Follow-through inspection of Pennyland Primary School
As part of the inspectorate’s ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities, a report has been issued on the inspection by HMIe of the quality of education at Pennyland Primary School.
HMIe report for Mulbuie Primary School
Mulbuie Primary school has received a positive report from HMIe inspectors who recently visited the school.
Ferintosh Primary School HMIe report
Ferintosh Primary school was recently visited by HMIe inspectors and has received a positive report.
Unstable trees at Tain Links
People in the Tain area are being notified that The Highland Council plans to fell up to eleven trees at the Links for public safety.
Council website back on line
The Highland Council’s web site: www.highland.gov.uk
School closures – 30th November 2010
Sschool closures – 30 November 2010 – 11.00 am
Alness Bridge footbridge closure
A footbridge in Alness, which leads pupils and the public from the High Street to Alness Academy and the swimming pool, has been closed after faults were found during a structural examination.
Inverness Common Good to fund city civic architectural assets
Essential restoration works to a major, historical architectural asset in the Inverness city skyline have been given the go ahead by members of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee.
School closures - 29th November 2010 noon
List of schools closed in Highland on 29 November 2010.
Council apologises for loss of Internet Access
The Highland Council has apologised for the loss of public access to its web site: www.highland.gov.uk and the schools closure web site www.schoolclosures.highlandschools.org.uk
“Star quality” social worker is Council’s Employee of the Year
Fiona Shevill, a social worker in Inverness, has been chosen as the Council's Employee of the year. She received her prize at the Council's annual Quality Awards, held at the Town House, Inverness, on Thursday night.
Closure of Infirmary Bridge, Inverness
Essential maintenance work is to be carried out on the Infirmary Footbridge in Inverness, which will require closure of the bridge from Monday 29 November until Friday 10 December.
Northern Meeting Park maintenance works
The Highland Council is informing members of the public that winter roof maintenance and repairs works will be carried out at the Northern Meeting Park affecting Ardross Street, Inverness.
Highland zero tolerance campaign to be repeated in the new year
A recent ‘zero tolerance’ campaign on litter and fly-tipping undertaken by The Highland Council has proved to be a success and will be repeated in the new year.
Tha sgoilearan Acadamaidh Allt a’ Mhuilinn san dàrna àite ann an Deasbad BT ALBA 2010
Ghabh a’ chuairt dheireannach de Dheasbad BT Alba 2010 àite ann am Pàrlamaid na h-Alba eadar sgiobaidhean bho Sgoil MhicNeacail agus Acadamaidh Allt a’ Mhuilinn.
Agencies rally to support victims of construction downturn
Anyone who has recently lost their job in the North of Scotland's construction sector is invited to come along to Inverness College on Tuesday evening (November 30).
Residents urged to be good citizens by clearing paths and pavements of snow
Highland residents are being encouraged to play their part in keeping paths and pavements outside their homes, shops and offices free of snow this winter.
Children’s Christmas craft workshops at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
To help people get ready and in the festive mood for Christmas, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery are running craft and storytelling workshops throughout December.
City Crematorium Solar Panels
For the last 9 months 66 photovoltaic panels mounted on the south facing roof at the city crematorium have been busy using energy from the sun to help cut power bills and the amount of carbon used at Inverness Crematorium.
Millburn Academy pupils are runners-up in BT ALBA Debate 2010
The final of this year’s BT Alba Debate competition was held this evening at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh between teams from Millburn Academy from Inverness and the Nicolson Institute from Stornoway
Young Highland musicians shine on stage.
Over 320 young musicians from across the Highlands met up in Aviemore at the weekend to perform their annual showcase concert which included a premier performance by the newly formed Highland Youth Choir.
Care and Repair reaches milestone
The Care and Repair initiative, which has been in existence since 1989 in Ross and Cromarty and 1994 in Sutherland, has recently achieved a significant milestone of improving the 3,000th house.
New Fusion sessions for young people in Dingwall
Saturday 27 November will see the return of late night opening for young people at Dingwall Leisure Centre under the new banner of FUSION.
Work starts on City Park
The first turfs were cut this week on an area of undeveloped land on the south side of Inverness that will secure its future as a recreational facility and green space for the local community.
Charleston Fusion Nights to start this weekend
On Saturday (27 November), the Charleston Community Campus will open for the first time on a Saturday evening exclusively for young people.
Scrabster Harbour announcement
The Highland Council has welcomed the announcement by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to award Scrabster Harbour Trust £5 million to help develop the harbour as a key component of Scotland's renewable energy infrastructure
Community Council Review Stage 3 Consultation
The Highland Council is launching the third and final phase of consultation on a major review of Community Councils. This seeks final comments on a proposed new Scheme for Community Councils, including a model constitution, standing orders and code of conduct for Community Councillors.
Motorists warned of Inverness road works
The final phase of works on Old Edinburgh Road/Southside Road, Inverness, will be completed between Monday 29 November and Wednesday 1 December.
Crimestoppers cracks down on counterfeiting in the Highlands
Scotland Crimestoppers launched a campaign this week in the Highlands to tackle counterfeiting and raise awareness of the more serious links it has to organised crime.
Appointment of new Northern Constabulary Chief Constable
A selection panel of Northern Joint Police Board has appointed George Graham to be Northern Constabulary’s new Chief Constable, to succeed Ian Latimer on his retiral in the spring of 2011.
Amenity Grass Cutting
Earlier in the year, the Council agreed that a tender for routine grass cutting be issued to establish the potential level of savings to be gained from contracting out this area of service. In parallel, it was agreed that an in-house bid be prepared for comparison with the external tenders.
Council engineering team receives prestigious design award
Tribute has been paid to the winning Council design team who won the prestigious Saltire Society Award for civil engineering design.
Dance Platform 2010
170 pupils took to the Nevis Centre stage in Fort William recently to perform to a packed and appreciative audience at this year’s Dance Platform.
Nairn Christmas Illuminations
Two Nairn pupils will be assisting Provost Laurie Fraser as they switch on the Christmas lights in Nairn.
Festive FUSION events in Nairn
FUSION events for young people in Nairn will commence on Saturday 27 November with a “Youth Cinema” night.
Council renews support for Highland community transport groups
Twenty community transport schemes in the Highlands will continue to receive financial support, totalling almost £500,000, from The Highland Council.
Council to press Network Rail for improved safety measures
Members of The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee have agreed that the Council will write to Network Rail to press for improved safety measures at automatic open level crossings in the Highlands.
Benefits from regular Ministerial meetings
Regular meetings between senior Highland councillors and the Scottish Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Minister, Stewart Stevenson, are delivering benefits for the Highlands.
Council welcomes assurance on future of Chieftain service
The Highland Council Convener Sandy Park has been told by Secretary of State for Scotland the Rt Hon Michael Moore, MP, that the Government has no plans to withdraw through rail services between Inverness and London.
Step Forward For Community Footpath Projects
Members of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee have agreed to allocate £134.4K to 19 community based path upgrading and improvement projects.
New Rector for Charleston Academy, Inverness
The Highland Council has appointed a new Rector for Charleston Academy, Inverness. He is Chris O'Neill, who is currently Depute Rector at Culloden Academy, Inverness.
Council response to Scottish Government Settlement
The Highland Council’s Budget Leader David Alston has accepted that the proposed grant settlement from the Scottish Government for 2011-12 and the package of measures negotiated with COSLA’s Leadership is the best outcome that can be achieved in very difficult circumstances.
Update on Nigg Yard
At the start of today’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee, members were given an update on the latest developments surrounding the Council’s efforts to unlock the potential of the Nigg Fabrication Yard.
Preliminary works begin at new site of Aviemore Primary School
Aviemore residents will see the first signs of work on their new community primary school next week. As part of the planning conditions imposed by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, The Highland Council will be conducting an archaeological investigation in the area of the new playing field, which is also the area of the existing birch wood.
Successful Conference For Highland Tenants
Building on the success of the first Highland Tenant Conference held last year, 92 delegates from across the Highlands gathered in Inverness on Saturday for the 2010 event.
Council confirms results of An Aird Ground Inspection
More than 100 homes and 10 businesses in the An Aird area of Fort William will receive a newsletter this week updating them on the completed land investigation carried out in the area.
Preparing for Winter
In an open letter from Kenny MacAskill MSP, Cabinet Secretary the Scottish Government has today published information on preparing for winter at www.ReadyScotland.org
Olympian meets young Highlanders learning to swim
Swimmer Joanne Jackson visited Invergordon Leisure Centre on Sunday 14 November to help launch the Scottish Swimming Learn to Swim initiative with the help of 5-8 year olds from across the Highlands who are currently learning to swim in council run pools.
Exhibition spreads the word at Highland Archive and Registration Centre
An exhibition to mark the 450th anniversary of the Reformation in Scotland goes on show this week at the Highland Archive and Registration Centre, Inverness.
Gold award for Highland Recycling Service
Highland residents have been making full use of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling facilities that were introduced at Recycling Centres across the region in January 2010 - so much so that the Highland Council has won two “WEEE Collector of the Month” awards.
Highland pupils provide inspiration for Council water campaign
A cartoon character, created by Highland pupils who entered a poster competition, has been adopted as the mascot for a water minimisation campaign launched this week by The Highland Council.
Funding still available in Highland Council Dingwall and Seaforth discretionary budget
At a recent Highland Council Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Forum, information was distributed on awards made from the Ward Discretionary Budget since April 2010.
Sharing Citizenship across the Highlands
Two Highland Primary Schools extended their hands of friendship when they met last week. P7 pupils from Kirkhill and Cromarty Primary schools got together to share ideas about developing Citizenship within their schools.
Council to the fore in IAA
The Highland Council picked up three prizes in the latest Inverness Architect Awards ceremony held on Friday evening in Strathpeffer.
Highland Active Schools project secured for further four years
Continued funding support for a project in the Highlands that aims to keep young people healthy and active has received an extremely warm welcome from members of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee.
ASVA recognises excellent visitor experience provided by the Highland Folk Museum
Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore has won the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions “Best Visitor Experience” Award 2010, sponsored by The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Closure of Kinlochleven High School, Primary School, Nursery and Community Library Facility
Kinlochleven High School, Primary School, Nursery and Community Library Facility will be closed on Thursday 11 November and Friday 12 November as work continues to disinfect the plumbing system after contamination was found in the hot and cold water supplies.
Council agrees to continue Self Directed Support for Highland people
Highland Council has committed to the continuation of an innovative approach to the funding and delivery of social care services.
Tenants offered incentive to downsize
Highland council house tenants, who have spare accommodation, are to be offered an incentive to move to a smaller council home that better meets their needs.
Review of day and community support services in Lochaber
A review of day and community support services in Lochaber has resulted in changes which The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee believe will improve community services.
Rok Administration
Members of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee have expressed their disappointment and concern that Rok plc has gone into Administration.
Care services for older people
The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee has agreed to fully refurbish Ach an Eas Home at Inverness and Grant House, Grantown, and consider options for redeveloping the site of the former Burnside Home, Inverness.
hub North board selects preferred bidder
The North Territory hub Programme Board has announced that Alba Community Partnerships (comprising of Cyril Sweett Investments Ltd and Miller Corporate Holdings, part of The Miller Group) has been selected as the preferred bidder for the hub North Territory.
Step forward for Aviemore Primary School
Tender documents were issued to contractors last week for the new primary school in Aviemore and are due to be returned by Friday 10 December.
Inspection works, Longman Gypsy/Traveller site, Inverness
The Highland Council has today (Tuesday 9 November, 2010) informed residents located on reclaimed land at The Highland Council’s Gypsy/Traveller site at Stadium Road, Inverness of the outcome of a recently completed site investigation undertaken in the area.
Opening of new climbing wall at Gairloch High School and Leisure Centre
A new £100,000 climbing wall at Gairloch High School and Leisure Centre will be formally opened on Saturday 20 November.
Ceremony to mark Armistice Day in Inverness
A ceremony will take place to mark Remembrance Day in front of Inverness Town House on Thursday 11 November at 11am.
Young musicians tune up for showcase concert
Over 320 young musicians from across the Highlands as busy rehearsing for their annual showcase concert which this year will include the debut performance by the Highland Youth Choir.
Women’s Aid charity receives welcome donation from Highland Council
A charity that provides support for women who are affected by domestic abuse has received a welcome donation this week from The Highland Council.
Highland Wide Local Development Plan to be discussed at joint Caithness Wards Forum
The Highland Council’s, Highland Wide Local Development Plan is the main topic to be discussed at a joint Caithness Wards Forum being held on Monday 15 November at 7.30 pm in the Mackays Hotel, Wick.
Highland Council calls on landowners to check wind damaged trees
Following a night of severely windy weather The Highland Council is encouraging landowners to check trees and vegetation near to public roads which have been damaged by the gales.
Highland Youth Voice conference to discuss equality and diversity
Highland Youth Voice, the elected youth parliament for the Highlands, meets this week (11 - 13 November 2010) at Badaguish near Aviemore.
Swimming All-stars to make a splash
Olympian Joanne Jackson and a top team of coaches and sports specialists will be arriving in Inverness on Thursday 11 November to run a series of All Stars training sessions for Highland swimmers.
Pupils produce illustrated books
Cromarty Primary School P3s, P4s and P7s have been busy designing and illustrating their own books with the help of visiting Printmaker and Illustrator Hannah Rye and Teacher of Art, Marion Tonkin.
Local musicians and Highland Youth Big Band to support acclaimed Australian saxophonist
Internationally acclaimed Australian saxophonist Barry Cockcroft will be performing in Inverness on Friday 12th November.
Scottish Youth Parliament makes history in Scottish Parliament
On Friday 29th of October over 100 Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) aged 14-25 made history as they provided evidence to the Public Petitions Committee in the first committee meeting held in the Scottish Parliament Chamber.
International experts meet to discuss climate change and its effects on Highland wildlife
The likely impacts of climate change on nature and wildlife in Scotland is the topic of a conference being held on Friday 5 November, at the Highland Council Chambers in Inverness.
House building figures show importance of affordable housing investment in the Highlands
A briefing note issued by The Highland Council indicates that 415 new houses were completed in The Highland Council area between June and September 2010.
Roadworks on A855 Portree to Staffin Road
Motorists are being advised that The Highland Council is carrying out Phase 3 of the works between Portree and Loch Fada on the A855 Staffin road to improve the carriageway to twin track width. Work will begin on Wednesday 17 November and continue until the end of March, next year.
Scottish Ministers agree Greater Fort William review recommendations
Scottish Ministers, who recently called in plans by The Highland Council to review school provision in the Greater Fort William area, have now granted consent for the Council to close Caol Primary School, Fort William Roman Catholic Primary School and Lochyside Roman Catholic Primary School in order to build 2 new schools on a joint campus basis on the site of the current Caol Primary School.
Civic Bonfire and Fireworks Display
The second event of the 2010 Inverness Winter Festival takes place this Friday (November 5th) when the award winning Inverness Civic Bonfire and Fireworks Display takes place at Bught Park.
Highland pupils vote for favourite school meal
The results of a Scottish pupil vote on favourite school meals will be announced during Scottish School Meals Week (8 – 12 November) which is run in secondary schools around Scotland.
Personal favourite of Countryside Ranger
Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger Corinne Hambly is inviting locals and visitors to join her on a riverside wander on Saturday 6 November along the beautiful River Beauly.
Fairtrade Friday at Kirkhill Primary
The Fantastic Fairtraders are the recently formed group of P5 and P6 pupils from Kirkhill Primary School who are busy working on a Fairtrade enterprise project.
Cromarty children conduct Urban Tree survey
The P7 class at Cromarty Primary have begun an Urban Tree survey with the help of The Highland Council’s Easter Ross Countryside Ranger, Martin Hind.
Highland wide Local Development Plan to be discussed at Lochaber Wards Forum
The Highland Council’s, Highland wide Local Development Plan is the main topic to be discussed at a joint Lochaber Wards Forum being held on Monday 15 November at 7pm in the Council Chambers, Fort William.
New helpline launched as Council gears up for winter
The Highland Council has introduced a new roads and street lighting helpline as it gears up for coping with winter. The number is 01349 886601. Staff at the Council’s Service Centre will be on hand to respond to calls between 8 am – 6 pm – Monday – Friday and 9 am – noon on a Saturday.
Positive year for Highland Enterprise Trust
Highland Opportunity Ltd, The Highland Council’s Enterprise Trust, has completed another positive year in which £900,000 of loans were approved for 50 Highland businesses.
Free insulation and advice to Highland households
Householders in three wards across Highland are being urged to take advantage of a Scottish Government programme which could make their homes warmer and help save money on energy bills.
Wonderful start to Winter Festival
An estimated 13,000 spectators attended the opening events of this year's Inverness Winter Festival, the Halloween spectacular "Malice in Wonderland" which was staged on Ness Islands on Friday and Saturday evening (October 29 and October 30).
Royal visit to Ross-shire
HRH The Princess Royal paid a visit to Ross-shire on Friday (29 October 2010).