News Archive

Raising the profile as a hydro nation

Scotland is well prepared to achieve its ambition of being a world leading hydro nation, Infrastructure Secretary Alex Neil said today.   A consultation on a Hydro Nation Strategy and a Water Resources Bill has been launched aimed at cementing Scotland's global reputation as a country with a dynamic, world class, water industry.  

'Bedroom tax' plans will punish the poor

The UK Government's Welfare Reform plans will rob Scotland of over £54 million a year, new analysis has confirmed, Housing Minister Keith Brown claimed today.   The Westminster Bill will reduce the amount of housing benefit support that can be given to tenants in the social rented sector by introducing new size criteria for working-age Housing Benefit claimants, who have extra bedrooms.  

Free Insulation North, West and Central Sutherland

More free insulation and energy advice on offer in the Highlands.   Householders in the Highland Council wards of Nairn, North, West, and Central Sutherland and Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh are being urged to take advantage of a Scottish Government initiative which could make their homes warmer and help save money on energy bills.  

Deadline Looms For Crofting Commission elections

Eligible candidates are reminded that the deadline for returning nomination papers to seek election to the new Crofting Commission is 4 pm on Thursday 26 January.   Six people will be elected by Scotland's crofting community to represent their interests on the Crofting Commission, which will come into effect on 1 April 2012 when it will replace the current Crofters Commission.  

Interested in a Career in Renewable Energy?

What can ERI do for you? Our courses allow you to study for a postgraduate certificate, a diploma, an MSc or take individual modules for Continuing Professional Development and can be taken on a full- or part-time basis.   The ERI invites you to a buffet and drinks evening.  

Plans to be drawn up to replace Stromeferry Bypass

As a matter of urgency, Highland Council roads officials have been asked to bring forward options for a long term solution that provides a secure transport link between Wester Ross and Lochalsh.   The move came at the Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee today (Thursday) as the result of the closure of the A 890 Stromeferry Bypass - which takes traffic from Lochcarron to Kyle/Plockton and on to Skye - due to landslides and the continuing danger of rock fall.  

Work starts on lifeline West Highland road contract

The Highland Council started work earlier this week on a notorious section of sub-standard lifeline road in Moidart - at Drynie Hill.   During the contract, Monday through to Friday there will be a temporary road closure in place between 10am and 12:25pm and 1.10pm to 3:30 pm to safely carry out vital tree felling and blasting works.  

Watch Out For Bank Card Skimming At Machines

Police re-issue advice following card skimming incident in Inverness.   Northern Constabulary is re-issuing advice about some of the things members of the public can do to avoid becoming victims of card skimming following an incident at Morrisons in Inverness at the weekend.  

CAP reform crosses the digital divide

The Scotland-wide series of public meetings about the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have kicked off again this week.   After a meeting in Stornoway on Monday, the meetings continue tonight in Lerwick and tomorrow (Wednesday) in Kirkwall.  

Forestry Skills For Young People

Finance Secretary John Swinney today met some of the young people benefitting from Forestry Commission employment programmes in Scotland.   Mr Swinney spent the morning with trainees who are gaining employability skills and experience by helping to improve one of Scotland's main cycle routes near Uddingston in South Lanarkshire.