News Archive

Calculating A Living Pension - The 2024 Update

This report sets out the method through which the Living Pension standard - a voluntary savings target that aims to help workers build up a pension pot that will provide enough income to meet basic everyday needs in retirement.  This is calculated by the Resolution Foundation, and overseen by the Living Wage Commission on behalf of the Living Wage Foundation.  

Arms Company Drops Plan To Test Bombs Dropped By Drones In The Flow Country

A British arms company has abandoned plans to detonate fragmentation bombs in the middle of the Flow Country world heritage site, the Guardian can reveal.   The company, Overwatch, asked the Civil Aviation Authority this month for permission to carry out "live fire testing" of anti-personnel bombs dropped by drones on to land owned by the Liberal Democrat peer John Thurso.  

Uk Shared Prosperity Fund Delivery Plan Progress Update

At the meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee of Highland Council on Thursday 22 August 2024, members had the opportunity to consider the progress being made across the range of interventions under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund priorities of Communities and Places, Supporting Local Business and People and Skills.   The Council successfully secured £1,46m for 2022/23 and £2,46m for 2023/24 and £5,53m for 2024/25 which is a mix of revenue and capital funds.  

Achmelvich Beach In Top 50 UK Beaches In Times Latest Listing

Achmelvich beach made the latest Times listing of the top beaches in the UK.  Achmelvich beach, near Lochinver is just one of many superb beaches in the north and many did not make the list.  

Still To Receive Or Return Your Postal Vote In Highland - Now Available in Lairg

This is an UPDATE which now includes details of a location open tomorrow for set periods in Lairg.  Please see text below marked in red If you have still to receive or return your postal vote for the Highland constituencies of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross; or Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire please note the following advice.  

Highland Council Supports Clean Air Day On 20 June

Clean Air Day is the UK's largest campaign dedicated to raising awareness on air pollution and the focus this year is on educating the public about air quality and encouraging active travel and alternative transport options.   To celebrate the day, the Council's Environmental Health Team are organising an event at Falcon Square, Inverness which will be a good opportunity to raise awareness on air pollution and share knowledge on sustainable travel options.  

Seasonal Access Rangers begin patrols in Sutherland

The Sutherland Area Committee has allocated funding from Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) underspend at a recent committee meeting (14 May 2024) to enable a team of four Seasonal Access Rangers to begin patrolling the NC500 and coastal areas until the end of October, and possibly some continuation over winter.   Rangers will patrol sites and engage with visitors to ensure awareness of the Outdoor Access Code, and other legislation, such as parking and environmental health.  

Progress Update from Sutherland Spaceport - May 2024

Progress at Sutherland Spaceport continues at pace and we're happy to share the latest developments that have taken place over the last few months, working alongside our Principal Contractor, Dynamic Concepts.  Here's a quick overview our recent achievements, some behind the scenes photos and an update about what lies ahead.  

Entries Open For Highlands And Islands Food And Drink Awards 2024

The Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2024 is being launched today, with 16 exciting categories open for entries.   Now in its 19th year the awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate the breadth of industry talent based in the Highlands and Islands.  

Disrupting Digital Dumpers - Sepa Tackles Online Waste Criminals With New Digital Pilot

As the number of adverts on digital platforms promoting illegal waste collection services hits an all-time high, Scotland's environmental regulator is tackling environmental criminality in the online world.   The digital regulation pilot led by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has already identified that between 50 to 60% of businesses advertising on social media could be breaking the law by operating without holding the required waste carrier licence - and people handing over their waste may be contributing to flytipping and other waste crime.