Aviemore area advised of emergency overnight water repairs
Scottish Water is advising customers in the Badenoch and Strathspey communities of Aviemore, Boat of Garten, Dulnain Bridge and Kincraig of emergency repairs that are likely to interrupt their drinking water supply overnight tonight (31 May).
Physical Constraints Supplementary Guidance published
The Highland Council has produced and published draft supplementary guidance on physical constraints to development across Highland which it intends to adopt as supplementary guidance to the forthcoming Highland wide Local Development Plan.
Panel members sought for Social Work Complaints Review Committee
The Highland Council is seeking to fill three panel vacancies on the Social Work Complaints Review Committee, which gives impartial consideration to complaints raised by clients of the Social Work Service, their carers or representatives.
Ross-shire Primary School through to Euroquiz final
North Kessock Primary School has won a coveted place in the grand final of the Scottish European Trust’s Euroquiz.
A9 Kessock Bridge – essential bridge joint repairs start on Sunday 19th June for 8 days
Urgent essential work is planned on the A9 Kessock Bridge, near Inverness, which involves major repairs to the north expansion joint on both carriageways and remedial works to the bridge deck surfacing.
90% LEADER funding available for partnership projects
For a limited time only, the Highland LEADER Programme is offering higher rates of funding for joint projects between LEADER supported groups within the UK and beyond.
Council confirms work will start on a new roof for Dingwall Leisure Centre
The Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie has confirmed that plans are already underway to replace the roof at Dingwall Leisure Centre.
Rural Inverness Ward Forum to discuss planning for integration
Planning for the integration of care, health and education and children’s and adult services will be the main topic of discussions at the next Highland Council Rural Inverness Ward Forum on Tuesday 7 June.
Chairman calls for urgent review of new fire prevention building standards
The Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee is calling for the Scottish Government to urgently review the recent changes to building legislation regarding water supply for fire fighting which are having a serious detrimental effect on housing development in the Highlands.
Reporters appointed for Highland wide Local Development Plan examination
The Scottish Ministers have announced the appointment of Mr Trevor A Croft BSc Dip TRP ARSGS FRSA MRTPI, and Mr Malcolm Mahony BA(Hons) MRTPI to carry out an examination on the Highland wide Local Development Plan.
Taxi fare increases agreed in the Highlands
The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee has confirmed a new scale of maximum taxi fares in the Highlands.
Dingwall Kinnairdie Link Road project consultation
The public is reminded that a public display is being held at Dingwall Academy tomorrow (Friday 27 May) from 9.30am until 8pm to explain a proposal by The Highland Council to construct a new road in Dingwall which will link the A834 Strathpeffer Road at the Docharty Road junction with the A862 Relief Road at Dingwall Academy.
Pioneering agreements between Highland Council and Historic Scotland paves the way for improved service delivery
Following a successful pilot project, the Highland Council is to apply to Historic Scotland for the Removal of Duty to Notify for certain types of category B listed building consent applications.
Tribute paid to Primary 4 pupil at Central Primary School
Tribute has been paid to Chloe McCowat, a Primary 4 pupil at Central Primary School, who died suddenly on Tuesday.
Inverness West Link – three further options to be analysed
The Highland Council, in developing its proposals for a crossing of the River Ness and Caledonian Canal to the west of Inverness, previously sought the public’s views on five alignments which had evolved through discussions with key stakeholders.
Summer fun for Highland children
The eagerly awaited Highland Council summer activities programme for children in the Highlands is now online for parents, carers and children to make their choices from the wide range of events running throughout July and August.
Employability projects receive funding boost
Members of the PED Committee have approved funding for six projects aimed at improving the employability of people by providing positive learning and supported work activity.
New suspension bridge for Highland beauty spot
Members of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development committee have today (Wednesday 25 May) agreed to fund a replacement suspension bridge at Rogie Falls.
Councillor praises Highland residents for success of new refuse and recycling collections
The Highland Council says that the transition to the new refuse and recycling collection service introduced to Caithness, Lochaber and Skye at the beginning of April has run very smoothly, thanks in large part to the positive attitude of householders.
Hazardous trees to be felled in Culloden Drive
A recent professional tree survey in Culloden Drive, Inverness has identified seven beech trees which require to be felled due to a fungal infection, Kretzschmaria.duesta, which is associated with fracture of the main tree trunk. It is therefore necessary for the trees to be felled for the benefit of public safety.
Cancellation of La Baule twinning visit
The proposed visit to Inverness of a 33-strong delegation from La Baule, France, to mark 30 years of town twinning with Inverness, has had to be postponed because of the volcanic ash cloud, which is causing disruption to air travel.
Euro aid helps fund “lifeline” road improvements in North Skye
Travel on the A 855 between Portree and Staffin, North Skye, is safer and journey times shorter thanks to completion of the third phase of upgrading.
New head teacher of Fortrose Academy
The new head teacher at Fortrose Academy will be Donnie Mackenzie, the depute head teacher at the 740-pupil school.
Salmonberry attack by Caithness Countryside Volunteers
Caithness Countryside Volunteers went on the offensive again (Sunday 22 May) to lend a hand helping to tackle the non-native salmonberry plant.
Child with confirmed tuberculosis infection
The Health Protection Team at NHS Highland is working with The Highland Council Education Culture and Sport Service following the recent confirmation of a case of Tuberculosis (TB) in a child who is a primary 1 pupil at South Lodge Primary School in Invergordon.
Safe Highlanders and Islanders returns to Fort William for 2011
Almost 220 Primary 7 pupils from Lochaber schools will be immersed in the challenging issues of community safety and crime prevention when they attend the Safe Highlanders and Islanders event to be held in the Nevis Centre, Fort William on Wednesday 1st June.
Ross County and The Highland Council make dreams come true
Students at schools throughout the Highlands will have the chance to meet JLS or Olly Murs on Saturday 2 July by entering the “Your Choice to Healthy Living” competition.
Inverness Leisure drop swim price on Sunday afternoons
Customers coming along to the multi-award winning Inverness Leisure on a Sunday afternoon are in for a nice surprise when they can have a splash around in the swimming pools for only 50p per person.
Nairn Young Leader Award Programme
Around 170 Primary 6 pupils from Auldearn, Cawdor, Millbank and Rosebank Primary schools have been given the opportunity to take part in and complete a nationally accredited Young Leader Award.
Health week in Nairn Primary schools
This week, Nairn Primary Schools (Auldearn, Cawdor, Millbank and Rosebank) are hosting their annual Health Week.
Students from Augsburg visit Inverness
21 students from Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany have spent 3 weeks visiting Inverness and the Highlands. The students, who are aged between 18-20, are all studying public administration at the vocational college Berufsschule 5 in Augsburg, which is twinned with Inverness.
Inverness marks 30 years of town twinning with La Baule, France
Inverness will celebrate being twinned with the French holiday resort of La Baule for 30 years this weekend as a 33-strong French delegation arrives in the Highland capital to attend a series of special events to mark the occasion.
New head teacher at Park Primary School, Invergordon
The Highland Council has appointed Tania Mackie to the post of Head Teacher at Park Primary School in Invergordon.
Halkirk Spring clean
Members of the Halkirk Primary Eco-school committee together with P5 and P6 children, staff, the Highland Council Countryside rangers and local volunteers undertook a litter pick around the school grounds and Halkirk Village on Tuesday 17 May.
Proposed new speed limits for city streets
Residents in Inverness are to be consulted on a proposed “20’s Plenty” scheme following a Highland Council Ward Forum held last week.
Visitor numbers at new Highland Archive Centre increase by almost half in first year
Visitors to The Highland Council’s Highland Archive Centre have increased significantly during the first full year of operation at the new state-of-the-art purpose-built premises at the Bught in Inverness.
Council to consult over extending pressured area status
Highland Councillors have agreed to consult with tenants, residents and social landlords over a proposal to extend Highland’s pressured area status from five years to the new maximum period of 10 years to ensure that social rented houses are available to rent in the future.
New Highland schools on track for completion by 2012/13
Plans to spend £33 million on new school projects in the Highlands were welcomed today by members of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport (ECS) Committee.Plans to spend £33 million on new school projects in the Highlands were welcomed today by members of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport (ECS) Committee.
Highland Leader urges retention of emergency towing vessels
The Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Michael Foxley, has appealed to the UK Government to extend contracts for the emergency towing vessels based at Stornoway and Lerwick beyond September to allow discussions to continue on how the service can operate more efficiently and cost effectively.
Highland Council and NHS Highland take lead on Fairtrade and Health Promoting Schools guidance
Guidance on the sale of Fairtrade food items in Highlands Schools has been endorsed by members of the Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee.
Council to levy charges on major events in the Highlands
Organisers of commercial large scale outdoor events will be charged in the future for the use of Highland Council-owned land or Council facilities.
Council backs Cromarty - Nigg ferry service
The Highland Council and Highland Opportunity are both supporting the new ‘Cromarty Queen’ car and passenger ferry, which will operate during the summer months on the Cromarty - Nigg crossing, starting from today (Thursday).
Six cities sign up to shared vision for Scotland
Leaders from Scotland’s Six Cities today (Thursday, May 19) joined forces to sign a pledge in support of a shared vision of success for Scotland.
Town centre boost from Scrabster Cruise Ships
Highland Councillors this week welcomed the early boost to the county’s tourist season provided by the first cruise ships to visit Scrabster in what will be its busiest season yet for visits by cruise ships.
Two new Sutherland head teachers
The Highland Council has appointed two new primary school head teachers in Sutherland.
Highlanders urged to nominate Torchbearers for Olympic flame
The Highland Council welcomes the decision by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) organising committee to include the Highland area on the Olympic Torch Relay route throughout Britain.
Council bids for funding for 750 council houses
Highland Councillors have agreed in principle to build 750 new council houses over the next five years. Members of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee have agreed to submit a bid for a programme of 101 new build homes for 2011/12 under the Scottish Government’s Innovation and Investment Fund.
Young people to explore the written world
An innovative partnership has been forged by The Highland Council, Moniack Mhor Writers’ Centre and Abriachan Forest Trust for a creative writing project which will give P7 pupils from 11 schools the opportunity to work with professional writers after exploring and getting inspiration from the forest.
Sconser Ferry Terminal Upgrade
The Highland Council is preparing plans for a £3.5 million upgrade at Sconser Ferry Terminal, Skye to accommodate increased usage of the ferry service to the island of Raasay.
Consultation on Dingwall Kinnairdie Link Road project
The Highland Council is conducting a Planning Pre-Application Consultation on a proposal to construct a new road in Dingwall which will link the A834 Strathpeffer Road at the Docharty Road junction with the A862 Relief Road at Dingwall Academy.
Five candidates contest Tain and Easter Ross Ward by-election
Five candidates will contest the forthcoming by-election to elect one councillor to serve The Highland Council’s Ward 8 – Tain and Easter Ross.
Fire Board Members praise response to wildfires
Members of the Highland and Islands Fire Board have praised the commitment and bravery of firefighters, who tackled a number of recent wildfires in Lochaber, Wester Ross and North West Sutherland.
Transport and traffic management under discussion at joint Inverness ward forum
Transport and traffic management is the main topic for discussion at a joint Inverness West and Inverness Central ward forum being staged next month.
Update on Dingwall Leisure Centre swimming pool closure
The Highland Council apologises to people in the Dingwall area for the continued closure of Dingwall Leisure Centre swimming pool and reminds all High Life members that their membership is valid at 14 other swimming pools across the Highlands
Nairn Ward Forum to discuss planning for integration
Planning for the integration of care, health and education and children’s and adult services will be the main topic of discussion at the next Highland Council Nairn Ward Forum on Wednesday, 25th May.
Inverness Airport announces new Flybe Inverness to Amsterdam route
Inverness Airport and Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline and the UK’s Number One Domestic carrier, today (Monday, May 16, 2011) announced the launch of a new Flybe service to Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam.
Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd annual tour 2011
The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music is pleased to announce the dates for this year’s whole school tour which will take in Glasgow and Stirling.
Lochaber Ward Forums to focus on local issues
Two ward forums are due to take place in Lochaber next week to discuss issues concerning local people in wards 12 and 22.
A batty weekend in Inverness
People with an interest in bats are being invited to participate in a workshop or attend a talk organised by Inverness Bat Group and Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers.
Conch art tours Inner Moray Firth
An artwork commissioned by internationally acclaimed artists Zoe Walker and Neil Bromwich, “The Conch [Sound Studio]” is touring Nairn, Culloden and Inverness throughout May.
Highland motorists warned to be alert to Walk to School Week
Motorists in the Highlands are being alerted by The Highland Council that Monday 16 – Friday 20 May is National Walk to School Week and over 11,000 pupils at 89 primary schools throughout the region could create an increase of pedestrians around schools.
Caithness Heat and Power
The 242 households in Wick which receive their heat and hot water from Caithness Heat and Power (CHaP) have been told that attempts by The Highland Council to find a private operator to take over the district heating system have been unsuccessful and that the Council will now work with residents to reinstate domestic heating systems in their homes.
Lochaber interschool tag rugby tournament
Scotland international rugby players Max Evans and Hefin O’Hare recently visited Fort William to meet pupils at the annual Lochaber interschool tag rugby tournament on 4 May.
2010-11 Skye and Lochalsh Mink Monitoring Project – Final Meeting
Full results of the Skye and Lochalsh Mink Monitoring Project will be presented at a meeting in Tigh na Sgire, Portree, Isle of Skye on Thursday 26 May at 7.30pm.
Council to campaign over airport landing fees
Highland Councillors are to mount a campaign to retain Inverness as a regional air hub amid fears that rising landing charges at Gatwick and increased competition with Heathrow for long haul routes will put a squeeze on short haul flights into the London hub.
Go ahead for health, education and social care integration project
Members of The Highland Council and directors of NHS Highland have unanimously confirmed their intention to progress far-reaching plans to integrate health, education and social care services in the Highlands.
Directors sought for High Life Highland board
An opportunity has arisen for people with an interest in community learning and leisure services in Highland communities to become involved as Directors of the board of High Life Highland and its trading subsidiary to deliver these services on behalf of The Highland Council.
Caithness and Sutherland biodiversity groups join forces to record bats
People in Caithness and Sutherland are being invited to join a survey of bats in the north.
New Rector for Dingwall Academy
The new Rector of Dingwall Academy will be Mrs Karen Cormack, the Depute Rector at the school.
A82 Priority upgrade identified
The upgrade of a 10-mile stretch of the A82 between Tarbert and Inverarnan in Argyll has been identified as the key priority in the campaign to make the trunk link between Inverness and Glasgow safer.
Inverness City and Rural Ward Forums to discuss planning for integration
Planning for the integration of care, health and education and children’s and adult services will be the main topic of discussions at the next Highland Council Inverness City and Rural Ward Forums on Saturday 14 May and Tuesday 7 June respectively.
Hazardous trees to be felled in Strathpeffer
A recent professional tree survey in Strathpeffer Spa Gardens has identified three large beech trees which require to be felled due to a fungal infection, Kretzschmaria.duesta, which is associated with fracture of the main tree trunk.
Citizenship event helps pupils prepare for move to secondary school
A two-day citizenship event created by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service in partnership with local businesses and organisations aims to provide help for primary pupils dealing with the transition to secondary education.
Council calls on past and present Gaelic Medium pupils, parents and teachers.
Following a very lively and enjoyable day of discussion and debate on Saturday 7 May at Inverness Gaelic School, The Highland Council’s Gaelic Medium Consultation events now move on to the MacPhail Centre in Ullapool this Saturday 14 May.
Lochaber community projects in £600,000 EU LEADER funding boost
Four Lochaber based community projects have been successful in securing almost £600,000 worth of funding, out of an additional £2.3 million that was transferred to the EU Highland LEADER Programme at the end of 2010.
Chance for volunteers to get involved during Scottish Biodiversity Week
The Highland Council’s Wester Ross Ranger is looking for volunteers to get involved with some hands-on conservation work during Scottish Biodiversity Week. The invitation has been issued for people to come along on Saturday 21 May and take part in a day of ‘rhoddie-bashing’ on the Loch Maree Islands.
Women reaching high in Nairn.
An Inverness based charity called “Women Influencing Change” has been delivering a programme called “Reaching High” across the Highlands.
Strathspey Bat Group inaugural walk
The newly formed Strathspey Bat Group is inviting members of the public to join them on their first bat walk on Friday 13 May.
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 27th May 2011 to register their interest in the 12-month position, which carries a bursary of £11,229.
Business Gateway helps Gill work from home
A mother who wanted to work from home in order to juggle commitments in her domestic life has opened her own nappy and pamper cake company.
Ward Forum gets waste aware
The Cromarty Firth Ward Forum has invited Colin Clark, The Highland Council’s Head of Waste Management along to the Cromarty Firth ward forum on Wednesday (11th May 2011).
Planning for Integration - development of a lead agency model in Highland for care services
Members of The Highland Council and directors of NHS Highland will be asked next week to agree far-reaching plans to integrate health, education and social care services in the Highlands by April 2012, using a lead agency model that would see NHS Highland provide services for adult community care and the Council providing services for children.
Winning bench adds finishing touch to upgraded Ullapool park
A marine themed bench, designed by a pupil from Ullapool High School pupil, has been installed in a newly revamped open space.
Business brains of the future
Young entrepreneurs from across Highland and Moray this week proved that they can run successful businesses and are among the top business brains in Scotland.
High Life Highland aims to provide new focus for community learning and leisure services
At its meeting on 10 March, The Highland Council’s Education Culture and Sport Committee agreed to deliver its Community Learning and Leisure Services through an Arms Length Company.
Willow artwork exhibition to tour the Highlands
The Highland Council is delighted to present Spirit of Air, a body of work by leading willow artist Lizzie Farey which opens at the Iona Gallery in Kingussie on Saturday (7 May) before touring the Highlands.
Adult Basic Education looking for new volunteers
The Highland Council’s Adult Basic Education Co-ordinator for Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey is seeking volunteers to help locals with their learning.
Highland householders warned to be on guard against doorstep rogue itinerant traders.
Trading Standard officers from The Highland Council are calling on residents to be on their guard against rogue itinerant traders calling door at their door.
Tweed Cottage is latest addition to Highland Folk Museum
To coincide with the national ‘Festival of Museums’, at 2pm on Saturday May 14th, 2011, the Highland Folk Museum will be opening Craig Dhu Tweed Cottage, its newest building.
Business Gateway gives local fashion designer a flair for business
Moving from a makeshift workshop in her parents’ home to her own premises on Wick High Street has been the highlight of fashion designer Jennifer Easton’s first year in business...
Safe Highlanders and Islanders 2011
Almost 2,500 Primary 7 pupils from Highland schools will be immersed in the challenging issues of community safety and crime prevention when they attend Safe Highlanders and Islanders events in Inverness and four satelite locations including Fort William, Portree, Lairg and Wick.
Tain and East Ross by-election
Candidates wishing to stand at the by-election being held in The Highland Council’s Ward 8 – Tain and Easter Ross – have until 4 pm on Tuesday 17 May to complete their nomination.
Scottish Parliamentary Elections and the Referendum on the UK voting system – Thursday 5 May 2011
Electors in the Highlands heading to the polls on Thursday (5 May) to vote in the Scottish Parliamentary elections and the national referendum on the voting system to be adopted by the UK Parliament are being reminded of the procedure to follow in completing their ballot papers.
Follow-through inspection of Golspie High School – March 2011
In a very pleasing and positive school report, HMIe highlighted a number of key strengths at Golspie High School.
Young musicians audition day
May 28th is Regional Music Groups Audition Day which will see 400 young musicians from all over the Highlands meet up in Inverness to take part in workshops, performance groups and individual auditions.
Young Enterprise holds Highland and Moray finals in Nairn
A programme which allows thousands of high school pupils to gain valuable business experience is to hold its Highland and Moray regional final at 6.30pm in the Newton Hotel, Nairn on Wednesday 4 May.