News Archive

Four Chief Officers Appointed To Corporate Service

Highland Council has appointed four chief officers in the latest phase of its new senior management restructuring.   As previously intimated in Highland Council's budget plan, a new senior management structure is being implemented following approval by the Council on 14 March 2024.  

Tackling Population Challenges In The Highlands

The Highland Council has received a boost to its work in addressing the challenges of depopulation in the Highlands.  The Scottish Government has awarded the council £60,000 for 2024/25 from the Addressing Depopulation Fund, as part of a wide-ranging plan to strengthen communities facing population decline, including funding for local-led research, initiatives, and community support.  

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.  

Orbex Sets Up London Base And Expands Headquarters

Leading orbital launch services company, Orbex, is to set up a base in London while also expanding its headquarters in Scotland.   Orbex will become the first UK rocket manufacturer to establish a base in London.  

Early Learning And Childcare North Consultation Survey Launch

The Highland Council's Early Learning & Childcare (North) Consultation is now live, and we want to hear from those living in the Lairg, Dornoch, Golspie, Farr, Scourie, Durness, Kinlochbervie, Tongue, Wick and Thurso area.   The survey is open until Wednesday 31 July 2024.  

Deadline Approaches For Free Voter Id Ahead Of Uk General Election

Time is running out to apply for free voter ID ahead of the UK general election.  The deadline is 5pm Wednesday 26 June.  

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.