Coronavirus news
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Preparing to welcome Highland pupils back to school on Monday 19 April
Published on 14 Apr 2021All schools across Highland are looking forward to welcoming pupils back to classrooms on Monday.
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Asymptomatic Testing available in Merkinch as area sees rise in COVID cases
Published on 12 Apr 2021NHS Highland has become aware of an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Merkinch area.
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Highland Council has appointed four dedicated COVID Compliance Officers
Published on 6 Apr 2021The Highland Council has appointed four dedicated COVID compliance officers to work throughout the Highland Council area.
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The Highland capital is preparing to welcome people back at the end of the month
Published on 1 Apr 2021Partner agencies are preparing and looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Inverness once lockdown eases at the end of April.
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This Easter – Stay Local
Published on 1 Apr 2021As we begin to emerge from the current COVID-19 lockdown & the message changes from Stay Home to Stay Local, Highland agencies remind everyone they must stay within their Local Authority boundaries.
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Discretionary Grant Fund Scheme extended
Published on 1 Apr 2021The Highland Council has today (1 April 2021) reopened the Discretionary Grant fund to allow more businesses to apply to the scheme.
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100% Non-Domestic Rates Relief for Retail, Hospitality, Leisure and Aviation
Published on 22 Mar 2021Thousands of Highland business are to benefit from extension of 100% Non-Domestic Rates Relief for the retail, hospitality, leisure & aviation sectors for the 12-month period starting on 1 April 2021.
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Highland Council supports National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021
Published on 22 Mar 2021A day to reflect, grieve and remember. Highland Council is supporting a national day to remember those who have died during the pandemic, and to show support for everyone who has been bereaved.
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Closing date for Taxi Fund announced
Published on 22 Mar 2021Highland Council has announced that the closing date for applications to the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Driver Support Fund this scheme has been confirmed as 5pm on Thursday 25 March 2021.
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Closing Date set for Strategic Framework Business Fund applications
Published on 17 Mar 2021The Scottish Government has just announced that the Strategic Framework Business Fund grant scheme will close to new applicants on 22 March 2021.
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Closing Date for Taxi Fund
Published on 17 Mar 2021The Scottish Government has just announced the Taxi and Private Hire Driver Fund will close to new applicants at 5pm on Thursday 18 March 2021.
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Grant Scheme for B&B’s and Self-Catering who pay Council Tax
Published on 15 Mar 2021B&B’s and Self-catering businesses who pay Council Tax, can now for one week only, apply for grant support from the Small Accommodation Providers Paying Council Tax Fund.
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Success for Highland Apprentice during COVID-19 pandemic
Published on 5 Mar 2021This week is Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021 (1-5 March) and offers an opportunity for The Highland Council to highlight the value apprenticeships offer the individual, employers and the Highland co
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Education Chair welcomes return of more pupils to Highland school settings
Published on 3 Mar 2021The First Minister announced that all remaining primary school children are to return to school full-time from 15 March, with all secondary pupils returning in some form from the 15 March to 2 April.
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Widened Eligibility for Discretionary Business Grant
Published on 2 Mar 2021The Highland Council today (Tuesday 2 March) widened eligibility and extended the deadline for businesses to apply for its Discretionary Business Grant Scheme.
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Partnership approach delivers vaccines in Highland by ‘Jabbernaut’
Published on 1 Mar 2021People in The Highland Council area will soon be receiving coronavirus vaccines in their local communities with the help of a purpose-built mobile vaccination unit coined the ‘Jabbernaut’.
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Over £500,000 paid out to Taxi Drivers
Published on 24 Feb 2021The Scottish Government’s Taxi and Private Hire Driver Support Fund, delivered by Highland Council, seeks to assist eligible licensed private hire and taxi drivers in Scotland with fixed costs.
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Public support for Spaces for People programme in Inverness
Published on 18 Feb 2021The majority public support for the Scottish Government’s Spaces for People projects in Inverness is positive according to an online survey being carried out by The Highland Council.
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Kids in Cromarty Firth Ward set to benefit from new play equipment thanks to COVID recovery funds
Published on 17 Feb 2021Children in the Cromarty Firth ward are set to benefit from a proposal to allocate £15,000 of COVID-19 Ward Discretionary funds to support the provision of new play park equipment.
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Town Centre Funding project agreed for Nairn
Published on 17 Feb 2021Highland Councillors at the Nairnshire Committee today (17 February 2021) have unanimously agreed to award Nairn BID a total £28,052 Scottish Government Town Centre funding.
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Discretionary Business Grant Scheme open for applications
Published on 10 Feb 2021The Highland Council has today (Wednesday 10 February) launched its Discretionary Business Grant Scheme.
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Members at Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee recognise work of Business Gateway through COVID pandemic
Published on 9 Feb 2021Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee Members have praised Business Gateway for the way it supported and continues to support local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee members agree motion to recognise effort of Highland Council staff during COVID pandemic
Published on 9 Feb 2021Members at today’s Badenoch & Strathspey Area Committee agreed a motion to recognise the & fully support the efforts of Highland Council staff in delivering Council services during the COVID pandemic.
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7 Town Centre Funding projects agreed for Badenoch and Strathspey communities
Published on 9 Feb 20217 projects offered a total £111,724 Scottish Government Town Centre funding to help deliver economic stimulus in Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie and Newtonmore.
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Committee gives green light to new Covid Discretionary Grant Scheme
Published on 4 Feb 2021Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have approved a new discretionary grant scheme to mitigate some of the short-term financial challenges being experienced by businesses adversely impacted by restrictions and regulations introduced since October to control the spread of COVID-19.
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Highland Education Chair welcomes phased return to in-school learning
Published on 2 Feb 2021Cllr John Finlayson has welcomed the phased return to in-person learning and teaching announced by the First Minister this afternoon.
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Back to school - Phased return for some pupils.
Published on 2 Feb 2021Children in early learning and childcare and in primaries 1-3 are now scheduled to make a full return to nurseries and schools from 22 February.
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Deadline draws near for Covid-19 Top Up Business Grant Applications
Published on 28 Jan 2021Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses have until Friday next week (5 February) to apply to The Highland Council, if they want to receive a one-off top-up grant in addition to their Temporary Clos
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Highland Council supports Cosla’s funding call on Scottish Government
Published on 26 Jan 2021Highland Council’s Leader, Cllr Margaret Davidson is echoing Cosla’s call on the Scottish Government in their report ‘Respect our communities: Protect our funding’ published today (Tuesday 26 January)
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Council Tenant Briefing focuses on support
Published on 25 Jan 2021As we continue to deal with Level 4 temporary lockdown restrictions, more and more people are experiencing an impact on their finances and wellbeing.
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Highland businesses start receiving Closure Grants
Published on 25 Jan 2021Businesses throughout Highland will today start seeing Closure Grant payments in their bank accounts.
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Digital presence vital for Inverness local business recovery
Published on 21 Jan 2021Inverness Councillors on The Highland Council’s City and Area Recovery Group today discussed the importance of local businesses having an online digital presence for customer access.
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Learning during lockdown and digital inclusion progress in Highland
Published on 21 Jan 2021The Council’s ICT in Learning team have been working hard to continue to support our school communities as we deliver remote learning to all children and young people across Highland.
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Town Centre Funding projects agreed for 3 Easter Ross communities
Published on 20 Jan 2021Three projects will be offered a total £140,260 Scottish Government Town Centre funding to help deliver economic stimulus in Evanton, Invergordon and Tain.
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Town Centre Funding agreed for ‘shovel-ready’ Inverness projects.
Published on 18 Jan 2021Four projects have been offered a total £252,468 Scottish Government Town Centre funding today (Monday 18 January 20201) by Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee.
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Town Centre Fund investment projects allocated for Lochaber
Published on 18 Jan 2021Five projects have been offered a total £84,156 Scottish Government Town Centre funding today (Monday 18 January 20201) by Members of The Highland Council’s Lochaber Committee.
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Fuel Support Fund for low income Highland households experiencing fuel insecurities
Published on 18 Jan 2021Households in the Highland who are on low income and experiencing fuel insecurities as a result of COVID-19 can apply for a Fuel Support Fund from The Highland Council.
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Council and Hospice welcome Professor Jason Leitch as guest speaker at Highland ECHO project session.
Published on 15 Jan 2021Highland Council in collaboration with Highland Hospice are pleased to welcome Professor Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director, Healthcare Quality and Strategy as a guest speaker at Project ECHO.
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Business and personal bank accounts can now be use to apply for Temporary Business Closure Grant
Published on 15 Jan 2021Applicants for the Scottish Government’s Temporary Business Closure Grant can now apply even if they do not have a formal business bank account.
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Highland partnership approach in COVID-19 vaccination programme
Published on 14 Jan 2021The Chair of NHS Highland and Leader of The Highland Council are thanking staff in both organisations for their continued support and approach to the fight against coronavirus across the region.
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All Highland young people & teachers gain vital mental health support in lockdown
Published on 13 Jan 2021The Council and Tree of Knowledge have agreed a partnership to provide mental health and wellbeing support to all pupils and staff across all 200 schools in Highland, through remote learning.
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Highland Council Members agreed to adjust full council agenda in light of COVID lockdown and Brexit
Published on 8 Jan 2021Members at yesterday's re-scheduled meeting of Highland Council voted to carry a motion introduced to make adjustments to the agenda in light of the situation in relation to Covid and Brexit.
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Council gives reassurance on actions to support communities during Covid lockdown
Published on 7 Jan 2021At today’s meeting of The Highland Council the focus was on the Covid pandemic response and the many actions the Council are taking to support communities during the current lockdown.
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Business Closure Grant Scheme open for applications
Published on 7 Jan 2021The Highland Council today (Thursday 7 January) launched the Temporary Business Closure Grant. This grant is available for businesses who have had to close due to the COVID-19 protective measures intr
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Former Highland Councillor and staff among Highland awards in New Year Honours List 2021
Published on 31 Dec 2020Five people in The Highland Council area have been awarded in the Queen’s New Year Honour’s list for their services.
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Praise and gratitude for all community volunteers
Published on 31 Dec 2020A heartfelt thanks to all council staff, community groups and volunteers helping with the COVID-19 emergency response.
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Council Leader reminds everyone to remain vigilant as case numbers rise
Published on 30 Dec 2020Following the announcement from NHS Highland yesterday that the number of positive cases of Covid in the Highlands had tripled in just a few days, the Leader of The Highland Council is reminding every
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Helpful start to 2021 for Highland pupils
Published on 23 Dec 2020Thousands of school pupils who are entitled to means-tested free school meals will automatically receive payment vouchers in early January 2021 as a result of the Level 4 announcement.
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The importance of asking for help
Published on 23 Dec 2020The Highland Council and NHS Highland are reminding Highland residents of the importance of reaching out for help if this is needed over the festive period.
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New Business Grant Scheme to open in New Year
Published on 23 Dec 2020The Leader of The Highland Council is encouraging businesses to apply for a new support grant.
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Changes to the start of term for Highland schools after Christmas
Published on 22 Dec 2020The First Minister announced at the weekend new plans for the return of Scottish schools in the New Year.
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Victorian Market to stay open for essential businesses
Published on 22 Dec 2020The Victorian Market in Inverness will stay open when the Highlands moves into Level 4 restrictions on 26 December.
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Advice for Holiday Accommodation in Level 4 COVID Protection Area
Published on 22 Dec 2020From Boxing Day (26 Dec), the Highland Council area will be in a Level 4 Protection Area when ALL holiday accommodation requires to be closed to tourists.
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Highland Council urging all businesses to be aware of what Level 4 restrictions mean for them
Published on 22 Dec 2020From boxing day (26 Dec), Highland will be in a Level 4 Protection Area and so it is essential that ALL businesses are aware of the restrictions that this brings.
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Highland Council successfully makes more than 4,500 payments to benefit local children over the festive school break
Published on 21 Dec 2020Highland Council has issued several thousand vouchers and payments to parents and carers for Free School Meals provision and COVID Winter Hardship Payments in advance of the Christmas break.
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Big-hearted councillors donate Christmas collection to children's charities this year
Published on 18 Dec 2020A annual collection held by Members for chamber staff will this year be donated to children's charities in light of the challenges faced by many families as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Highland Council employee among recipients of Inverness City Centre Heroes Award
Published on 18 Dec 2020Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, there have been exceptional people within Inverness City Centre who have taken the opportunity to help those around them.
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Highland schools set to deliver COVID themed education package to primary children
Published on 15 Dec 2020A brand new COVID-19 education toolkit aimed at primary school pupils is aiming to turn Highland’s pupils into community superheroes.
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Highland Coastal Communities Fund supporting Lochaber businesses
Published on 11 Dec 2020Small & micro businesses that engaged with Business Gateway about digital needs will be invited to apply for grant of up to a max of £2,500 to assist them to invest in their digital technology.
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Families on low incomes in receipt of free school meals will get a COVID winter hardship payment from Scottish Government
Published on 11 Dec 2020Families with children in receipt of free school meals due to reasons of low income are eligible for a £100 per child Covid winter hardship payment from the Scottish Government.
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Businesses encouraged to make early contact with The Highland Council and Partners on their Christmas and New Year event plans
Published on 11 Dec 2020Highland Council Environmental Health, NHS Highland Health Protection Team and Police Scotland are advising businesses to make early contact with them to discuss their proposals.
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Statement in response to Scottish Government review of COVID tier system
Published on 8 Dec 2020The First Minister has announced the review of protection levels in Scotland today, taking into account the fall in prevalence of the virus.
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Leader of Highland Council asks Scottish Government to reconsider restrictions on household visits in Highland
Published on 7 Dec 2020Leader of the Highland Council, Margaret Davidson asks the Scottish Government to reconsider the restrictions on household visits in the Highlands.
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Leader of the Council welcomes announcement on extension of Self-Isolation Support Grant
Published on 3 Dec 2020The Scottish Government this week announced that from 7 December 2020, the £500 Self-Isolation Support Grant will be extended to include more people.
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Strategic Framework Business Fund grants approved
Published on 3 Dec 2020The Highland Council has now approved the first grants from the Scottish Government’s COVID-19Strategic Framework Business Fund so businesses should see these funds arrive in their account in the next few days.
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Supporting Santa this Christmas in Highland
Published on 27 Nov 2020The Council is supporting Moray Firth Radio and other local groups and organisations in Highland in their mission to ensure children in our local community wake up to a gift from Santa this Christmas
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Supporting exporting businesses for EU exit
Published on 25 Nov 2020A pricing regime has been agreed in Highland for the provision of Export Health Certificates which will be required by UK businesses from 1 January 2021 to export products of animal origin to the EU.
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Councillors commend humanitarian and welfare response to COVID-19
Published on 25 Nov 2020A decision by Highland Councillors today aims to ensure that “No-one-[gets]left-behind” in Highland from the Scottish Government’s ‘Connecting Scotland’ digital inclusion programme.
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Business Restriction Grant Scheme now open to hotels
Published on 24 Nov 2020The Highland Council has welcomed clarification from the Scottish Government that hotels are eligible for the Business Restriction Grant.
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New guide highlights help available
Published on 19 Nov 2020A new useful guide has been produced to provide people across the Highlands with information and advice on the financial and other support that is available to them.
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Strategic Business Fund grant applications sought
Published on 18 Nov 2020Highland Council has today launched - on behalf of the Scottish Government – the Business Restrictions Fund.
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Help us to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our communities
Published on 13 Nov 2020Covid-19 still remains in our communities and we must work together to prevent further spread of the virus.
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Council secures IT devices for young people and families in Highland
Published on 12 Nov 2020The Highland Council has successfully bid for 610 IT devices (308 Chromebooks and 302 iPads) for 111 young care leavers and 499 families from ‘Connecting Scotland’.
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Updated revenue forecast reported to Members
Published on 11 Nov 2020Current projections for the year end outturn position suggest a net budget overspend of £8.7m, an improvement from the £11.3m forecast overspend reported to Council in October.
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Leader discusses impact of Covid Strategic Framework on Highland
Published on 5 Nov 2020n a review meeting of the national Strategic Framework yesterday evening (4 November), Leader of the Highland Council, Margaret Davidson and Chief Executive Donna Manson met with Aileen Campbell, Cab
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Highland Council continues to respond to COVID-19 in the Greater Fort William area
Published on 3 Nov 2020The Highland Council continues to work with NHS Highland's Health Protection Team and other community group partners in a joint approach to tackle COVID-19 in the Greater Fort William area.
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Mental health funding announcement for children and young people welcomed by Committee Chairs
Published on 3 Nov 2020COSLA have announced that funding of £15 million is being made available to local authorities to respond to children and young people’s mental health issues.
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Highland urged to continue to prevent the spread of Covid-19
Published on 2 Nov 2020The Highland Council area has been set at Protection Level One in the Scottish Government’s 5 tier framework.
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Update on Covis-19 Business Hardship Fund payments in Highland
Published on 30 Oct 2020The Highland Council has been making good progress with paying out grants on behalf of the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Business Hardship Fund. Since applications opened on 20th October, 262 grants
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Council’s response to Scottish Government’s Covid 19 Strategic Framework
Published on 28 Oct 2020A Special Meeting of The Highland Council took place today (Wednesday 28 October) to allow all Members to come together to formally consider and debate Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Covid 19.
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Special meeting of The Highland Council
Published on 27 Oct 2020A Special Meeting of The Highland Council will take place tomorrow (Wednesday 28 October) to allow all Members to come together to formally consider and debate Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Covi
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First Business Hardship Funds paid out to Highland businesses
Published on 26 Oct 2020Following its launch on Tuesday 20th October 2020, Highland Council has received and paid out the first Business Hardship Fund grants.
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Council consulted on five level Covid protection system
Published on 26 Oct 2020The Leader and the Chief Executive of The Highland Council earlier today took part in a meeting of COSLA focussing on the Scottish Government’s new five level protection system for Covid.
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Free school meals for October and up to Easter holidays for eligible pupils
Published on 26 Oct 2020Free school meals for October and up to Easter holidays for eligible pupils
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New Uk Government Walk-Through Covid Testing Site Opens In Inverness
Published on 26 Oct 2020The UK Government has opened a new walk-through coronavirus testing centre in Inverness. Located in the Highland Council Headquarters car park, the site is easily accessible for people without a car.
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Highland Council supports help from the Financial Ombudsman Service for small business affected by Covid 19
Published on 26 Oct 2020Highland Council Trading Standards are keen to raise awareness of the role of The Small Business Financial Ombudsman Service in resolving disputes between small and medium sized businesses (SME’s) and
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Highland Council Leader welcomes new NHS Highland Chief Executive to her first Joint Monitoring Committee
Published on 22 Oct 2020The Leader of Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson, welcomed the new Chief Executive of NHS Highland, Pamela Dudek to her first meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) today.
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Council invites people in Highland to ‘Remember at Home.’
Published on 20 Oct 2020Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day will be commemorated across Highland but in different ways than usual because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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Business Hardship Fund grant applications sought
Published on 20 Oct 2020Highland Council has today launched - on behalf of the Scottish Government - the COVID-19 Business Hardship Fund.
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Public Health update welcomed by Highland Councillors
Published on 16 Oct 2020Highland Councillors welcomed an update from Public Health / NHS Highland today (Friday 16 October 2020) on the response to the coronavirus pandemic in the Highlands.
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Tourism Committee tackles motorhomes and wild camping
Published on 14 Oct 2020Meeting the challenges and opportunities that exist in the region for motorhomes and wild camping tourism.
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Tourism audit identifies gaps and opportunities
Published on 14 Oct 2020A draft audit of tourism infrastructure in The Highland Council area has been welcomed by Councillors at a meeting of the Tourism Committee.
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Scotland's fire service warns of firework dangers in wake of COVID cancellations
Published on 13 Oct 2020Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is underlining the dangers of fireworks as large scale public events including organised displays are being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Covid-19 Self-Isolation Support Grants
Published on 13 Oct 2020The Highland Council has published new information on the Coronavirus Covid-19 button on the front page of its website on how people can access the new Covid-19 Self-Isolation Support Grant
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Council highlights new requirements and provides advice and support following further Covid restrictions on the hospitality industry
Published on 9 Oct 2020he Scottish Government announced further temporary measures on the 7th October that will apply to many businesses within the hospitality (food and drink) sector.
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Confirmed case of Covid19 at Nairn Academy
Published on 9 Oct 2020NHS Highland is aware of a confirmed case of Covid19 in a staff member at Nairn Academy.
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Board reviews Council’s Recovery Action Plan
Published on 7 Oct 2020At the Recovery Board held on 7 October 2020, Members were asked to consider the latest progress of the Council’s Recovery Action plan
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COVID appeal from Public Health
Published on 6 Oct 2020Similar to the rest of Scotland, and indeed the UK, the number of COVID cases in Highland, Argyll and Bute are increasing.
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Highland Council response to increase of Covid-19 in Fort William area
Published on 5 Oct 2020The Highland Council is working with NHS Highland / Public Health Protection Team and other community group partners in a joint approach to tackle the situation in Fort William and to support people.
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Highland Council by-election postponed
Published on 2 Oct 2020The by-election for The Highland Council’s Ward 12 - Aird and Loch Ness has been postponed for public safety due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Covid-19 in the Fort William area
Published on 1 Oct 2020NHS Highland has become aware of fifteen cases of COVID-19 within the community in the Fort William area over the past week. Most of these cases are linked as part of two local community clusters.
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Confirmed case of Covid19 at Culloden Academy, Inverness.
Published on 1 Oct 2020NHS Highland is aware of a confirmed case of Covid19 in a school pupil at Culloden Academy, Inverness.
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Prudent approach to Council Revenue Budget
Published on 1 Oct 2020Councillors have agreed a cautious and prudent approach to the Highland Council’s Revenue Budget for 2020/21.
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Victorian Market, Inverness to re-open for business
Published on 30 Sep 2020The Victorian Market in Inverness will re-open tomorrow (1 October) Monday to Saturday 7am – 6pm.
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Confirmed case of Covid19 in a school pupil at Millburn Academy, Inverness.
Published on 29 Sep 2020NHS Highland is aware of a confirmed case of Covid19 in a school pupil at Millburn Academy, Inverness.
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Lochaber Councillors support approach to tackle visitor management
Published on 28 Sep 2020Proposed actions to address the impacts of post-lockdown tourism in Lochaber have received support from Members of The Highland Council’s Lochaber Committee.
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Victorian Market, Inverness - temporary closure
Published on 28 Sep 2020To allow for deep cleaning, the Inverness Victorian Market will close this evening at 6:30pm - until further notice.
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Highland Council’s Welfare team supports Skye and Lochalsh foodbank
Published on 28 Sep 2020The Highland Council’s Welfare Team have been working closely with the Skye and Lochalsh foodbank to provide vital support to people in the local community.
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Virtual education in Highland – Supportive, Interactive, Engaging.
Published on 23 Sep 2020The Highland Council can support and deliver education to any pupils who are asked to self-isolate by the Health Protection Team, in all of our 203 schools across the region.
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Thurso’s Miller Academy and Victoria Walk benefit from Caithness Community Payback.
Published on 14 Sep 2020Caithness Community Payback Team have been working throughout the County ensuring that clients sentenced to carry out unpaid work by Wick Sheriff Court have been paying back the Community.
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