inverness Leisure Centre, which started today and runs until 19 May 2010.
Blind Persons’ Companion Travel
The Highland Council and ScotRail are pleased to announce that from Sunday 23 May a scheme will commence allowing reduced cost rail travel for companions accompanying a blind person who has a Scotland Blind Persons Travel Card.
Highland pupils express project work through new media
Pupils in the Highlands are being given the chance to try out new ways to display and convey what they have learnt in class as opposed to the traditional essay writing or homework project to hand in to school.
Highland Director of Social Work to retire in August
Harriet Dempster, Director of Social Work Services, The Highland Council, is to retire in the summer after 36 years service in social work and 11 years at the helm in Highland.
Budget consultation meeting at Tain
The Highland Council holds the third in a series of 14 budget consultations at a meeting of its Tain and Easter Ross Ward Forum on Monday 24 May.
Whiteness Head walk with Council Ranger
Highland Council Countryside Ranger John Orr is leading a guided walk to Whiteness Head on Sunday 23rd May, 11am to 3pm.
Nairn school celebrates centenary
Millbank Primary School in Nairn is celebrating its Centenary with an Open Day on Saturday 22 May, 2010 from 10am to 3pm.
Temporary road closures in city centre
Drivers are alerted that three temporary road closures will be in place in Inverness over the next few weeks to allow for necessary work to safely take place.
Budget Consultation at Inverness
The Highland Council is holding a series of meetings throughout the area to consult with the public over options that have been proposed by Services to identify budget savings of £36 million over the next three years. These options are clearly set out in two budget documents which can be accessed via the home page of our web site: www.highland.gov.uk
New Council office-bearers
The Highland Council has appointed two new vice-chairmen of strategic committees.
Corbett Centre users spread anti-bullying message
A group of adults from the Corbett Centre in Inverness have devised a presentation that hits the mark when it comes to promoting the anti-bullying message to local school children.
CPO is just one string to the bow in Nigg Yard Regeneration Bid
The campaign to secure an early release of the entire Nigg oil yard site in East Ross for a full and effective future use requires at multi-track approach, Highland Councillors have agreed.
Care home business case review
Highland Councillors decided today (Thursday) to give themselves and the public a month to consider and comment on detailed business cases into the proposed building of five new care homes – at Fort William, Grantown, Inverness, Muir of OrdHighland Councillors decided today (Thursday) to give themselves and the public a month to consider and comment on detailed business cases into the proposed building of five new care homes – at Fort William, Grantown, Inverness, Muir of Ord and Tain. and Tain.
Dingwall pupils wave off Ross County
More than 600 pupils of Dingwall Academy and Dingwall Primary, wearing their Ross County strips, will be out in force at lunch time tomorrow (Friday), to wave off the Ross County bus at the start of its journey to Hampden for the Scottish Cup Final against Dundee United.
Audit Commission’s findings on best value audit welcomed
The Highland Council has welcomed the findings of an audit on the Council’s performance of its statutory duties on best value and community planning, which concludes the council is improving well and is well placed to deliver future improvement.
Travelling Gallery returns to Highland schools
A Travelling Gallery exhibition “KLOOK-KLOOK” is returning to the Highlands for a two week tour of Highland schools.
New Path Improvement Scheme for Highland Communities
Highland Council’s Outdoor Access Team have secured £585,000 of funding over the next three years to help pave the way for a programme of improvements to the core path network across the Highlands.
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 Friday 4th June 2010 to register their interest in the 12-month position, which carries a bursary of £10,000.
Fortrose pupils win Highland Heat
The winners of this year’s Highland Final of the European Business Game are TECHKNOW from Fortrose Academy.
Campaign promotes seagull control in the Highlands
A campaign to raise awareness of the problem of seagulls nesting in urban areas in the Highlands has been launched today (Tuesday 11 May) by The Highland Council.
Smoke-free home and smoke-free car campaign
A campaign was launched today (Tuesday 11th May) that aims to improve the health of the Highland population by discouraging people from smoking in their home and car.
Trial run for young people’s suggestion
Young People staying on in Tain after school for clubs and activities will be able to get home earlier thanks to a new bus service being piloted by Stagecoach in response to a suggestion from the Tain Youth Forum.
Dingwall High Street traffic plea
With the Dingwall Streetscape upgrade scheme now completed, drivers are being asked to ensure that they are aware of the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of the Dingwall Traffic Order.
Highland Schools Race Series
The sun shone on Nevis Range Fort William (Saturday 8 May 2010) for the 3rd round of the Highland School bike race series.
Council budget blog launched
A budget blog opened today (Monday) on The Highland Council’s web site: www.highland.gov.uk
Consumers warned to be on their guard for doorstep callers in the Highlands.
Highland Council Trading Standard Service is calling on consumers, to be on their guard against rogue itinerant traders calling door to door.
Presentation of the first Eilean a’ Cheò Civic Awards
Individuals and groups from the Isle of Skye will receive recognition of the important contribution they make to their communities during the presentation of the first Eilean a’ Cheò Civic Awards on Monday 17 May in Portree.
Council’s Rangers call on locals to help wildlife.
People are invited out with Highland Council Countryside Rangers to Abriachan Forest above Loch Ness on Saturday 15 May between 2-4pm, to learn what it makes a garden good for wildlife.
Council advised of outcome of new care home business cases
A report being presented by three Council directors to The Highland Council on Thursday 13 May says there is no economic case for the Council to build five new care homes when the resulting costs will be higher than those incurred by procurement of places from the independent sector.
Creative Scotland CEO announces £500k boost for Highland arts programme
Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive Designate of Creative Scotland, has today announced that music, dance, literature and drama are among six creative disciplines to benefit from £500,000 funding this year for their development in the Highlands. Crafts and visual arts are also in line for a share of the support recommended by the Highland Cultural Strategic Board.
Cut and Style for Charleston young people
Young people coming along to attending Charleston Youth Café next week will look a cut above their peers as hairdressing students from Inverness College will be coming along to snip and style hair.
Council to recognise achievements of Highland football teams
Highland Councillors will be asked at their next meeting on Thursday (13 May) to recognise the achievements of the two Highland Scottish league sides – Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County.
Scottish Biodiversity Week comes to Caithness and Sutherland
15th to 23rd May 2010 is Scottish biodiversity week and the Highland Council Countryside Rangers in the North Highlands have organised an exciting variety of guided walks and events to celebrate our marvelous diversity of wildlife.
Open Doors Days at Highland Deaf Centre
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at sign language, or if you are struggling to hear the TV or the phone, the Highland Deaf Centre is the place to visit on Friday (7 May) and Saturday (8 May).
Inter-schools rugby competition scores highly with Lochaber pupils
Over 250 pupils from 20 Primary and 3 Secondary Schools in Lochaber came together for the annual inter-schools rugby competition held today (5 May 2010).
SkyeLarks RSPB Wildlife Explorer Group runners up in major award
A local wildlife group for Skye children is celebrating success in a UK wide competition.
Dornoch Mercat Cross
Staff from The Highland Council met with Councillor Jim McGillivray, Edderton and East Sutherland Ward, and members of the Community Council in Dornoch last week to discuss the recent works around the Mercat Cross.
Highland Convener gathers support in Brussels for continued EU funding for Scotland’s rural areas
The future of the Common Agricultural Policy and its likely impact in Scotland was discussed at the Committee of the Regions (CoR) on Monday 3 May with CoR member Councillor Sandy Park, Convener of The Highland Council, actively participating in the discussion stressing in particular the challenges facing Scotland's farmers and rural communities.
Last minute call for Easter Ross groups to hear about money saving ideas
Volunteers involved in running community buildings from the Dornoch to Cromarty Bridges still have time to sign up for an Energy Efficiency Seminar running next week (Thursday 13 May) to help them find out how they can make huge savings on their energy billls.
Temporary road closure affecting Struie Road
The Highland Council is advising drivers that part of the B9176 Struie Road will be temporarily closed to traffic from 6am on Wednesday 12 May until 8pm on Tuesday 18 May to allow for hazardous tree felling operations.
Volunteers sought for Skye and Lochalsh Mink Project
Skye and Lochalsh Environment Forum (SLEF) has recently received confirmation of funding from the European Community Highland LEADER 2007-2013 Programme, Scottish Natural Heritage and The Highland Council for a survey for the presence of mink across Skye and Lochalsh.
HMIe publish the report ‘Joint Inspection of services to protect children and young people in the Highland area
Scottish Government Inspectors had found that the performance of Highland’s child protection services is ‘very good’ and have commended best practice across the authority.