Three in four single mothers face living in poverty when they retire, according to a new report released on 15 November 2023 by Scottish Widows. The 19th annual Women and Retirement Report reveals that the ‘motherhood penalty' - the financial and career disadvantages faced by working mothers - has an enduring impact into later life.
Dornoch businesses have voted yes for the Dornoch Business Improvement District (BID) for a period of a for a period of 5 years from 1 March 2024 until 28 February 2029. Ballot papers for the Dornoch BID election were sent to eligible voters on Thursday 28 September 2023 and the businesses had the opportunity to cast their vote for the past seven weeks.
Portskerra's Olivia McKay, currently the girls under 18s Scottish National Champion surfer, and who is set to participate this month in the ISA World Junior surfing Championships in Rio de Janeiro, has benefited by significant financial support from two local businesses. Directors of both Halladale-based GMG Energy and Melvich Bay Caravan Park have contributed to the travel costs that Olivia and eight other team mates will face before they can compete with the world's top surfing talent.
Thàinig luchd-labhairt òg na Gàidhlig bho àrd-sgoiltean air feadh sgìre Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd còmhla ri Leasachadh Sgilean na h-Alba (SDS) agus Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd air Diardaoin 9 Samhain san Eden Court ann an Inbhir Nis, airson a' chiad Siuthad! aghaidh ri aghaidh bho 2019. Tha an tachartas eagraichte le Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd agus SDS le maoineachadh a' tighinn bho Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd 's nan Eilean (HIE) agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
The Highland Council is looking for new members to fill vacancies on the six local outdoor access forums in Caithness, Sutherland, Ross & Cromarty, Inverness & Nairn, Skye & Lochalsh and Lochaber. There are currently at least 2 vacancies on each group.
A new Fellowship has been launched, providing funding for research into supporting the viability and sustainability of crofts and small farms in the North Highlands. The project seeks to investigate the potential of small to medium sized regenerative farmers to work at a scale that would allow them to supply to local hotels and restaurants, local shops and supermarkets.
Postal ballot papers for ten contested Highland community councils have been mailed out today (Tuesday 31 October 2023). The Highland Council is reminding voters that ballot papers need to be completed and returned by the deadline of 12 noon on Monday 27 November 2023.
Sutherland Committee Members have agreed the investment priorities in the Sutherland Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme with £5.2m spent on projects to improve Sutherland Council homes for 2023-27. The HRA Capital Programme 2023-27 has been developed in line with the agreed principles within the 2022-27 HRA Capital Plan.
Ballot papers were issued on Thursday 28 September 2023 to all businesses who were eligible and who would become levy payers and members of the Dornoch Business Improvement District (BID). Any businesses who think they are eligible to vote but may not have received their ballot papers, or any electors requiring a replacement ballot must contact The Highland Council's Election Office on 01349 886657 or email: election@highland.gov.uk.
To EV or not to EV? That is the question for the DM Hall property professional Graham Forbes who covers the huge and sparsely populated Highland region. It has been a gradual transition, but I now have to confess that I am a convert to the concept of the electric vehicle, despite the fact that my beat - the Highlands and Islands - is the biggest and most thinly populated area in the UK.
The Highland Council's winter maintenance programme starts on 14 October 2023 and the Council is ready to treat - according to its policy - the 6,766km of roads for which it has responsibility. Chair of the Council's Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "We have the supplies and resources in place to provide a winter service according to the Council's policy.
Following the close of the withdrawal period today at 12 noon (Tuesday 10 October 2023), an election will be held for the 10 contested community councils across Highland. The contested community councils are: Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Croy and Culloden Moor Dunvegan Glengarry Kiltearn Melvich Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry Thurso Watten Wester Loch Ewe Ballot papers are being posted out second class on Tuesday 31 October 2023.
Autumn is here and as the October school holidays have started, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding working families to give their childcare budget a treat this Halloween by opening a Tax-Free Childcare account. Parents can use Tax-Free Childcare to help with childcare costs for school holiday clubs, breakfast or after school clubs, childminders or nurseries.
A funding boost of nearly £1million of revenue investment is set to benefit rural areas across Highland. The Highland Strategic Local Action Group who met during September, considered, and agreed funding for revenue projects submitted to the first round of the 2023/24 Community Regeneration Fund.
The election day is scheduled for Monday, 27 November 2023 and voting is by means of a postal vote. The maximum membership of each of the Highland Community Councils is determined by the population it serves and varies from 7 to 13 members.
The Highland Council, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is inviting Highland businesses to apply for funding to support the costs of green skills training for their workforce. Cllr Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee explained: "This Challenge Fund has been set up to support Highland businesses who wish to invest in their workforce and develop their green skills.
UHI A Tuath, An Iar is Innse Gall a' comharrachadh a bhith air a stèidheachadh mar a' cholaiste as ùire ann an Alba Tha UHI A Tuath, An Iar is Innse Gall a' comharrachadh a bhith air a stèidheachadh mar a' cholaiste as ùire ann an Alba an dèidh co-aonadh UHI Taobh Tuath na Gàidhealtachd, UHI Innse Gall agus UHI Taobh Siar na Gàidhealtachd. Stèidhichidh UHI A Tuath, An Iar is Innse Gall buidheann acaire ùr, a bhios a' ceangal choimhearsnachdan dùthchail agus eileanach tro fhoghlam agus rannsachadh comharraichte air a chumadh a rèir cultar, àite agus seallaidhean-tìre Taobh Tuath agus Siar na Gàidhealtachd, An t-Eilean Sgitheanach agus Innse Gall.
NHS Highland will take over the responsibility for running Armadale Medical Practice in Sutherland from Friday 1 July 2023. We have worked closely with Armadale Medical Practice over the last few months to ensure continuity of care and an effective transfer of responsibility.
New report sets out how integrating data, science and innovation can help make better use of UK land. New Geospatial Commission report recommends establishment of new Land Use Analysis Taskforce.
A report published by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce points up worries that investment is now moving to other parts of the world. Government needs to urgently create the conditions which will encourage investment in the energy sector or risk Aberdeen losing its global energy capital status, according to a new report.
