The Highland Council has called a Housing Challenge Summit, designed to bring together all parties from National and Local government and private sector interests, both large and small, from across the fields of energy, housing development and commerce, to focus on the Housing Challenge in Highland. Highland Council declared a Housing Challenge following an event in November 2023 and agreed a number of strategic objectives in June 2024, with the aim of finding solutions to a Highland Housing Challenge.
In November 2023 SSEN announced a huge investment of £20billion in projects. SSEN Transmission to recruit 400 new roles across the north of Scotland in the next 12 months as £20bn clean energy infrastructure programme gathers pace, Recruitment drive comes as SSEN Transmission unveils major changes to planned upgrades, in response to community and stakeholder feedback, Following recent UK Government Community Benefit announcement, communities across the north of Scotland in line for over £100m of community benefit funding and money off bills for those located closest to new infrastructure, SSEN Transmission also sets out ambitious plans to contribute to the development of 200 properties across the north of Scotland, which following completion of the projects, will support local housing requirements.
Borrowing - the difference between public sector spending and income - was £16.6 billion in September 2024, £2.1 billion more than in September 2023 and the third highest September borrowing since monthly records began in January 1993. The interest payable on central government debt was £5.6 billion in September 2024, £4.6 billion more than in September 2023; this was owing to the interest payable in September 2023 being exceptionally low at £0.9 billion because of movements in the Retail Price Index around that time, rather than September 2024's interest being unusually high.
SSEN Transmission has committed to support the building of more than 1,000 homes for workers across the north of Scotland. The aim is to build 400 homes in the Highlands and a further 400 in Aberdeenshire to deal with housing shortages as the regions increase work in energy infrastructure projects.
Members of the public as well as NHS staff and experts will be invited to share their experiences views and ideas for fixing the NHS. Health Secretary calls on entire nation to shape the government's plans to overhaul the NHS.
Tha Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2024 a' tighinn gu crìch, an tachartas as motha de a sheòrsa a th' air a bhith ann an còig bliadhna. Bidh tàlantan ciùil bho air feadh na dùthcha agus nas fhaide air falbh a' tighinn còmhla ann am baile seunta an Òbain a' toirt crìoch air an fhèis iongantach naoi-latha.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (October 18th) sold 263 Rams at its Second Continental Ram Sale. Texels (78) sold to £1,800 gross for a Shearling from Mr W.
Keir Starmer has said he wants a bonfire of red tape. That is the same goal that ended at Grenfell when David Cameron promoted it.
Scotland's first Trade Envoy to Japan has been appointed to secure international investment. Stephen Baker will identify new opportunities in Japan's thriving energy transition, pharmaceuticals, med-tech and food sectors.
A new disability benefit for people of State Pension age opens today for new applications from people living in five local authority areas. Pension Age Disability Payment is the 15th benefit administered by Social Security Scotland.
A story in The Telegraph highlights the latest issues for the ferries being built for the Scottish Government. The latest issue surrounds the need for replacement parts.
Hazards relating to poorly marked equipment, and consideration of how these can be avoided, feature in a new report and safety leaflet for fishers. The Static Fishing Gear Safety Working Group Report 2024 dives into the problems relating to the marking and rigging of static fishing gear (fishing equipment that is set in place and does not move), UK regulations, and what can be improved.
Ambassador to work with employers to help women experiencing menopause symptoms to stay in work and progress in their careers. Leading campaigner and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup appointed as Government's new Menopause Employment Ambassador.
Sales volumes - the amount we all bought – rose by 0.3% in September. The home delivery expert Parcelhero says volumes finally returned to July 2022 levels, before Liz Truss' disastrous September mini-budget hit household spending.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has commissioned Morrison Construction to carry out the works and the Torrance Partnership to oversee the contract. A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
New rules will give millions of Buy-Now, Pay-Later users key protections offered by other forms of credit. Providers will have to ensure lending is affordable - stopping users from accumulating unmanageable debt Rules deliver better protection for shoppers and clarity for innovative sector after years of uncertainty Millions of shoppers are set to be protected by new rules for Buy-Now, Pay-Later products.
We will be telling ghosty stories on October 27th in the Inn at John O'Groats. Family Sessions at 2pm 3pm and 4pm..
Highland Council Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard following reports of an unsolicited text message claiming to be from the UK Government Living Allowance Office. The text reads.
There have been reports of scam text messages which say you may be eligible to receive a "UK Government living expenses subsidy" for 2023-2024. You are asked to click the link in the message within 24 hours to claim the subsidy.
Nightscape photography tips. Booking required..
Fancy Dress, Disco and Karaoke. Raffle proceeds to Thrumster Association..
It's estimated that £23 billion worth of help and support - from housing benefits to pension credit - goes unclaimed every year. We look at what's available and how to get it.
Follow OPSS guidance to purchase, use and dispose of fireworks safely and responsibly. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has produced safety tips for this fireworks season on how to use fireworks responsibly and considerately to help protect both people and animals.
Highland Council can help with money problems Follow the steps in our worrying about money leaflet to find out where to get help in Highland. Go HERE.
For parents and carers of young people. All events are free.
Afternoon Tea. Santas Grotto..
Over 60% of Brits now shop from Chinese marketplaces such as Temu and Shein. But that has caused an increase in the number of potentially dangerous creatures such as scorpions and spiders accidentally arriving in UK homes.
ou don't have to look very hard at the moment to find evidence of the immense financial pressure on UK households. New figures from the Trussell Trust show that 1.5 million emergency food parcels were provided to people between April and September 2023.
Sarah was in a comfortable job, working for an archaeology business before being diagnosed with cancer. Much of her 20-year career had left her with reliable employment rights in the civil service.
The Highland Council's winter service starts today (Monday 14 October). The Council is ready to treat - according to its policy - the 6,785km of roads for which it has responsibility.
New research shows that those in their later 60s now are sicker than those in their late 80s were at the same point in their lives. Why isn't prosperity delivering wellness, and what can we do about it?.
A series of session November and December for age 0 to 5. Free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers, pre-school children and heir families..
People urged to check and use Best Start Foods card. Families getting a Scottish benefit to help them buy healthy foods are being urged to check their balance on their prepaid card.
Development and Collaboration Grants are open for application until Monday 28th October. These grants are for up to £50k.
Tickets include a two course meal and complimentary drink. Dance to Peers Disco..
Introduction to the basics of acting on stage and improvisation. For ages 11 - 16.
A Memorial Book is open for anyone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss prior to 24 weeks. The book, produced jointly by the Scottish Government and National Records of Scotland, will give parents an opportunity - if they wish – to commemorate their loss with a physical record.
The Mòd provides a world-wide platform to showcase of our rich Gaelic and cultural talent and heritage. 10 - 18 October 2025.
This year's World Mental Health Day - due to take place on Thursday, 10 October 2024 - aims to highlight what can be done to prioritise mental health in the workplace. The day is observed each year to raise awareness of mental health and encourage people to reach out for help.
The Highland Council's Early Learning & Childcare Consultation is now live, and we want to hear from those living across Highland. The survey is open until Monday 28 October 2024 and can be filled out HERE The survey is about Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) services, and includes questions for families who: are currently using ELC, have used ELC in the past, are not currently using any ELC services.
Book a slot and come visit Santa's Grotto and the Elves' Workshop. Receive a present from Santa and venture through to the elves workshop to do some Christmas arts & crafts to take home.
It's almost that time again, the famous Wick Society book sale will be open again at the end of the month. 3 Days Thursday Friday Saturday.
A date for the Diary - Thursday 28th Nov. We are delighted to be hosting our annual Christmas Fayre at Reiss Village Hall again this year.
JoG playpark pudding night is back for a second time, this was a sell out event last time and is sure to be a fantastic night with live music and lots of puddings! Entry by ticket only so get in contact with Mairi Anne to book..
Thurso Players was formed in 1950 following the closing of the Thurso Dramatic Society, Thurso Dramatic Club and earlier Caithness drama groups that can be traced back to the 1890s. Despite the logistical problems of finding rehearsal and performance spaces the Players thrived, and in 1959 founder member Robin Sinclair offered a building in the old mill complex - if they could make it safe and watertight, which eventually over two to three decades later they were able to.
Leader of Inverness and Area Councillor Ian Brown has recently accepted a sculpture designed by art students of Inverness, Florida USA which celebrates the Sister Cities status of Inverness - Florida and Inverness - Scotland. Cllr Brown said: "I am delighted to accept this sculpture which has been gifted to the City of Inverness under the ownership of the Inverness Common Good Fund and curatorship of The Highland Council.
The third Book Festival. 11th, 12th and 13th October 2024 CAITHNESS BOOK FESTIVAL at Murkle Hall.
The culture sector needs to have stable and supportive financial arrangements in place in order to fulfil its potential, the Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has said. In a letter to the Chair of Creative Scotland, Mr Robertson reiterated the Scottish Government's support for the arts and culture sector.
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