Inverness and Nairn employers thanked for supporting pupils
Inverness and Nairn businesses have been invited to attend an award ceremony to receive thanks from The Highland Council for the ongoing and valuable contributions they make in supporting pupils through skills for work; work experience; and enterprise projects.
Closure of Dingwall swimming pool
The swimming pool at Dingwall Leisure Centre was closed at 11.30am this morning due to health and safety concerns.
Time for change, says Council Leader
The Highland Council’s Leader Councillor Michael Foxley has told the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Select Committee the time has come for action and for major change of the governance of the Scottish Crown Estate assets.
Redundancies avoided in Council grounds maintenance contract
Through working closely with the trade unions and following effective vacancy monitoring and redeployment policies, The Highland Council has been able to avoid making any grounds maintenance staff redundant following the outsourcing of routine grass cutting work to a private contractor.
15 Candidates seeking election across the three Highland constituencies
A total of 15 candidates across the three Highland constituencies are seeking election to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 5 May.
New refuse and recycling service begins in Caithness and Lochaber next Monday
The new refuse and recycling collections in Caithness and Lochaber begin on Monday, 4 April.
Apprentice Day for Highland Youth Voice members
The Highland Youth Voice Apprentice Day is running for the 6th time on Wednesday, 30th March with 14 young people aged 15-17 from Lochaber, Nairn, Wick, Fortrose, Dingwall, Kingussie and the Inverness area taking part.
Sir Francis Walker schools ski and snowboard race report
One hundred and seventy school children recently took part in the Sir Francis Walker Race on Cairngorm Mountain last Wednesday 23 March.
Seeking a workable funding solution to retain emergency tugs
The Leader of The Highland Council Councillor Michael Foxley has written to UK Shipping Minister Mike Penning to suggest ways of securing the future of emergency towing vessels, based at Stornoway and Lerwick.
Tenants turn out for Kyle information day
The Tenants Information Day, held recently in Kyle of Lochalsh, was a great success with over 30 Highland Council and LSHA tenants popping in throughout the day to get information n a range of topics such as cutting the cost of energy, benefits entitlements, tackling dog fouling, reducing waste and recycling and saving with the credit union.
Brush up on General Wade’s military road
The Highland Council began work this week on cutting back shrubs and branches from a popular path on the south side of Inverness.
The Highland Council secures a court order against local hotel
As a result of an investigation by Trading Standards Officers of The Highland Council into complaints received over significant period time about the Polmaily House Hotel, near Drumnadrochit, and the hotel operator’s continued involvement in a range of unfair business practices, the Council obtained a court order from Inverness Sheriff Court against the business on 23 March 2011.
Service Point changes from 1 April 2011
Following a review of customer services, two Service Points run by The Highland Council will close on Thursday 31 March. The Council is withdrawing its presence from Drumnadrochit and Dunvegan, where the customer service is shared with VisitScotland. The nearest Service Points to Drumnadrochit are located at Inverness and Fort Augustus and the nearest Service Points to Dunvegan are located at Portree and Broadford.
Taxi fare review in Highland
The public is being asked for its views on proposals by The Highland Council to revise the scale of maximum taxi fares in the Highlands. The public have until Friday 22 April to respond. Responses will be reported back to the Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee on Thursday 26 May, with a proposed implementation date of midnight on Monday 20 June of this year
Pupils to enjoy the sounds of music
Next week is music week for the pupils at Smithton Primary school and all the children will be taking part in workshops and performances featuring traditional and contemporary music and song as well as Samba sounds and foot tapping and hand clapping rhythms from around the world.
Highland warrior workshops at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Arms and armour has been the theme at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery throughout March and now children have a chance to create their own Highland warrior costume.
The Highland Council award cycle bus contract for 2011
The Highland Council are pleased to announce that they have appointed D and E Coaches as the operator to provide a cycle - bus service between Inverness and Durness (Smoo Caves).
Making an entrance at Culloden Avenue
A project is due to get underway next week which will see the replacement of field gates at either end of Culloden Avenue in Inverness with versions that are more in keeping with the Culloden House setting.
Two temporary road closures in the Inverness area
In order to carry out temporary strengthening works on the C1064 Inverness to Ashie Moor Road at Drumdevan Bridge and the transportation of electricity transformers across the bridge, traffic restrictions will be in place for all road users on Friday 8th April.
Change of programme for HMS Sutherland’s visit to Invergordon
HMS Sutherland’s programme has been changed for operational reasons
Pupils help mark start to work at £11.9 million Aviemore community primary school
5 pupils from Aviemore Primary School helped mark a start to work at the new £11.9 million Aviemore Community Primary school.
Determined to succeed - employer recognition event
Determined to Succeed, a Scottish Government project initiated in 2003, is intended to develop enterprise, increase employability and improve pupils’ chances of success in the jobs market through the promotion of partnerships between business and education.
Open doors at Highland Biodiversity conference
Highland Biodiversity Partnership is, this year, opening the doors of its annual conference to members of the public who have an interest in local biodiversity issues. The conference, which is free to attend, will take place in Inverness on Saturday 2nd April 2011.
2011 Highland Ranger Guided Walks and Events programme launched
A programme of over 350 guided walks and events has been published by The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers in conjunction with New Century Publications Group.
Lochaber Leisure Centre re-opens
The Highland Council is pleased to announce the re-opening of the dry facilities at Lochaber Leisure Centre next week.
Leanachan Challenge
The Leanachan Challenge cross country race for High Schools was recently hosted by the Rural Education Trust at Torlundy, Lochaber on Friday 18 March.
Fundraising concert for Japan announced
The Highland Council has announced details of a special concert which will take place on Easter Monday in Eden Court Theatre in Inverness to raise funds for relief work in Japan.
Drugs Awareness - Portree High School
Northern Constabulary visited Portree High School recently to educate pupils on the consequences of drug abuse and the action that police take in drug enforcement.
Golspie pupils have heart for local charity
Pupils at Golspie High School have recently raised and donated £1,823.21 for the Golspie branch of the British Heart Foundation.
Book charts achievements of Scotland’s Housing Expo
A book recording the achievements of Scotland’s Housing Expo at Balvonie Braes, Inverness, has now been published in hard copy and electronic formats.
Temporary closure of Rogie Falls footbridge, Contin
The Highland Council and Forestry Commission Scotland are notifying members of the public that Rogie Falls footbridge near Contin has been temporarily closed until further notice.
Council welcomes Scrabster Harbour funding announcement
The Highland Council Convener Sandy Park, has welcomed the decision of the Scottish Government to allocate £2.2 million to the Scrabster Harbour Project, thereby completing the £20 million funding package to upgrade facilities to take advantage of the emerging marine energy sector in the Pentland Firth and waters around Orkney.
Mural competition winners announced
The P4 class from Strathpeffer Primary School are the overall winners of The Highland Council’s Recycling Mural competition and will now see their award winning design produced as banners which will go on display at the Recycling Centres in Inverness, Dingwall, Tain and Alness.
Ullapool Wildlife Watch Group joins forces with the Woodland Trust Scotland to plant trees
Ullapool Wildlife Watch Group in conjunction with The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers are rolling up their sleeves to be part of a national tree planting movement to double the number of native trees and woods, by planting free trees from the Woodland Trust Scotland.
Highland school leads the way for nature detectives
A new booklet entitled “Nature Detectives… The Challenge” was launched at South Lodge Primary School, Invergordon today (Tuesday 22 March). The booklet aims to help children find out more about the wildlife that lives on their very own doorstep in an active and hands-on fashion.
Community Council showcase at Ward Forum
The work of Community Councils in the Ward is being promoted at the next Tain and Easter Ross Ward Forum being held next Thursday (31 March).
Charleston Academy hailed Big Green Challenge champions
A team of pupils from Charleston Academy in Inverness have today (Monday 21st March) been hailed as the Highlands and Islands’ top young renewable energy experts, after the Scottish Parliament played host to the thrilling conclusion to this year’s Big Green Challenge debating competition.
New clinic for Raasay
The residents of Raasay will soon have a new clinic thanks to a joint venture involving NHS Highland, The Highland Council and Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association.
Monster support for WWF’s Earth Hour from Loch Ness and the Highlands
Residents, businesses and organisations around Loch Ness and the rest of the Scottish Highlands have thrown their support behind WWF’s Earth Hour initiative – an annual global event to highlight people and wildlife threatened by climate change.
Gaelic Medium Education stakeholders invited to have their say on 25th anniversary
As part of Highland Council’s celebrations of 25 years of Gaelic Medium Education (GME), the authority is inviting parents, former Gaelic medium pupils, teachers and others who have had involvement with GME to discuss progress so far and to consider ideas for future development.
Council publishes budget consultation feedback
The Highland Council is today (Monday 21st March) publishing the feedback to its Budget Consultation, which took place between March and June 2010 and was in response to the significant savings that required to be made to meet the budget gap of £60 million.
Lottery grant unlocks hidden history of Highland’s deaf community
A film documenting the lives of profoundly Deaf sign language users in the Highlands, Islands and Moray will be launched at Eden Court, Inverness, on Friday 25th March.
Focusing on fuel
Members of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee have agreed a number of measures to help sustain rural petrol stations and address the current high fuel charges affecting people across the Highlands.
Opportunity to bid for £80 million worth of Highland transport contracts
The Highland Council is inviting tenders for the provision of public bus services and home to school transport services across the whole of the Council area, with a potential value of up to £80 million over the 5 year life of the contracts.
New path improves access to Smithton Woods
An all-abilities footpath into Smithton Woods from Moray Road, Smithton, near Inverness has recently been completed.
Fighting Clan returns to her Highland homeland where she will be open to visitors and exercise her Freedom of Sutherland
Royal Navy Type 23 frigate, HMS Sutherland – known as the ‘Fighting Clan’ – is preparing to visit her Highland home.
Two groups from Highland rewarded for their litter-picking efforts
Carrbridge Community Council and St Duthus Special School in Highland are two of 30 groups from across Scotland to be rewarded with permanent litter kits, for their hard work blitzing local areas of litter, thanks to money awarded by the People’s Postcode Trust to Keep Scotland Beautiful for distribution.
Inter school cross country run.
Sixty primary 4-7 school children from Mallaig, Morar and Arisaig Primaries recently competed in an annual Inter school cross country race.
National Young Quality Scot Awards 2011
Ten Highland Young people recently made a long journey in very wintry conditions down to the National Young Quality Scot Awards in Dumfries where they were treated to an exciting programme of activities, received their awards and presented a short drama on what it is like to be young in Highland.
5 community representatives elected to Cairngorms National Park Authority board
Five community representatives have been elected to serve on the board of Cairngorms National Park Authority for the next four years.
New policing arrangements for Beauly and Muir of Ord
The Northern Joint Police Board has confirmed future policing arrangements in the Beauly/Muir of Ord area.
Council Convener warns of Euro millions Lottery scam
Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Sandy Park is warning people in the Highlands not to be duped by unsolicited letters informing them that they are winners of the Euro millions Lottery.
Faith, Hope and Charity statues come to final resting place.
The statues, Faith, Hope and Charity that once adorned the roof of an Inverness High Street draper’s store and then spent over fifty years in the ownership of a private collector in Orkney have been installed this week on the banks of the River Ness.
The key for carers in the Highlands
A Highland charity has teamed up with NHS Highland and The Highland Council to launch its “Key” campaign which is aimed at ensuring unpaid carers of people with disabilities or long-term illnesses know where to go for support.
Scottish Housing Expo boosted local economy
The findings of an independent socio-economic report on Scotland’s Housing Expo highlight that the month long event held in August 2010 generated £5.8 million construction income, created 28 full time equivalent jobs and brought £543K into the local economy. The event also attracted external additional funding of £2m from the Scottish Government towards the affordable housing on the site.
Seven candidates contest Wick Ward by-election
Seven candidates will contest the forthcoming by-election to elect one councillor to serve The Highland Council’s Ward 3 – Wick.
New kerbside recycling calendars available online
This year a new search function will be launched on the Council’s website which allows householders with access to the internet to find their 2011 e-recycling collection calendar.
Two Awards in One Day with National Recognition of Highland Council’s Pre-Application Advice Service
The Pre-Application Advice Service for Major Developments, a cross Highland Council and other public agency project led by the Planning and Development Service, received a commendation in the Development Management category at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning and a Silver Award in the Service Innovation and Improvement category at the COSLA Awards on March 11th 2011.
Tarbat Ness improvement work begins
Habitat management works are due to commence this week at Tarbat Ness, the northern tip of the Easter Ross peninsula.
Bellfield bandstand war memorial comes under Council’s custodianship.
The custodianship of a war memorial bandstand in Inverness has been handed over to The Highland Council by the Aircrew Association Highland Branch.
Inverness Gaelic Primary School funding extension will help meet demand for Gaelic-medium education
Funding towards an extension for the hugely popular Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis -Inverness Gaelic Primary School - has been provided by the Scottish Government.
New head teacher for Inshes Primary School
The new head teacher of Inshes Primary School is Mr Richard Syred, who, since October last year, has been the acting head teacher at the 437-pupil school.
Fusion event in Dingwall this weekend
Over the winter month’s young people from the Dingwall area have been able to try something new at the activity based Fusion nights and this weekend sees another fun packed night at Dingwall Leisure Centre.
Additional funding secured for Highland UHIS
The Highland Council has secured an additional £179,000 to deliver the Universal Home Insulation Scheme.
Death of Highland Councillor Alan Torrance
Highland Councillor Alan Torrance, Tain and Easter Ross, has died at his home after a long illness at the age of 68.
Government funding welcomed in bid to keep traditional school open
News that the Scottish Government is prepared to commit £200,000 a year from 2012/13 to 2014/15 to provide funding to help broaden the remit of the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music has been welcomed by The Highland Council, who host the centre in Plockton High School, and the West Highland College, who are potential partners in the future funding of the centre.
Scottish Parliamentary Elections called in Highland
Nominations forms are now available for those people seeking election to the Scottish Parliament. Prospective candidates have until 4 pm on Tuesday 29 March to return their forms.
Police Board announce appointment of new Depute Chief Constable
The Northern Joint Police Board is today (Monday 14 March 2011) delighted to announce the appointment of a new Deputy Chief Constable for Northern Constabulary.
Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd S6 tour
The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music is pleased to announce the dates for this year’s S6 students’ tour.
Primary teachers receive renewable energy resources for schools
Primary school teachers from across the Highlands and Islands will participate in specially devised renewable energy workshops this month.
Andrew Douglas of Inverclyde AC wins Inverness Half Marathon
Andrew Douglas of Inverclyde AC won today’s Inverness Half Marathon in a time of 1 hour 7 minutes and 53 seconds.
Lessons learned from CHaP project
The Highland Council has learned lessons from the Caithness Heat and Power Project in Wick, and introduced measures to ensure the corporate failings are not repeated in any future project.
New children’s home earmarked for Wick
The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee has agreed in principle to build a new five-bed children’s residential home in Wick at an estimated cost of £1.2 million.
Convention of the Highlands and Islands
The Convention of the Highlands and Islands meets between 9 am - 5 pm on Monday 14 March at the Hilton Hotel, Coylumbridge, Aviemore
Music school presents third Festival of song
Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd is to host its third festival of singing. SingThing 2011 will take place in Plockton on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th March, and will highlight the craft of songwriting in the Scottish and Gaelic traditions.
Highland Council to create arms length organisation for Community Learning and Leisure
Members of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport (ECS) Committee have agreed to a major transfer of the management and delivery of Community Learning and Leisure Services to an arms length organisation (ALO).
North Kessock Primary School makes it to Euroquiz final in Scottish Parliament
North Kessock Primary School has won a coveted place in the grand final of the Scottish European Trust’s Euroquiz, to be held in June in the Scottish Parliament Debating Chamber.
Business as usual for voluntary sector with The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service
Service delivery contracts between the voluntary sector and the Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service will remain under the management of the Council when its Community Learning and Leisure (CLL) Service transfer to an arms length organisation (ALO).
New housing in the city for older people
The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee has agreed to develop new housing for older people on the site of the former Burnside care home in Inverness.
Young musicians busy tuning up for showcase concerts
300 young musicians from the eight Highland Regional Music Groups are busy rehearsing for a special showcase event featuring both afternoon and evening concerts in Eden Court Theatre in Inverness on Sunday 20 March.
Tenant Information Days in Skye and Lochalsh
The Highland Council and Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association are hosting two Tenant Information Days in Skye and Lochalsh to provide information on a wide range of topics and to give tenants the opportunity to get involved and have their say on local housing issues
Inverness planning and building standards office move
Members of the public are being informed by The Highland Council that the Inverness Planning and Building Standards Office is moving to 2nd Floor, Kintail House, Beechwood Park, Inverness.
Highland pupils compete for Euro-info title
Pupils from ten Highland Primary schools are currently cramming up on European information as they prepare to go head to head in the topical knowledge Scotland-wide competition – Euroquiz.
Glasgow 2014 and The Highland Council ask everyone in the Highlands to “Sport Your Trainers” on Commonwealth Day
People in the Highlands are being encouraged to wear their trainers on Monday 14 March and support the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in a campaign launched by Provost of Inverness, Jimmy Gray and athlete Kathyrn Evans today (Tuesday 8 March 2010).
Self Directed Support website launched
A new website has been launched to provide information on an innovative approach to the funding and delivery of social care services in the Highlands.
Highland Youth Voice celebrates 10th Anniversary
Highland Youth Voice, the Youth Parliament for Highland, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year and the call has gone out for former members to get in touch.
New business uses homes to unlock Highland mysteries
A new business has opened up that will allow people to find out more about the history of Sutherland through its houses and buildings.
Business Gateway event to celebrate successful businesses in the area
Six local companies are set to battle it out for two coveted cash prizes of £5,000.
North West employers thanked for supporting pupils
Businesses in North West Sutherland are being invited to attend an award ceremony to receive thanks from The Highland Council for the ongoing and valuable contributions they make in supporting pupils through skills for work; work experience; and enterprise projects.
Planning the Way ahead for Inverness City Centre
The Highland Council, in partnership with Inverness Business Improvement District will shortly be starting a Development Brief to highlight development opportunities and environmental improvements that will strengthen and enhance the key role the city centre plays in the Highland economy.
Nine young Highlanders put themselves forward for Scottish Youth elections
The call from the Scottish Youth Parliament for Highland young people to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference in their communities has been met with nine candidates putting themselves forward to be elected onto the Scottish Youth Parliament this month.
Ranger takes advantage of Spring tides to explore West Ross shoreline
Highland Council’s Wester Ross Countryside Ranger is inviting people to get their wellies on and join her on a beach-combing exploration at Laide, north of Gairloch.
Inverness social club brings over 50s together for a blether
People over the age of 50 in the Inverness area are being invited to drop in to a social club at the Spectrum Centre on Fridays for lunch and a blether.
New incomes streams needed to retain emergency towing vessels
The Highland Council believes that a case can be made for retaining the emergency towing vessel that patrols the Minches by seeking new income streams for the tug which is based in Stornoway.
New Community Council scheme
Community benefit policy agreed
The Highland Council has agreed changes to the way communities will benefit from renewable energy developments.
Highland support for Perth city bid
Highland Councillors are supporting a bid by Perth and Kinross Council to gain city status for Perth to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Extension of Council meeting webcasting
The Highland Council’s pilot webcasting scheme is to be extended so that council and strategic committee meetings held at Council headquarters in Inverness can be viewed by the public from their computers.
Special council meeting called to consider CHaP findings
A special meeting of The Highland Council is being held on Thursday 10 March 2011 at the Council Chamber, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX to consider the findings of the Accounts Commission in respect of the Caithness Heat and Power project in Wick.
Council progress review of primary school classroom support
The Highland Council has established a nine-member working group to review classroom support in primary schools.
Wick By-election date confirmed
A by-election will be held in The Highland Council’s Ward 3 – Wick - on Thursday 7 April to choose a successor to Councillor Katrina MacNab (Independent), who resigns from the Council with effect from Friday (4 March).
Innovative housing initiative takes a leap forward
A £115 million initiative for additional investment in affordable housing, driven by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Futures Trust, is beginning to produce results.
Scotland’s Census 2011 - Shaping the future of the Highlands
Scotland’s biggest population survey, the 2011 Census, will take place this month, on Sunday 27th March. From March 7th questionnaires will be delivered to all of the country’s 2.5 million households and work is underway in Highland to ensure that everyone is counted.
Agencies test their emergency plans in the Highlands and Islands
Agencies in the Highlands and Islands have been testing their multi-agency plans for severe weather incidents.
Crown Road wall refurbishment revealed
Renovation works to the retaining wall at Crown Road, Inverness, will be revealed this week with the protective scaffolding and netting due to be removed tomorrow (Thursday) evening. Crown Road will re-open to downhill traffic from Friday (4h March).
Council respond to Accounts Commission report on CHaP
The Highland Council has put in place new governance arrangements to prevent a recurrence of the deficiencies experienced in the early operating years of Caithness Heat and Power, the community-owned enterprise formed to deliver a biomass district heating system in Wick.
Ronnie Rubbish hits cinema circuit
Ronnie Rubbish, the waste awareness film made by Portree High School pupils and which premiered at the High School in January, is to receive its first cinema screening this weekend.
Inverness hosts discussion on future delivery of public services
A special meeting of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Forum is being held at the Town House, Inverness, on Tuesday 8 March to consider the future delivery of public services in Scotland.
Celebrate World Book Day at Inverness Library
Inverness Library will be hosting a special event on the evening of Thursday 3 March to mark World Book Day which will have a Brazilian flavour to it.
Caithness and Lochaber gear up for new recycling and refuse collections
Preparations for the introduction of the new refuse and recycling collections to households in Caithness and Lochaber step up a gear this week as The Highland Council begin the distribution of new calendars and booklets giving full details of the new service.
Inspectors give good marks for Inverness High
Teachers have “high expectations of young people” while youngsters themselves “work hard and want to do the best they can”: that is the positive message of the latest HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) report on Inverness High School.
Positive report by inspectors for Ullapool Primary School
Ullapool Primary School has received a positive report following an inspection by HMIe.
Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Forum first to hear budget consultation outcomes
On Tuesday 8 March The Highland Council’s Dingwall and Seaforth Ward Forum will hear the outcomes of the budget consultation that was carried out across the Highlands last year.