Industrial Action update – impact on Council Services
Industrial Action update – impact on Council Services
Council welcomes SSE’s commitment to new onshore wind community investment fund
The Highland Council has welcomed an announcement by SSE today (Wednesday) that they intend setting up a new Scotland Sustainable Energy Fund that could be worth more than £60 million over 25 years.
Graffiti artists transform cars live: Freaky Fridays continues this week in Inverness’ multi-storey car park
This week the Old Town Rose Street car park will become a hive of activity as IOTA presents three days of live street art, workshops and an artists’ talk from Team Recoat.
Motorists warned of Aviemore road works
Motorists are advised that The Highland Council proposes to carry out resurfacing works on the B9152 Lynwilg A9 Link Road, near Aviemore, on Monday 5th December 2011 and Tuesday 6th December 2011 and temporary road closure will be necessary to carry out the works.
Industrial Action on 30 November – impact on Council Services
The Highland Council will endeavour to maintain as many services as possible during the day of action planned by trade unions on Wednesday 30 November.
Inverness school organises Christmas shopping night
Pupils at an Inverness primary school have organised a Christmas shopping night on Thursday 8 December with over 20 tables of festive wares for sale by businesses from Inverness, Nairn, Elgin and further afield.
Inverness East flood update
Over 80 people attended a public exhibition and meeting last night at Culloden Academy, Inverness to hear updates from The Highland Council on flooding and flood alleviation in East Inverness.
Local volunteers needed to support new call to ‘Recycle for Scotland’
A fresh Recycle for Scotland initiative to encourage people in the Highlands to increase the area’s recycling rate has prompted a call for more local volunteers.
Car parking concession in Inverness for Christmas shoppers
The Inverness Common Good Fund is giving Inverness shoppers and city shopkeepers an early Christmas present by offering cut price parking on each Saturday in the run up to Christmas Day.
A9/B9006 Highways improvements progress to second phase
ASDA has released further details regarding the second phase of work to the A9/B9006 slip road, which is due to commence on 5th December and continue until 23rd December
Council welcomes Dounreay announcement
The Convener of The Highland Council Councillor Sandy Park, who is Chairman of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Advisory Board, has welcomed the NDA announcement that Babcock Dounreay Partnership is the preferred bidder in the competition to become the new PBO for Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd.
Council progresses on future Primary School provision in Wick.
Progress on the future provision of Primary Schools in Wick has been outlined this week by The Highland Council.
Sharing services at Gairloch
A new partnership is being introduced in Gairloch on Monday (28 November) when the public will be able to source advice and information on police and Council matters from under the one roof.
More improvement works for old military route
Councillors from the Inverness South ward are contributing £10,000 from their discretionary budget to improve the accessibility and drainage on a stretch of a historic route popular with walkers and cyclists.
Skye and Lochalsh Disabled Ramblers advise on local paths audit
Ramblers who access the countryside with mobility scooters recently assisted in an assessment of paths on the Island of Raasay.
Consultation begins on phase 2 of consultation on Inverness City West Link Road Project
Consultation begins today (Wednesday) to gauge public opinion on the eight options being considered by The Highland Council for the Inverness City Trunk Road Project - West Link, which will provide a new transport link from the Southern Distributor Road at Dores Road to the A82 trunk road via a fixed link across the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal.
Join the conversation on Planning for Integration
People in the Highlands are invited to find out more about, and have an opportunity to have their say on the development of Planning for Integration of health, education and social care services in the area provided by NHS Highland and The Highland Council.
Young performers shine on stage
Young musicians and singers from across the whole Highlands received a standing ovation on Saturday after performing the Scottish premiere of a new musical commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund - “One Sun One World.”
Communities get 2nd chance to form a Community Council
The Highland Council has today (Monday) published on its web site: www.highland.gov.uk a notice of election seeking nomination of candidates to serve on the 19 Community Councils in the Highlands which were forced to disband from Wednesday 16 November as the result of not attracting sufficient nominations at the first time of calling.
Inverness Christmas lights switch on
Thousands of spectators gathered around the Town House on Sunday evening to give Santa the warmest of welcomes as he flew into town to supervise the switching on of the Christmas Lights in Inverness.
A82 closure – business as usual for Emergency Services
The December weekend closure of the A82 near Corran Ferry point will not impact on the emergency services’ cover of the area.
Inverness Christmas lights switch on.
The Highland Council have announced details of the programme for Sunday’s (November 20) Inverness Christmas Lights Switch Ceremony outside Inverness Town House.
Public invited to East Inverness flood exhibition and meeting on 24 November.
An exhibition on the findings of the works carried out by The Highland Council and partners following the recent flooding incidents on the east side of Inverness will be on display in advance of a public meeting to be held on Thursday 24 November 2011 at Culloden Academy, Inverness.
Rail consultation on Highland Council agenda
At today’s meeting of The Highland Council’s TEC Services Committee, Members had an early opportunity to discuss the Scottish Government consultation on rail services that was announced two days ago.
Moratorium on City Centre HMO’s
Members of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee today (Wednesday 16 November) agreed to place a 12 month moratorium on granting planning permission for any new multiple occupancy houses in Inverness City Centre.
Planning gain boost for Nairn Town Centre
Nairn Town Centre is to benefit from £250,000 of improvements funding by Sainsbury’s planning gain monies following the opening of the new Nairn store.
Work begins on final phase of South West Inverness Flood Relief Channel
Work began today (Wednesday) on the £6.57 million fourth and final phase of the Inverness South West Flood Relief Scheme. R J McLeod Contractors have been appointed by The Highland Council to complete the 52 week contract.
Switch-on of Nairn Christmas lights.
The Nairn Christmas Lights Switch-on takes place at Nairn Court House on Friday, 25th November at 6:30pm.
Scottish Open to return to Castle Stuart in 2012
The Highland Council is delighted to learn that the Scottish Open will return to Castle Stuart Golf Links near Inverness in the week prior to The Open Championship next year.
“Watch out for fake goods and bogus websites this Christmas” warns Highland Council Trading Standards
The Highland Council Trading Standards Service is warning consumers not to be duped into buying counterfeit sports clothes and equipment from bogus websites, as part of the National Consumer Week 2011 campaign entitled “Good Sports Don’t Fake it”.
Communities get second chance to form a Community Council
Community Councils in the Highlands which will disband from Wednesday 16 November as the result of not attracting sufficient nominations at recent elections are to get another chance to form a Community Council.
Consultation starts on proposed guided walks at top of Cairn Gorm
Consultation on a proposal to offer permanent guided walks from the Cairngorm mountain railway top station to the summit of Cairn Gorm gets underway today (Monday 14 November).
Motorists warned of Black Isle bridge repairs
Rosemarkie Bridge on the A832 Fortrose - Cromarty road is currently being repaired, having suffered damage as a result of the severe frost experienced during the last winters.
Partnership supporting Scotland’s aluminium industry
Rio Tinto Alcan has signed up to a pioneering partnership with local and national government as part of its plans for ongoing maintenance and expansion at its highland smelter and hydro power stations at Lochaber and Kinlochleven over the next five years.
Highland Youth Voice Conference – “Get The Message”!
Highland Youth Voice, the elected youth parliament for the Highlands, meets this week (17th – 19th November) at Badaguish Outdoor Centre, near Aviemore.
Council welcomes £100 million of additional funding for Scottish renewable energy
The Highland Council has welcomed today's announcement by the UK Government of £100 million of additional funding for the Scottish renewable energy, including marine renewables.
Inverness marks Armistice Day
Traffic was stopped as a mark of respect in Inverness City Centre for the first time since the Second World War as around 400 members of the community marked Armistice Day today.
Highland Leader chosen as Scottish Local Politician of the Year
This year’s award for Local Government Politician of the year, sponsored by Improvement Service and Robertson Group, was won by the Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Michael Foxley, for his campaigning on issues such as the threat to coastguard stations and emergency tugs and for reform of the Crown Estate.
School hostel manager is Council’s Employee of the Year
Margaret Ann Beaton, who is responsible for the operation of The Highland Council’s five school residences, has been chosen as the Council's Employee of the year.
Additional funding for Scottish renewable energy
The Chancellor and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury today visited Nigg on the Cromarty Firth, where they announced around £100 million of additional funding for Scottish renewable energy, including marine renewables.
New manager sets sights on offering something for everyone
The team at Inverness Leisure is pleased to announce the appointment of Eilidh Maclean (27) to the new position of Activities Development Manager.
Phase 2 of consultation on Inverness City West Link Road Project
Two days of public exhibitions and meetings are to be held as part of a further phase of public consultation to gauge opinion on the options being considered by The Highland Council for the Inverness Trunk Link Road Project - West Link, which will provide a new transport link from the Southern Distributor Road at Dores Road to the A82 trunk road via a fixed link across the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal.
Caithness Wards Discretionary Budget Awards
Caithness Members of The Highland Council have pledged to support this year's “DA DOONIE DAY” Viking Festival which will take place in Wick on Friday 25 November.
Launch of Internet delivery charges survey
In order to understand the extent of the problem of Internet delivery charges, The Highland Council’s Trading Standards team are looking to gather evidence from Highland consumers and small businesses about any malpractice they have experienced and to trace and tackle those businesses that fall foul of internet trading law.
Apple Day could blossom into annual event
Organisers of the Highland’s first apple day have heralded the event as a blossoming success that has sown the seed for future annual celebrations.
Reshaping Care for Older People
Almost 100 delegates from voluntary groups, carer support groups, independent care providers, NHS Highland and The Highland Council met last week (2nd November) in Inverness to plan how older people can be better cared for in their communities in the future.
High Life Highland launches its Christmas Challenge
High Life Highland, established on the 1st October to deliver Community Learning and Leisure services on behalf of The Highland Council, launches its first Highland-wide community event this month.
Historic grave tidied by Caithness Countryside Volunteers
The Caithness Countryside Volunteers recently turned out in force on Sunday 30 October, tools in hand to tackle the overgrown and wild path to General Patrick Sinclair’s Grave, Lybster.
HRH The Princess Royal appointed as first Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands
The University of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland’s newest university, has appointed HRH The Princess Royal as its first ever Chancellor.
November ward forums focus on community life and concerns for young people
The Lochaber South Ward Forum on Monday 14 November will be joined by young people who will put forward a range of questions and views on services and issues within the Ward.
A positive report by inspectors for Scoraig School and Nursery
In an HMIe report on Scoraig Primary School a number of key strengths were identified.
Positive HMIe report on Raasay Primary School and Nursery
In a recent HMIe inspection of Raasay Primary School and Nursery a number of key strengths were identified.
Shops pass under-age fireworks sales tests
Trading Standards of The Highland Council are praising the vigilence of Highland retailers following a recent test-purchasing exercise in which no sales of fireworks were made to an under-age volunteer.
Inverness firework display reaches new heights
The Highland Council Fireworks Display on Saturday (November 5th 2011) attracted a crowd estimated to be in the region of 15,000 to Bught Park on a night that the Fireworx Scotland Display team described afterwards as a "Pyrotechnician's Dream".
Week of Remembrance in Inverness to mark Armistice Day
A number of ceremonies will take place to mark Armistice Day in Inverness from Monday 7 to Sunday 13 November 2011.
Motorists advised of disruption at Henderson Road, Inverness
Motorists are being advised of resurfacing works being carried out on Henderson Road, Longman, Inverness over the next few days
Olympic Flame is coming to the Highlands
On 27 July, 2012, the eyes of the world will be on London for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games as the Olympic Flame arrives at the Olympic Stadium for the lighting of the cauldron to signify the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Inverness South by-election result
The seven-cornered by-election for Inverness South (Ward 20) on The Highland Council has resulted in a victory for Mrs Carolyn Caddick, Scottish Liberal Democrats.
The Highland Council welcomes award of contract for world’s first low-emission hybrid ferries
The Highland Council has welcomed the award of preferred bidder status to Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow, for the contract to build the world's first two sea going Roll On Roll Off vehicle and passenger diesel electric hybrid ferries.
Flood awareness play visits Inverness to empower Scottish children to prepare for flooding
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has embarked on a school play tour which called in at Inverness this week to raise awareness of flooding, and highlight the need for preparation.
Recycling rate tops 40% for the first time thanks to public support
The Highland public is being congratulated for helping The Highland Council achieve for the first time a recycling rate of more than 40 per cent.
Beechwood campus plans approved
The Highland Council’s Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Planning Applications Committee has unanimously approved a number of outstanding issues surrounding plans by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to establish an educational campus at Beechwood, Inverness.
Highland winner of Tenant of the Year
Congratulations to Jennifer McLeod who last weekend won the coveted Vincent Heneghan Award for National Tenant of the Year 2011.
Another Successful Conference For Highland Council Tenants
The Highland Council hosted its third annual tenant conference, themed ‘Your home, Your community, Your conference’ on Saturday 29 October. Tenant activists identified a need for a Highland conference back in 2008, and since then a number of them have been involved in planning the conference with staff from the Council’s Housing and Property Service.
Move of Registration Services in Dingwall
The public is advised that The Highland Council is moving its Registration Service in Ferry Road, Dingwall, to its Service Point in Ross House, High Street.
HPA sessions to help solve radon problems in Highland homes
The latest wave of tests for radioactive gas radon in the Highlands, found nine homes had readings more than four times over the point that HPA recommends action.
Inspection identifies positive outcomes at Culloden Academy
Culloden Academy, Inverness, was chosen for the first of the new style inspections looking at Curriculum for Excellence and a great deal of highly positive work by the school has been recognised in the report.
United front as councils argue for devolved powers for Crown Estate properties and revenues
Representatives from Highland and Islands councils demonstrated a united front in advising the Scottish Affairs Committee of the UK Government that the management of the Crown Estate’s property and revenues should be devolved to as local a level as possible.
Council investment in Gaelic Education in the Highlands.
The Highland Council’s commitment to Gaelic Medium Education was highlighted today (Tuesday) with the opening of two new classrooms at Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis and a classroom at Glenurquhart Primary School, Drumnadrochit.
Bonfire Night arrangements at Inverness
The second major event of the 2011 Inverness Festivals Winter programme takes place in Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday (5th November) when The Highland Council’s annual fireworks display returns to light up the skies above the River Ness.
Council seeks contractor for replacement footbridge at Highland beauty spot
The Highland Council is inviting contractors to express their interest in a contract for replacement of the suspension footbridge at Rogie Falls near Contin.
Black Isle bridge repairs completed
Repairs to a listed masonry arch bridge on the Black Isle have been completed on time and within budget.
Polling day at Inverness South By-Election
Polling will take place between 7 am – 10 pm on Thursday 3 November in the seven-cornered by-election for a vacancy on The Highland Council’s Ward 20 Inverness South.
Highland and Moray learning initiative launches
Volunteers and curators from museums as far a field as Bettyhill, Mallaig and Elgin are gathering at Culloden on Monday (7 November) to launch a unique 6 month education project.
Inverness Fireworks reach new heights
The Highland Council Fireworks Display on Saturday (November 5th 2011) attracted a crowd estimated to be in the region of 15,000 to Bught Park on a night that the Fireworx Scotland Display team described afterwards as a "Pyrotechnician's Dream".
Lochaber remembers Armistice and honours Commando Veterans
Hundreds of members of the community and active armed forces personnel commemorated Remembrance Day at a civic ceremony on Sunday 13th November, 11am at the Fort William War Memorial on The Parade.