News Archive

Highland Council Response To First Minister's 7 October Coronavirus Covid-19 Update

The Leader and Depute Leader of The Highland Council have welcomed the targeted approach being taken by the Scottish Government to the COVID-19 response over the next 2 weeks/3 weekends - from 6pm on Friday 9 October to Sunday 25 October 2020.   Highland Council Leader, Cllr Margaret Davidson said: "We share the concerns of the rising number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country and although they are fewer in The Highland Council area we are not complacent as they are increasing in most Health Board Areas including NHS Highland.  

SQA Awards 2021 - Plans For Highers To Go Ahead But National 5 Exams Replaced

Plans have been announced for Higher and Advanced Higher exams to go ahead in 2021, while National 5 exams will be replaced by a system where grades are awarded based on coursework and teacher judgement.   It means the volume of exams that will take place will be reduced by half, lowering public health risks and allowing plans for Higher and Advanced Highers to proceed.  

New Trades Business Owners Need At Least £33k To Start Up Company In 2020

As unemployment rates continue to rise, many tradespeople may consider turning to entrepreneurship for the benefits of being their own boss at an uncertain time.   Although this means more flexibility and independence, it also comes with risks, as new business owners need to spend £33,975.34, on average, when embarking on a new venture.  

Roadworks At Helmsdale Starting Soon - Consultation Period

4TH GENERATION TERM CONTRACT FOR MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SCOTTISH TRUNK ROAD NETWORK - NORTH WEST UNIT A9 NAVIDALE ROUNDABOUT AND A9 HELMSDALE CARRIAGEWAY RESURFACING INFORMATION.   BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, will be undertaking essential carriageway resurfacing works on two sections of the A9 Trunk Road, at Navidale Roundabout and through Helmsdale.  

UK Businesses And Cybersecurity: A Troubled Relationship

Introduction Security company Carbon Black released a report showing that 88% of UK businesses suffered from a data breach during a 12-month period.  It also revealed the average number of breaches per organization: 3.67.  

Highlands And Islands MSPs Back The Keep Me Posted Campaign

Rhoda Grant and David Stewart, Scottish Labour's MSPs for the Highlands and Islands region have pledged to constituents that they are still here to help and those who wish do to so are able to contact them by mail or over the phone, despite regional offices remaining closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.   The MSPs were contacted by the consumer campaign, Keep Me Posted, which aims to ensure that consumers who do not have access to the internet or who just prefer to receive bills or mail by post are able to do so, for an assurance that constituents can still contact their MSPs by post.  

High Life Highland Locations Still Open For Business

The Chief Executive of High Life Highland has spoken following the First Minister's statements to remind customers that the Charity's locations should not be affected by the restrictions coming into place later in the week.   Steve Walsh said, "High Life Highland has worked extremely hard to ensure that our locations are operating strictly in line with the Scottish Government's guidelines.  

Hi-Scot Credit Union Members Saving and Borrowing Continues in the Pandemic

2020 has not been the easiest of years and, for many people, saving has been the last thing on their minds - but there's never been a more prudent time to think about putting money aside for a rainy day.  Or a global pandemic.  

New Benefit To Help With Heating Costs - Extra Support For Families Of Disabled Children

The Scottish Government will lay legislation to enable delivery of the new Child Winter Heating Assistance later today.   This is the first disability benefit to be introduced using new social security powers.  

Educators To Address Attainment Gap With Equity Week

 Education specialists from across the North-east, North and West of Scotland are to deliver a week-long series of digital professional learning events for teachers and practitioners from the end of September as part of a drive to increase awareness about child poverty in Scotland and the impact this has on learning.   Led by the Northern Alliance (Regional lmprovement Collaborative for the area's eight local authorities) in collaboration with Education Scotland, Promoting Equity Week will run from Monday 28 September and will help schools across the region consider the barriers faced by young people living in poverty and investigate the pressures the pandemic has had on vulnerable and disadvantaged children.