News Archive

Guidance For Wind Planning Applications Launched

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has launched guidance designed to make planning applications for wind energy developments run more smoothly for developers, planning authorities and the communities affected.   The guidance is a result of the GP Wind Project, a Scottish-Government led EU project which looked at the barriers to development of wind energy and ways of reconciling renewable energy objectives with environmental concerns, and actively involving communities in the planning process.  

Green Light For Scottish Hydrogen Hub

First Minister Alex Salmond this week gave the green light for a pioneering clean energy hub in Scotland, including Europe's largest hydrogen bus fleet, as he announced funding of up to £3.3 million for the EU-backed project.   The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise funding will enable Aberdeen City Council, supported by Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, to start the project's first phase with an order for 10 hydrogen fuel-cell buses - which produce water vapour instead of carbon monoxide and other harmful emissions.  

Back To School - Dates for 2012/13

Back to school: Primary pupils: Autumn term begins on 14th August Secondary pupils: Autumn term begins on 15th August Autumn Autumn term starts - 14 August 2012 (primary pupils) - 15 August 2012 (secondary pupils) Autumn term ends - 5 October 2012 Winter Winter term starts - 23 October 2012 (primary pupils) - 24 October 2012 (secondary pupils) Winter term ends - 20 December 2012 Spring Spring term starts - 7 January 2012 Mid term break - 11 to 15 February 2013 Spring term ends - 28 March 2013 Summer Summer term begins - 15 April 2013 Summer term ends - 28 June 2013 Public holidays Good Friday - 29 March 2013 Easter Monday - 1 April 2013 May Day - 6 May 2013 In-service days The first day back after summer - Monday 13 August 2012 (Primary and Secondary) The second day back after summer - Tuesday 14 August 2012 (Secondary only) The first day back after October break - Monday 22 October 2012 (Primary and Secondary) The second day back after October break - Tuesday 23 October 2012 (Secondary only) Three days following the February mid-term break - Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 13, 14 and 15 February 2013 (Primary and Secondary).  

Energy Training Scheme For Highland Young People

SSE is now recruiting for its new innovative training programme which offers 16-24 year olds in the Highlands the opportunity of a career within the energy industry.   The 12 month programme will offer 28 young people the opportunity to gain some valuable hands on experience of life in the energy industry and the skills learned will help recruits develop a successful career in the future.  

Latest Housing Sales Statistics Released

Sales volumes soar whilst average property prices decrease by 0.2 per cent.   Registers of Scotland published statistics today showing that the total volume of sales across Scotland registered during the first quarter of 2012/13 was 18,514, an increase of 9.2% on the same quarter the previous year.  

Northern Constabulary Home Security Advice

Home security advice.  Don't give thieves a chance...  

Consultation Begins On Night Club Door Entry Policy

The Highland Licensing Board is consulting widely over a review of its policy governing door entry to night clubs (commonly called a curfew), which requires admission by midnight.  The Board invites representations on whether the policy should continue and, if so, whether it should be extended throughout the Highlands.  

Radical Rethink On Land Reform Underway

A radical review of land reform will deliver a more successful Scotland with stronger communities and economic growth, First Minister Alex Salmond said on Wednesday 24th July 2012.   Speaking in Skye where a summer cabinet meeting was convened, Mr Salmond revealed details of a new Land Reform Review Group that will oversee a wide ranging review of land reform in Scotland.  

Graduate Placements Set To Help Highland Businesses Grow

With more graduates than ever finding it tough to get into the workplace a new scheme to help them get a foothold into business, whilst at the same time helping Highland companies get the right kind of help to grow, launches this month.   The Highland Council Graduate Placement Programme is a work placement scheme being delivered by Business Gateway Highlands' Recruitment Service.  

Applications from Highland invited as £75k flytipping fund opens

Applications are being invited for a new £75,000 fund, launched today by Zero Waste Scotland, to help transform local areas blighted by illegal flytipping.   Grants of between £500 and £10,000 will be available to community groups, landowners and land managers in the Highland area, who are consistently battling the problem of unlawfully dumped waste, such as furniture, TVs, white goods and garden and commercial waste.