News Archive

Timespan to host Area Committee with tourism top of the agenda

The Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee will take place at Timespan in Helmsdale next Monday and top of the agenda, is a Highland Council key Programme priority for the economy, tourism.   Area Leader Councillor Deirdre Mackay said: “Tourism is one of the main sectors of employment in the Highlands and it is with this in mind that I felt it would be meaningful to hold the committee in Timespan.  

Capital spending boosts the economy

Investment by the Scottish Government in schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure is set to support 40,000 jobs across Scotland this year, Nicola Sturgeon said today.   The Deputy First Minister was speaking as the Scottish Government published an update to its multi-billion Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP), first unveiled in December 2011.  

A9 Kessock Bridge – Route changes in advance of Major Works

Issued by Scotland Transerv Work starts on the major refurbishment of the A9 Kessock Bridge on Monday 11th February 2013 for 17 weeks.   The installation of the traffic management will start at 10pm on Saturday 9th February to be in place for the commencement of the works.  

Threat Facing Councils’ Consumer Protection Services

The long-term viability of councils’ trading standards services is under threat, potentially leaving consumers without important protection from rogue traders, scams and unsafe goods, says the Accounts Commission.   Protecting Consumers, a report published on Friday 1st February 2013, looks at trading standards and food safety services provided by Scotland’s 32 councils to protect the public in areas ranging from food poisoning to doorstep cons and internet fraud.  

A new approach in Highland to tackling homelessness

Highland Councillors have agreed in principle to a “radical” new way of providing temporary accommodation for people who find themselves unintentionally homeless.   The Council has a statutory duty in relation to homeless households and one of its key duties is to provide temporary accommodation until settled accommodation can be offered.  

Enhancing child protection

Vulnerable children will benefit from improved support from local services, following updated guidance from the Scottish Government.   To further support practice the Scottish Government has recently completed work on three manifesto commitments on child protection.  

Transport Minister seeks reassurances on Kessock Bridge plans

Transport Minister Keith Brown has received reassurances from Transport Scotland that robust plans are in place to minimise disruption during the main Kessock Bridge repairs starting next month.   Following unforeseen delays due to the Longman Roundabout advance works earlier this week, Mr Brown had requested assurances that sufficient plans were in place to ensure the situation would not be repeated during the main resurfacing works on the bridge.  

Contract Opportunities Now Open At Highland Council - Deadline 29th January

Opportunities for local contractors to renew existing applications or apply for construction works with Highland Council.   The Highland Council is currently in the process of renewing and reviewing its Contractors Framework agreement, which may be used by Services within the Council for selecting contractors to carry out construction works covering reactive day to day repairs, general maintenance works and minor projects up to the value of £50,000.  

Council Response To Pentland Firth Tidal Array Consultation

The Highland Council has decided to raise no objection to a consultation on proposals by MeyGen Limited to construct and operate a 86MW tidal array scheme in the inner sound of the Pentland Firth.   The Council’s response to Marine Scotland reaffirms its support of renewable energy development in the Highlands and highlights the economic benefits that this can bring to the area.  

Launch of Council Community Challenge Fund

In a move aimed at encouraging community empowerment, The Highland Council today (Thursday 3rd January2013) launched its new Community Challenge Fund, which will provide £1 million each year of recurring spending for community projects exploring new ways of delivering services at a local level.   Community councils, community groups and establish social enterprises are invited to express their interest via a one-page form which is available from the home page of the Council’s web site: www.highland.gov.uk The Council is open to ideas on how groups could:- 1.