Are you aged 35 or under? Do you work in a business less than three-years old? Well don't click away as you will want to keep reading - this is something you definitely need to know. We are delighted to be back supporting IMPACT 30 as they recruit their next cohort! IMPACT 30 are looking to help new and upcoming businesses - and we can definitely vouch for the fact that this is invaluable support as Cecilia Grigor (MD) of Planit Scotland received advice and support to grow our business.
Rhoda Grant MSP raised concerns in Parliament yesterday (Thursday 19TH November 2020) that people in remote and rural Highlands & Islands will have less access to the Covid-19 vaccine when it becomes available. Speaking to the chamber and addressing the Cabinet Secretary Jeane Freeman, Mrs Grant said: "The cabinet secretary will be aware that many of my constituents cannot access Covid-19 testing simply because of where they live.
In a bid to support Christmas shoppers and the recovery of Inverness city centre - users of Highland Council's Rose Street multi-story car park are to benefit from up to 2 hours free parking pending final officer approval under delegated powers. Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Helen Carmichael said: "I am very pleased that Members of the City of Inverness Area Committee have agreed to a new range of parking tariffs that are designed to increase footfall to the city centre; to help recovery from the impact of coronavirus; and to support retail business in the run-up to the festive season.
The number of CCTV Cameras in the UK may be as many as 5.2 million, with 1 camera for every 13 people as the popularity of public surveillance, home CCTV and doorbell camera use increases. 96% of the total number of cameras in the UK are now operated by private businesses and homeowners.
A new useful guide has been produced to provide people across the Highlands with information and advice on the financial and other support that is available to them. The Highland Council, along with NHS Highland Public Health, Independent Food Aid Network and the Trussell Trust, have brought a wide range of relevant financial advice and support with contact details together in a user-friendly format aimed at people who are struggling to make ends meet.
A technician with The Highland Council's Infrastructure and Environment service has been awarded the accolade of becoming Highways and Street Lighting Apprentice of the Year Finalist at the Association for Public Service Excellence Awards. Ewan Gordon, who is based at the Drummuie Council Offices in Golspie, started his career with the Council as a trainee technician in October 2017, a few months after completing high school.
Self Assessment customers should be alert to criminals claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). As the department issues thousands of SMS messages and emails as part of its annual Self Assessment tax return push, HMRC is warning customers completing their returns to take care to avoid being caught out by scammers.
Sutherland County Committee is inviting bids from projects in Brora, Dornoch and Golspie for Town Centre Fund investment with proposals to be submitted by 9am on 30 November 2020. This invitation follows the announcement made on 4 November at the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee that extra funding has been made available from The Scottish Government to boost town centres across the region.
Molly Nolan the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Scottish parliament is against the boundary changes suggested by the boundary commission as it once again reduces the number of councillors and specifically hits the far north. "These boundary changes are not fit for purpose.
The proposed one-year Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for Sutherland 2021-22 has been welcomed by Members at today's (5 November) meeting of Sutherland County Committee. The programme for 2021-22 included engagement with Members, local maintenance officers, and tenants to identify individual area priorities.
At today's (5 November 2020) meeting of Sutherland County Committee, Members discussed a draft Sutherland Tourism Infrastructure Plan to identify current and possible gaps in provision of tourism infrastructure in the area. Members of The Highland Council's Tourism Working Group had previously tasked officers with the production of a Highland Tourism Infrastructure Plan which would provide a simple audit of relevant tourism infrastructure across the region and would allow gaps in provision to be identified.
The Highland Council has reaffirmed its commitment to see a new North Coast Care Facility created to serve Sutherland and at today's meeting of the Highland Council members were given a progress update on the project. Council officials have been working closely with colleagues in NHS Highland on a feasibility study for two options.
The UK Government has opened a new walk-through coronavirus testing centre in Inverness. Located in the Highland Council Headquarters car park, the site is easily accessible for people without a car.
Eligible school pupils in the Highland Council area are to receive vouchers for the October holiday period and for the coming Christmas break, February and Easter holidays in 2021 to help with food support. Councillor John Finlayson, Chair of The Highland Council's Education Committee said: "Highland welcomes the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Ann Somerville MSP which will provide much-needed support to our more vulnerable families in need during these difficult coronavirus times.
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on new proposals to offer free bus travel for young people resident in Scotland aged under 19. Over a third of people already benefit from free bus travel in Scotland.
Following its launch on Tuesday 20th October 2020, Highland Council has received and paid out the first Business Hardship Fund grants. As part of the Scottish Government's response to the COVID-19 Brake Restrictions which came into effect on 9 October, the Council has been asked to deliver this grant scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government.
From 19:00 on 26 October 2020 to 07:00 on 10 November 2020 the following roads will be affected by temporary roads closures for BEAR Northwest Trunk Roads Unit works. The road closures are necessary to allow BEAR to carry out surfacing works.
The Highland Council's roads team has been responding to localised flooding in the Sutherland area. The C1140 Lower Gledfield - Baldownie Bridge Road at Gledfield House has been closed at the request of Police Scotland due to localised flooding.
We can't say with any certainty what the future of COVID-19 is. But based on our experience with other infections, there is little reason to believe that the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 will go away any time soon, even when vaccines become available.
The Highland Council is reminding the public that although their offices and buildings remain closed to the public a full range of support and information is still available. Access into all service point buildings continues to be currently restricted for people to complete birth registrations and other high priority registrations by appointment only, and following all current social distancing and hygiene guidance.
