Council welcomes new sponsors of Scottish Open
The Highland Council has warmly welcomed today’s news that global investment management group, Aberdeen Asset Management plc is the new title sponsor of the Scottish Golf Open, being held at Castle Stuart, near Inverness, between 12-15 July 2012.
Almost 3,000 people from Highland signed up to tackle nations litter problem – will you join them?
A campaign to support communities in their effort to tackle litter - one of the most commonly perceived problems affecting Scottish neighbourhoods and communities - gets underway this weekend.
170 Candidates to contest 22 Council multi-member wards
The elections for the 80 seats on The Highland Council, being held on Thursday 3 May, will involve 170 candidates contesting all of the 22 multi-member wards.
HISCG agencies advise the public of the Highlands and Islands there is no need to panic buy fuel
In light of recent events and the possibility of strike action in relation to the ongoing fuel dispute multi-agency partners from the Highlands and Islands Strategic Co-ordinating Group are keen to reassure the public that it is "business as usual" at the petrol stations.
Prehistoric stringed instrument found in Skye
Experts believe they have found the remains of the earliest stringed instrument ever found in Western Europe - dating to more than 2,300 years ago - at an excavation on the Island of Skye.
Young Musicians shine on stage
On Sunday (25 March) all eight Highland Regional Music Groups took centre stage during a full day of concerts held at Eden Court Theatre.
Solvent sales advice for retailers
Retailers in Caithness and Sutherland are being issued with guidance on the sale of solvents following an increase in the number of solvent abuse cases being reported among young people in the north.
Whiteness Head guided walk
The Highland Council Countryside Ranger John Orr will be leading a guided walk to Whiteness Head on Sunday (1st April).
Common Good Funding approved to support city Olympic torch event
At today’s (Monday 26 March) Inverness City Committee, members approved to contribute up to a maximum of £20,000 from the Inverness Common Good Fund to go towards hosting an Olympic torch celebratory event in the Northern Meeting Park on Saturday 9 June.
River Ness Flood alleviation plans put on display
A public exhibition is being held in Inverness early next month to advise the public of major construction works programmed to commence in the city centre at the end of this year to alleviate the threat of flooding from the River Ness from the Ness Bridge downstream to the Beauly Firth.
New Refuse and Recycling Service begins in Inverness and Wester Ross next week
New refuse and recycling collections begin next Monday (2 April) in the Inverness area and the remaining parts of Wester Ross not included in last October’s roll out.
Bridge replacement to commence at Rogie Falls
Works for the replacement of the suspension footbridge at Rogie Falls near Contin starts today (Monday 26th March) and is expected to last eight weeks.
Move of Alness Service Point to Alness Library
Alness Service Point, currently located at 3/5 Obsdale Road is to close at 4pm on Thursday (29 March) in readiness for a move to Alness Library, Averon Centre, Alness and reopening there at 9am on Monday 2 April.
Balloch Primary takes Rotary Club primary schools quiz trophy
Pupils of Balloch Primary school were the winners of the Inverness heat of the Rotary Primary Schools Quiz Competition which was recently held at Charleston Academy (Thursday 15th Marchl).
Youth Summit to look at key challenges
A Youth Summit organised by Skills Development Scotland, Jobcentre Plus, the region’s local authorities, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) will be held today.
Major Sporting Facility Set To Attract Thousands of Tourists
Scotland’s first formal canoe trail, a breathtaking journey through the Great Glen, was launched today (Friday 23rd March 2012) and is expected to draw thousands of additional tourists to the Highlands of Scotland.
First Minister unveils training boost for Scotland’s energy industry Nigg Skills Academy to train thousands for renewables and oil and gas
First Minister Alex Salmond today launched an industry-led energy skills academy, established with over £900,000 public funding, to deliver training for thousands of workers across key sectors including oil and gas and renewables.
Families’ autism support group celebrates 10th anniversary.
An autism support group in Easter Ross that support families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary on 17th March.
Partnership initiative to tackle doorstep crime
A multi-agency initiative to protect the most vulnerable members of the Inverness Community from doorstep crime was launched today (22 March) at Trading Standards offices, Harbour Road, Inverness.
Public consultation on Inverness City Centre Development Brief
The public is being asked for their views on how they want to see the centre of Inverness to develop. The Highland Council is asking for views on a new Inverness City Centre Development Brief.
Partnership agreement seals integration of caring services in the Highlands
Highland Councillors have sealed a ground breaking partnership agreement with NHS Highland to improve outcomes for the people of Highland through the development of integrated services.
Partnership agreement breaks new ground for caring services in the Highlands
Today the Board of NHS Highland sealed a ground breaking partnership agreement with the Highland Council. The new arrangements set out how services will be integrated to improve the outcomes for the people of Highland.
Tanker grounding once again highlights need for tug cover
Highland Councillor Michael Foxley has expressed his relief that Monday’s grounding of the tanker, MV Flinterspirit, off North Uist did not result in a serious environmental incident in which lives were lost.
Debating success for Nairn Academy pupils
Two senior pupils from Nairn Academy, Amy McCann and Ruby Downie, have won a place in the finals of the Law Society of Scotland's Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament which takes place in the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament on 14th June, later this year.
SSE confirms commitment to Highlands
SSE plc is today confirming its ongoing commitment to the Highland region with the announcement that 50 new roles will be created at its Highland headquarters in Inverness.
Stromeferry bypass timetable amended to recognise withdrawal of early morning train to Kyle
From Monday 26 March, the early morning opening hours of the A 890 Lochcarron – Kyle road on the Stromeferry Bypass will be extended.
Super-fast Broadband boost for Inverness
BT today announced a major expansion of super-fast broadband in Scotland, including a fibre upgrade for Inverness.
New head teacher appointed
The Highland Council has appointed a new Head Teacher at Holm Primary School, Inverness. She is Mrs Margaret Matheson, who has been Head Teacher at Beauly Primary School since December 2006.
Leader welcomes “perfect” outcome of Crown Estate review
Highland Councillor Michael Foxley is delighted that the Scottish Affairs Committee reviewing the future of the Crown Estate Commissioners has unequivocally endorsed the submission of Highland and Islands local councils that Crown Estate powers should be devolved to local council and local community levels.
Alness Academy team becomes Young Engineers Club of the Year 2012
An all-girl team of S3 pupils from Alness Academy have now added the UK Young Engineers Club of the Year 2012 award to their Scottish Science and Engineering Club of the Year 2011 award following their success at scooping the top team prize at the “Big Bang” Science and Engineering event held at Birmingham on 15 – 17 March.
Amended timetable for partial reopening of Stromeferry bypass
The timetable for the partial reopening of the A 890 Lochcarron – Kyle road at Stromeferry has been slightly amended following the first day’s operation.
Young musicians heading towards sell-out concerts
Members of the eight Highland Regional Music Groups have almost reached the end of their rehearsals for a full day of concerts in Eden Court Theatre in Inverness on Sunday 25th March.
Cromarty Primary School Choir win Culduthel Cup
Cromarty Primary School Choir took first place in Children's Choir section of the Inverness Music Festival.
Partial reopening of Stromeferry
The A 890 Lochcarron to Kyle road at Stromeferry was partially reopened this morning (Monday) as the result of round the clock work to divert local traffic on to the nearby railway line.
Meetings organised for communities welcoming the Olympic Torch
The Olympic Torch Relay visits the Highland area from Saturday 9 June – Monday 11 June 2012.
The Highland Council signs up again for WWF’s Earth Hour
The Highland Council is the latest Scottish local council to sign up to WWF's Earth Hour 2012.
Announcement of the 2012 Crofting Commission election results
The counting of the votes for the 2012 Crofting Commission Election took place in the Main Hall of Inverness Town House earlier today (Friday 16 March 2012) and six representatives have been elected to serve on the Commission Board.
Timetable published for partial reopening of Stromeferry bypass
From Monday 19 March, the A 890 Lochcarron – Kyle road at Stromeferry will partially reopen, with traffic under 7.5 tonnes gross weight being diverted on to the railway line over HoldFast paving at the following times.
Women Talk Money
Despite many years of equal opportunities for women, the gender pay gap is still 10.76% with women graduates earning 15% less than men within 5 years of graduation and 60% of unpaid care is carried out by women. At the same time, an average of 370 women each day lost their jobs in Scotland between October and December 2011.
Robust response to Scottish Ferry Services Review
The Highland Council is to make a robust response to the Scottish Government’s Review of Scottish Ferry Services, highlighting the huge importance to rural and island communities of lifeline ferry services.
Council agrees funding formula for extra road maintenance works
The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee has agreed a formula for spending an extra £2 million in the new financial year commencing on 1 April on road maintenance, including filling pot holes and drainage projects.
Pupils mark start of landscaping work at new Inshes District Park
Five pupils from Inshes Primary School, Inverness, today (Thursday) helped launch the next phase of work at Inshes District Park when they planted fruit trees in a section of the new park beside their school.
Highland agencies drive home road safety to young people
Tomorrow (Friday 16) Charleston Academy in Inverness will host ‘Driving Ambition, a road safety education programme that provides vital road safety education and information to senior secondary school pupils at a time they need it the most.
Provost welcomes city status for Perth
Provost Jimmy Gray, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee, said The Highland Council had supported Perth’s bid for city status, through its active involvement in the Six Cities Initiative.
The Highland Council agrees response on exotic fuels and nuclear materials consultation
At today’s meeting (Wednesday 14 March) of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee, members agreed that if the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency decides to transport fuel material from Dounreay to Sellafield , this should be transported by rail rather than road.
Head of Legal and Democratic Services
The Highland Council has appointed a new Head of Legal and Democratic Services.
Stromeferry A890 update
From Monday 19 March, it is intended that the A 890 Lochcarron – Kyle road at Stromeferry will be open 7 days per week 7am to 7pm, with traffic diverted from the road on to the railway line. Passage will be interrupted to allow trains to pass.
Highland community benefit policy discussed at community workshop
Having launched its revised Community Benefit Policy at a conference in Inverness recently, The Highland Council is holding a series of workshops across the Highlands to enable local communities to debate in more detail the policy and the guidelines that support it.
Highand organisations join "See Me" to tackle stigma
Eight Highland organisations have formally pledged their commitment to work with ‘see me’ to tackle the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental ill-health.
Council agree to examine Gaelic school sites at Fort William and Portree
The Highland Council’s Education Culture and Sport Committee has agreed to progress plans to build new Gaelic Medium Primary Schools to serve the Greater Fort William area and Portree, Skye, by agreeing preferred locations for detailed option appraisals and an accelerated timescale for the projects.
Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd a’ toirt taic do Dhuaisean FilmG 2012
Aig Duaisean FilmG MG ALBA 2012 a chumadh ann an Glaschu oidhche Haoine (9 Màrt), b’ i Òrla Nic Choinnich Ní Eadhra a choisinn an duais ann an earrainn a’ chluich as fheàrr, a tha air a sponsaireachd le Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd. Bha Órla san fhilm “Deòir Shona.”
Highland Council supports FilmG 2012 Awards
The winner of The Highland Council-sponsored Best Performance category of the MG ALBA FilmG 2012 Awards held in Glasgow on Friday evening (9 March) was child actor Órla NicChoinnich Ni Eadhra in the film “Deòir Shona”.
Date pencilled in for partial reopening of Stromeferry bypass
Plans are in place to partially reopen the A 890 Lochcarron – Kyle road at Stromeferry to local traffic from Monday 19 March.
Ageing Well strategy aims to help older people stay healthy and active
Later this spring, the Highland Council and NHS Highland will together unveil a new 'Ageing Well' strategy to support older people and help them remain healthy and active. The finalising of this comes at the same time as the Council and NHS Highland prepare for the April 1 launch of a new, Highland-wide integrated health and social care service for adults.
Public to have say on service integration Lochaber
People in the Lochaber area 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 provided by NHS Highland and The Highland Council.
Work begins to clear two town centre sites in Nairn
Work is expected to start soon on two projects to remove disused properties in the centre of Nairn.
Nairn Common Good Fund meeting
The Highland Council’s four Nairn Ward members and Council officials have met with the three Nairn Community Councils (Nairn River, Nairn West and Nairn Suburban) to discuss the management of Nairn Common Good Fund.
Raigmore pupils urge people to wear their trainers… and help Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Raigmore Primary School, in Inverness is urging as many people as possible to wear their trainers on Commonwealth Day, March 12, and support the Glasgow 2014 Games.
Work completed on Holm Burn Bridge project
Work has been completed on a £1 million project, which is an integral part of the £16 million South West Inverness Flood Relief Scheme.
Festival to showcase the region’s local talent
On Saturday (17 March), over 250 young musicians from across the Highlands will perform at Culloden Academy in the first ever Inverness Festival of Music for Youth.
Our batty friends need you
Do you want to help wildlife in your area? Would you like to make a home for a European Protected Species? If the answer is yes, then why not come along and help the Strathspey Bat Group erect some bat boxes at a local woodland in Nethy Bridge between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday 17th March.
An Action Plan for economic development in the Highlands
The Highland Economic Forum, a partnership of public and private sector organisations chaired by Highland Council, is pursuing an initiative designed to build on the substantial employment and population growth that the region has achieved over the past ten years.
Internet traders fail to make the grade on delivery charges
A report to The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee on Thursday 16 March has identified that the Internet trading activities of almost 200 businesses across the UK are under investigation by Council’s Trading Standards as a result of a survey undertaken between November 2011 and January 2012.
Nairn Common Good Fund
The Highland Council’s four Nairn Ward members and Council officials have met with the three Nairn Community Councils (Nairn River, Nairn West and Nairn Suburban) to discuss the management of Nairn Common Good Fund.
Highland Council and NHS Highland combat childhood obesity
Unhealthy food choices and physical inactivity among Highland school children are to be further tackled by The Highland Council and its partners NHS Highland as members of its Education, Culture and Sport Committee approved a 2 year health and wellbeing plan today.
Gaelic Committee recommends approval of Gaelic Plan
Today (Thursday 8 March) The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee agreed to recommend the Council’s second generation Gaelic Language Plan for approval to the Full Council on April 5th 2012.
200,000 Scots called to action to tackle the nations litter problem!
Keep Scotland Beautiful, one of Scotland’s leading environmental charities, is calling out to 200,000 Scots to do their bit to clean up their favourite part of Scotland during a two month attack on the nations litter.
OFT seeks views from Highland residents
The Office of Fair Trading is asking residents in the Highlands to contribute to a fact-finding study into the challenges facing consumers and businesses in remote communities across the UK.
Council Leader welcomes Green Investment Bank's location in Edinburgh
The Highland Council Leader Councillor Michael Foxley has welcomed today’s announcement by the UK Government that the new Green Investment Bank is to have its headquarters based in Edinburgh.
Talking rubbish
The installation of a talking litter bin on the Inverness High Street / Inglis Street area tomorrow (Friday 9 March) could result in people ‘talking rubbish’ in the City.
Council house building comes on stream
The Highland Council this week marked the completion of the first council houses to be built in three Highland communities for at least 16 years.
Joint response to Best Value Audit on Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue Service
Highland and Islands Fire Board and Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service acknowledge the findings of the Accounts Commission following a best value audit.
A third of Brits admit to dropping litter as new national campaign calls for people to bin their gum.
Over a third of Brits admit to dropping litter according to research by the Chewing Gum Action Group published today.
Status quo prevails on public entertainment licensing
The Highland Council has assured organisers of free-to-enter events that there will be no change to the current licensing arrangements when new guidance on public entertainment licensing is introduced on 1 April.
Major investment at popular Inverness park
Inverness’s popular Whin Park is about to receive a six-figure investment in play facilities from The Highland Council.
Improvement to Dingwall woodland walk
The Craig Wood path from Woodlands Road to Old Evanton Road in Dingwall has had a facelift with a new smooth stone surface now making it possible for less able people to enjoy the popular route through the woods and the scenic views.
Transport Minister visits Stromeferry landslip site
Scottish Minister for Housing and Transport Keith Brown visited the A890 Stromeferry Landslip Site today to see at first hand the scale of the problem.
Senior appointments Planning for Integration - The Highland Council and NHS Highland
The Highland Council and NHS Highland are very pleased to announce some key senior appointments to support the move to integration of health and social services in April
Artists’ in residence need volunteers for new public artwork
Two locally based artists are looking for participants to take part in their new film commission for the reception area in Nairn’s Primary Care Centre.
Ministerial visit to Ardnamurchan High School
The Cabinet Minister for Education and Life-long learning, Mike Russell dropped in on Ardnamurchan High School on Friday 2nd March en-route to the formal opening of Acharacle Primary School.
Aviemore Primary School Update
The handover date of the new £11.9 million Aviemore Primary School and Community Centre has been delayed to mid-July. However, the school is still on course to be ready for use for the start of the new term in August.
Temporary traffic restrictions at Boleskine Bridge, Inverness-shire
From next Monday (12 March) temporary traffic restrictions will be introduced on the B852 Dalcrag Bridge – Foyers – Inverfarigaig – Dores Road at Boleskine House Bridge to allow for repairs to be made to the bridge structure.
Young musicians to showcase their talents
Three hundred young musicians from the eight Highland Regional Music Groups are busy with final rehearsals to prepare for a full day of concerts in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness on Sunday 25th March which will see some of the musicians perform with acclaimed Australian pianist Tristan Lee.
SkyeLarks Navigate Scorrybreac
The SkyeLarks’ February event took place last week at Scorrybreac, Portree. Club members followed a trail to investigate how animals navigate, using compasses, GPSs and measuring tapes as well as their noses, eyes, brains and hands to complete challenges along the way.
Steer clear of potential loan scams warns Highland Trading Standards
The Highland Council’s Trading Standards are warning consumers to be on their guard against cold call telephone calls offering loans.
Highland Primary 6 pupils to take part in Scotland-wide Euroquiz
Highland Primary 6 pupils are to take part on Thursday (8 March) in a Scotland-wide Euroquiz organised by the award-winning Scottish European Educational Trust.
Public to have say on service integration in Wester Ross
People in the West Ross area 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 provided by NHS Highland and The Highland Council.
Public asked to stick with Highland chewing gum campaign
The Highland Council is ensuring that a chewing gum action campaign sticks in Highland minds during Olympic year with a round of key profile visits to High Streets in Inverness, Dingwall, Alness, Fort William and Nairn.
Highland and Moray Learning Initiative - Launch of Guide to Learning in Highland Museums
Museum staff, volunteers and pupils from Strathpeffer Primary School are gathering at the Highland Museum of Childhood in Strathpeffer on Thursday 8th of March to celebrate the launch of a guide to learning in Highland museums.
Public to have say on service integration in Inverness
People in the Inverness area 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 provided by NHS Highland and The Highland Council.
New grant set to help Business Gateway companies in Highland grow
Highland companies with ambitions to grow could be eligible for up to £10,000 of support thanks to a fund being offered exclusively through Highland Council’s Business Gateway.
Stromeferry update
The car ferry, the Glenachulish, is currently being examined by an MCA surveyor to assess the damage caused yesterday afternoon when the engine cut out as it approached the Lochcarron slipway...
Scottish Emergency Tug Vehicle Group meets with Secretary of State for Scotland
The Scottish ETV Working Group met with the Secretary of State for Scotland on Thursday 1 March to discuss options for the continuation of emergency towing capabilities around the Northern and Western Isles.
07:26 Elgin-Inverness returns
ScotRail’s 07:26 Elgin-Inverness train will return on Monday 5 March.
Classroom support in Highland primary schools
The Highland Council has confirmed the recommendations of a Cross-Party Working Group, which are aimed at providing better support in the classroom for pupils and teaching staff.
Council welcomes flood grant aid for River Ness scheme
Highland Councillors have welcomed the award of £16.7 million’s worth of Scottish Government funding towards the £20.9 million cost of flood alleviation works in the centre of Inverness, which has freed monies in the Council’s capital programme for other flood prevention schemes in the Highlands.
Council confirms preferred option for Inverness West Link Road
The Highland Council has confirmed the preferred route for the Inverness West Link Road, 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.
Council confirms funding for Nigg yard regeneration
The Highland Council has awarded a £630,000 grant towards the costs of regenerating the Nigg Energy Park in East Ross.