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18 January 2021
Check Out - Community - Business - Whats On - Arts - Jobs/Vacancies - Classified Ads - Covid Daily UpdateSupport For Taxi And Private Hire Drivers

Inverness Castle - Update

More architect pictures of how the castle will look
Earlier Views of Inverness
15 January 2021
Regulator Appoints Manager To Charity Wick Academy Development Fund As Part Of Decade-long InquiryThe Scottish regulator has appointed a manager to take over a charity as part of a decade-long inquiry to ensure its trustees do not part with its property without consent. The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator opened an inquiry into Wick Academy Development Fund in September 2010 after concerns were raised about its public benefit, and a failure to make use of its accumulated funds.
15 January 2021
Wick Pulteneytown Conservation Area Appraisal And Conservation Area Management PlanMany interesting photos and maps



On Thursday 21st January Caithness councillors will consider a report "Wick Pulteneytown Conservation Area Appraisal and Conservation Area Management Plan" and agree a public consultation that will lay out the potential for the area in coming years. The report has two highly detailed appendices. They both contain many photos and Appendix One also outlines the history of the conservation area and details many facts about individual buildings.
Caithness Horizons To Be Relaunched As The North Coast Visitor Centre

The HLH marketing team will ensure that the community are kept appraised of developments through social media and other channels as the facility prepares for relaunching as the North Coast Visitor Centre. Caithnes A to Z
7 January 2021
New UK Government Covid Testing Site Opens In Wick At RiversideThe UK Government has today, Thursday 7 January, opened a new walk-through coronavirus testing centre at Riverside Car Park in Wick (KW1 4EA). The centre is easily accessible for people without a car. The test centre is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history. In Scotland, this comprises of six drive through sites, 23 walk-through sites, 23 mobile units, plus the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab which is working round the clock to process samples.
4 January 2021
Scotland In Lockdown From Midnight Tonight - Stay HomeMainland Scotland is to go into lockdown from midnight tonight with a new legal requirement forbidding anyone from leaving their home except for essential purposes. More in Business Section
Coronavirus Covid-19 - Stay At Home Guidance
To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, you must stay at home as much as possible. By law, in a level 4 area, you can only leave your home (or garden) for an essential purpose.
Retired Surgeon Pradip Datta Publishes His Memoirs

1 January 2021
Happy New Year To Everyone From Caithness.org16 December 2020
Caithness Health Action Group (CHAT) Petition on Maternity Discussed Today At The Scottish Parliament
See the petitions and link to the debate inside.
23 November 2020
Expressions Of Interest Invited For New Highland Coastal Communities FundCaithness Awarded - £409,652
The Council is inviting communities to come forward with expressions of interest for projects that, if successful, could receive a share of funding aimed at supporting coastal communities throughout Highland. The Highland Coastal Communities Fund has been set up by the Council following an allocation of over £3 million from the Scottish Government of Crown Estates revenue funding. Most of the funding (£2.6m) is to be devolved to Area Committees with a strategic fund of 15% being retained for Highland wide projects. The eligibility criteria for deciding which projects go forward for consideration and the decision on how much funding is available to each geographic area has been calculated in line with same formula used by the Scottish Government to allocate the funding across Scotland.
19 November 2020
New Guide "Worrying About Money" Highlights Help Available
15 November 2020
Otter Spotted Between Bridges At Wick
6 November 2020
Caithness Health Action Team Petition To Scottish Parliament on Maternity Services - Sign HEREEarlier this year CHAT had planned to hold another march and public meetings ut the pandemic halted any action like that. To make sure the ongoing issues connected to maternity in Caithness are not forgotten and to highlight more of the data that continues to be brought forward by families a petition has been laid at the Scottish Parliament.
Read the full petition application HERE
Comments can be left on the CHAT Facebook page
Chairman of CHAT Bill Fernie and Vice-chairman Ron Gunn will meet with the new chief executive of NHS Highland Pam Dudek on 12th November to discuss a range of issues including maternity.
29 October 2020
Coronavirus Covid-19 Allocation Of Levels To Local Authorities AreasHighland Placed In Level One
New protection levels that will apply in each local authority area in Scotland from Monday 2 November 2020.
Daily Covid Data for Scotland
25 October 2020
No Thurso Community Fireworks Display this year
22 October 2020
Scottish Urban Legends: 50 Myths And True Stories
Lyth Arts Centre Look To The Future Following Funding Award

They acknowledge there is still much uncertainty in the performing arts sector as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but say they will remain "agile, flexible and optimistic". The Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund, which is run through Creative Scotland and has a total budget of £12.5 million, seeks to bridge the financial gap for venues until they have a clearer idea of their reopening plans and income projections. Welcoming the £97,000 package in a statement on the LAC website, Charlotte and Tom said: "It is the figure we calculated which would enable us to remain solvent, avoid redundancies, and continue some form of creative output while we are closed up to March 31, 2021 (a date defined by the fund).
21 October 2020
Posties To Collect As Well As Deliver The Mail On The Door
20 October 2020
More Funding For Those Who Need It Most
Free School Meals For Winter Breaks and Over Next Easter.
Financial support to tackle food insecurity or to meet fuel costs, or boosting local funding for Discretionary Housing Payments.
Remembrance Sunday And Armistice Day - No Gatherings This Year In Highland

Donate direct this year to Poppy Scotland web site
18 October 2020
Castletown Heritage Society Moving On Youtube
15 October 2020
Third Sector Master Classes - Free
Halloween Shop Window Competition Thurso For Boys Brigade

Look around the shops in thurso for letters of the alphabet hidden in the window displays. Participating windows will display the BB Logo
13 October 2020
Council Provides Details On Accessing Covid-19 Self-isolation Support GrantsThe Highland Council has published new information on the Coronavirus Covid-19 button on the front page of its website on how people can access the new Covid-19 Self-Isolation Support Grant.
7 October 2020
Spirit Of The Highlands - Autobiography - Call For StoriesThis "Spirit:Autobiography" will be an authentic insight into life in the Highlands today, and the heritage that has shaped this unique region, in the words of people from across the Highlands. We're looking for stories behind the headlines of history, stories about people you might hear at a ceilidh. And we want to hear stories of communities too, large and small - the local events that shaped it, or how global events have affected it; about its singing sands or Viking graffiti - the things that give it a distinctive fingerprint.
4 October 2020
Wick Community Council Looking For New People
1 October 2020
Hollandmey Renewable Energy Development - Public Information Event
ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) invites you to participate in its Public Consultation on the draft proposals for the Hollandmey Renewable Energy Development (Hollandmey RED). SPR is proposing to develop Hollandmey RED, situated approximately 8 km south-west of John o'Groats and 16 km east of Thurso within the north-eastern part of the Caithness area of the Highlands. The proposed Development is anticipated to consist of approximately 10 wind turbines with tip heights of up to 149.9 m. The deployment of other renewable technologies within the Site is also being proposed, including battery storage and solar photovoltaic (solar PV) generation.
30 September 2020
Wick High Street Devastation Continues - TSB To Close Wick Branch
24 September 2020
UK Businesses And Cybersecurity: A Troubled Relationship
23 September 2020
Caithness Community Groups See Investment Of Over £150k In Latest Funding RoundSeven community projects are to benefit from over £150k of funding following the Caithness & North Sutherland Fund's latest grant awards.
Wick hotel celebrates 65 years of independent family business





One of the north Highlands' most iconic hotels is celebrating 65 years as an independent family business this September. Mackays Hotel on Union Street in Wick has been a leading accommodation provider and a cornerstone of local community life in Caithness for over six decades since being purchased by the first family member in 1955, Murray Lamont's maternal grandmother.
22 September 2020
Scottish Government Latest Announcements On Covid RestrictionsA wide range of measures have been changed or brought in by Nicola Sturgeon for the Scottish Government today.
In England Covid changes were announce by Boris Johnson Today
In England broadly similar changes were announced by Boris Johnson but there are some differences and higher fines havebeneintroduced there.
21 September 2020
A Minimum Income Standard for Remote and Rural Scotland - Volunteer Participants Wanted
15 September 2020
Miller Academy And Victoria Walk In Thurso Benefit From Caithness Community Payback
Contract For World's Deepest Nuclear Clean-up Awarded At Dounreay

30 August 2020
Look Around Wick Harbour and Consider How It Was Just a Few Years Ago




December 2001 November 2002 2007 Changes Began 2009 Marina Construction
Harbour Day June 2013 Wind Turbines 2012
26 August 2020
New Signs For John O'Groat Trail
Thurso And Wick High School Students Gain For Local Groups

24 August 2020
Wick Map Streets For All Update: Exploring The Designs - Have Your Say On Draft Designs For High StreetFrom Sustrans - In a series of engagement activities and events last year, the local community told us what changes they wanted to see in the High Street to make it attractive, accessible and welcoming to people, as well as highlighting Wick’s cultural heritage. We’ve used this feedback to come up with design proposals and are giving you the opportunity to view, comment and shape these initial proposals. These draft designs are now available to view outside Caithness House as well as on our project website. Read more and register for online webinars
20 August 2020
High Life Highland Is Ready To Welcome Customers Back To Pools And Gyms
19 August 2020
East Caithness Bounceback Into Sports And Games - Term 1
12 August 2020
Caithness Voluntary Group Funding Update August 2020Thanks to Yvonne at Caithness Voluntary Group for putting together a few funding suggestions that may be of interest to local groups.
Wick Paths Group Return To Work On The Coghill Bridges - Saturday 15th August

6 August 2020
Green Health Packs To Benefit Environment And Boost Wellbeing Across Caithness
29 July 2020
Biggest Meal Deals Ever - Compliments of the GovernmentEat Out To Help Out - Look For The Logo - Up To £10 Off Every Meal Mon - Wed

Check Which Places Have The Offer HERE
23 July 2020
Spotted At Scrabster Harbour Today - A Ship Flying The Union Jack Flag Upside Down

In 1950 there was an attempt to have the regulations changed so that British merchant ships would be allowed to fly the Union Jack as a jack. One point made in favour of the change was that some foreign merchant ships flew the Union Jack as a courtesy flag, without any action being taken against them, whilst a British merchant ship that flew a Union Jack at the yard would be made to remove it. In considering the matter a survey was made of the foreign ships in the Port of London. Fifty percent flew no courtesy flag, forty percent flew the Red Ensign, and ten percent flew the Union Jack. David Prothero, 17 October 2000
Coghill Bridges Temporary Closures

Upgrading work will commence on Saturday 1st August and runs over two weekends.
10 July 2020
Why it's better to give to a food bank now than three months ago
4 July 2020
Society Of Caithness Artists 2020 Annual Showcase Exhibition - Online For the First Time




Eighty Five artists have taken up the invite from the Society of Caithness Artists to join their on-line exhibition this year.
The exhibition will run from 1st July until 31st July 2020 and there are three hundred and fifty nine images to scroll though. The exhibition is divided into two main sections, with the 3D and sculptural section showing three images of each work. Most works are for sale by contacting the artist.
3 July 2020
Northland Creative Glass Takes Unique Film Festival Online After Covid Cancellation



The British Council will lead on cultural activities in Japan, bringing in work from across the UK in collaboration with a range of partners. At the same time the Japanese government will lead on reciprocal activity in the UK.
Highly motivated by the encouragement of the whole glass community, North Lands Creative team has decided to rebound in the face of the adversity caused by COVID-19 and the postponement of our event at the Toyama Glass Art Museum in Japan and launch the inaugural edition of the Glass, Meet the Future festival online.
All Films Free to view on the Northlands Creative Glass web site.
View All The Films HERE
30 June 2020
Thurso Community Takeover Sir John Square
29 June 2020
Two Derelict Buidlings In High Street, Wick Soon To Be Demolished

Speaking about the project, Gail Matheson from Highland Housing Alliance, said: "This is great news for Wick. Nobody likes to see derelict buildings on the High Street, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Highland Council and the Wick Development Trust to safely remove these eyesores from the High Street. The cleared sites will present some great redevelopment opportunities."
26 June 2020
Dounreay Cash Reaches Groups In Need During Coronavirus Lockdown
16 June 2020
Latest Martitime Photos

John has produce a great book of a few boats from Caithness
See a preview of the book in this animation
5 June 2020
Wick Galas Gone Past - The Big Gallery
We are happy to add earlier years if anyone cares to send photos to bill@caithness.org
We will in coming weeks do the same for other galas and shows.
2 June 2020
Log Sales Recommence At Dunnet Forest From Saturday 6 JuneExciting news - Log sales are back from this weekend 6th June 2020. We have sought and received the approval of the Emergency Planning Committee of the Highland Council before going ahead. And just to reassure everyone - they have also approved our measures to ensure the safety of all, volunteers, staff and customers. There will be a queuing system in place so we can load one car or trailer at a time. Customers will be asked to stay in their vehicles at all times while they are loaded. And payment will be collected in a box, or if preferred customers can pay via Paypal using our email address.
24 May 2020
Can You Add To The Wick Players ArchiveHelp the Wick Players build up their archive with any information or photos you may hold.
You can also become a member to boost their income a little and get advance tickets for shows.
21 May 2020
Wick Angling Association - Fishing In Caithness - Angling Is Back Soon
18 May 2020
NFU Mutual Thurso supports Caithness Mental Health Support Group to help local relief efforts
16 May 2020
Society Of Caithness Artists Offer An On-line ExhibitionIn the absence of their usual Summer Exhibition in Thurso, The Society of Caithness Artists offer all artists with a Caithness connection an opportunity to exhibit with the Society as part of their on-line exhibition. The Society recognises the negative impact the present situation of galleries and exhibition closures has on individual artists so offer this alternative. Says SCA Chair Ian Pearson "it is important that artists continue to be creative for their well-being as well as everyone else and I also know how important it is to have an outlet for ones work. Normally the Society would be busy organising screens and plinths and planning for artists to bring their work to hang and display but these aren't normal times so we have to react accordingly"
The exhibition is scheduled to commence on July 1st and close on July 31st. The deadline for artists wishing to take part is June 15th and all images must be submitted by this date.
14 May 202
High Life Highland Libraries online resources numbers soar during covid lockdown
13 May 2020
Thurso Town Improvements Group To Be Wound Up As Not Enough Volunteers For the CommitteeThe group decided to wind up in February due to lackof members but have maintianed the Facebook page and the legal status until August to see if more people come forward. No events were planned for 2020. The clock is ticking and there may still be time to save it if enough folk come forward - contact on Facebook.
10 May 2020
Caithness Community Groups Among 258 Scottish Awards By Scottish GovernmentLocal groups in Scotland get a £10 million boost. Families on lower incomes and older people are to get more support with extra funding for lifeline services to cope with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The funding from the Scottish Government's Supporting Communities Fund will go directly to more than 250 community groups. The community groups operate as ‘anchors', bringing together charities, volunteers, social enterprises and the public sector to co-ordinate the local response and channel support where it is needed. This includes making hot meals, organising grocery and prescription deliveries and providing wellbeing support. Up to £10 million is being made available as an initial sum available to support community anchor organisations, and a further allocation of £10 million has been approved to support the second phase of the fund.
Caithness Groups Awards
Caithness Community Connections £3,453
Caithness Voluntary Group £16,121
Caithness Voluntary Group £11,800
John O' Groats Development Trust £10,000
Pulteneytown People's Project £31,075
Thurso Community Development Trust £53,000
8 May 2020
Most Events CancelledFro information the Halkik Highland Games, Wick Gala and Caithness County Show are cancelled for 2020 and will be back in 2021. Many other regular annual events are also cancelled. We have cleared May from the Whatson section but you can add any online events such as the Market onlne on 9th May where buyers and sellers can see each other via Snapchat. It is now unlikely that there will be any big events in 2020 in Caithness.
Learning During Lockdown -
How Highland Council's schools are benefiting from advanced online teaching tools
School pupils across The Highland Council have been benefiting from an innovative approach to Teaching and learning which has made the transition to home learning smoother for all. Highland Council was one of the first local authorities in Scotland recognised to develop a Schools Digital Learning Hub, which provides a resource for staff, parents and pupils to support home learning. The coronavirus outbreak has led to school closures since March, but that has not stopped Highland pupils from learning remotely during lockdown. Check out the fitness and other videos.
5 May 2020
A New Book - Mysteries and Misadventures: Tales from the Highlands
4 Mayl 2020
Army Sets Up Mobile Corona Virus Testing Units In ThursoThe UK Government has mobilised the army to set up Corona Virus Test Centres In Scotland. Mobile testing units travel around the UK to increase access to coronavirus testing. They respond to need, travelling to test essential workers if they or someone in their household is symptomatic. The UK Government testing programme in Scotland is additional capacity to supplement NHS testing which prioritises Health and Social Care staff. New units are being brought into operation each day. There are now two in Highland, currently based in Broadford and Thurso. There is a drive though facility based in Inverness.
2 Mayl 2020
Caithness Help Groups Contacts
27 April 2020
Thousands Of Litres Of Free Hand Sanitiser From A Caithness Business
Jacqueline Black form the distillery said "We have finally managed to get all our licence and public health certificate to allow us to give off 4000 litres of hand sanitiser for free."
High Life Highland online resources for health and wellbeing

See inside for links to Bookbug, Fitness programmes and more.
26 April 2020
Covid 19 - Activity/Craft Packs For Children and Young People
23 April 2020
CHAT and Friends Donate 30 Tablets For Staff and Patients in Caithness Hospitals To Keep In Contact
22 April 2020
Council Issues More Than 7,500 School Meals Vouchers To Highland Families
To see if your children qualify check the link to the council web site information inside. Not claimed before then now may be the time to take a look. Also a freephone number for assistance.
Royal Bank Launches Card For Carers
Royal Bank of Scotland is introducing a new ‘companion card' - a supplement card to an existing current account that enables vulnerable customers and those in extended isolation to give trusted volunteers a way to pay for their essential goods. The card can be topped up by up to £100 and given to a trusted person or carer to enable them to make purchases on behalf of the individual. To enhance security, the carers card will be associated with the customer's existing bank account but kept separate on the bank's systems. The card does not share a PIN or long card number with the customer's existing debit cards and ATM withdrawals are restricted to £50, as well as being subject to Royal Bank's fraud monitoring systems.
20 April 2020
Highland Council Warns Of Business Grants Scam - Don't Get Caught Out On ThisThe COVID-19 crisis has seen an unprecedented rise in scams across the whole of the UK and Highland Council Trading Standards is issuing a warning to local businesses about a new scam that has come to light, regarding business grants. This scam involves an unsolicited email informing the business that its business grant application has been processed and a payment to be made to you soon. The email then refers the business to a remittance advice for payment details, states the grant will be paid by the end of the day and that if the business has any queries it should make contact using the details displayed on the remittance advice.
18 April 2020
How Dounreay is responding to coronavirus
16 April 2020
Calling All Budding Young Artists And Architects
14 April 2020
Wellbeing Fund Open For BidsCharities invited to apply for cash help. Third sector organisations across Scotland are being encouraged to apply for emergency funding to help cope with the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19). More than 2000 charities, community and voluntary groups, and social enterprises are being offered immediate financial support from the £50 million Wellbeing Fund, which has been established to assist third sector organisations working with people impacted by the pandemic.
Support For Those At High Covid-19 Risk
National helpline established for those who do not have family or community support. A new national helpline is being set up to provide essential assistance to those who don't have a network of support but who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. The service - which opens tomorrow (Tuesday 14 April 2020) - will offer help to those who do not have family or existing community support and cannot get online and who are over 70, disabled, require the support of mental health services, are pregnant or receive a flu jab for health reasons. This service is in addition to localised support already available for people who have received letters advising them to shield themselves. However, any of those in the shielding category who are not yet receiving assistance, who do not have family and cannot get online can access support via this new helpline.
9 April 2020
Second CVG Covid-19 Funding Update April 2020Caithnss Voluntary Group is working hard to collate the emergency funding becoming available to charitable groups in the county. Potential applicants should note that some funds have very short closing dates for applications and it may be first come first served. The First list came out two days ago on 7th April. A wide range of funders are now stepping up with new funds to fill many parts of the Covid emergency so it is well worth checking if your group qualifies.
Calls continue to come in to Council's Covid-19 helpline

Who Made The Contrails Above Dunnet - RAF or Russians Who Knows

To get a slightly larger photo inside right click on the phot and open in a new window.
7 April 2020
Highland Council Issues Covid-19 Advice To TenantsThe Highland Council is sending a bulletin to all council tenants providing them with advice about issues related to Coronavirus. The bulletin contains information of a wide range of topics including energy advice, details on changes to homelessness services, how to get housing support, support for anyone in rent arrears, awareness tips from Trading Standards on staying safe from scams, a reminder on how to continue receiving free school meals, specific information for any tenants shielding, what practical support is available in communities and sharing national helplines for people to stay connected. The briefing also gives a long list of key contact details for organisations and service providers.
Covid-19 Funding Update For Community Groups
Several funders have opened schemes for north community groups to help in the Covid-19 Crisis. Yvonne at Caithness Voluntary Group has put together a handy guide to the funds available. The different funders have a range of criteria but all are aiming to help groups that are extending aid to our commuities or to help if groups have problems themselves. There are closing dates for some so check them out as soon as possible.
6 April 2020
Small business grant scheme extended to self-catering businessesThe Highland Council today launched its revised guidance on behalf of the Scottish Government, with grants of £10,000 and £25,000 becoming available for eligible self-catering businesses. Recognising the concerns raised by the tourism industry, on behalf of self-caterers, the Scottish Government small business grant scheme has been expanded to include self-catering properties and caravans where receipts represent a primary source (for example, one third or more) of earnings for the ratepayer and the property has been let out for 140 days or more in the financial year 2019-20.
Spiggy Topes Record Is Released ... After 50 Years

HMRC Latest Update On Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme For Employers and Employees
The scheme is being revised regularly so anyone is advised to check it every few days as it is still being developed.
Emergency Help For Those Worse Affected By Coronavirus - £8 Million Boost
Key support services get £8 million boost. People most at risk from the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak are to receive further support following emergency investment in crucial services. Charities Scottish Women's Aid, Social Bite and other key partners will share up to £8 million to provide an emergency response and ensure services can react to coronavirus (COVID-19). Disadvantaged groups facing hardships such as homelessness, food insecurity or social isolation and loneliness are among those to benefit from services such as: .....................
Supporting people affected by alcohol and drug use
Extra support for people affected by alcohol and drug use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been announced by the Minister for Public Health Joe FitzPatrick. Funding of £166,000 from the Scottish Government will support: • a programme to increase access to naloxone in new settings, including investment in kits to add to the existing outlets for naloxone supply.
Crimestoppers Scotland: Doorstep Crime During The Coronavirus Crisis - Speak Up, Stay Safe

Coronavirus Food Fund In Scotland - Support To Put Meals On Tables
Families unable to access food as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will get support from local authorities with £30 million of new investment from the Scottish Government Food Fund. The funding will support those most in need including families with children who are eligible for free school meals, older people, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.
Coronavirus support from returning staff and students
Almost 10,000 people, including more than 4,700 health care staff, have so far come forward to offer the NHS in Scotland their skills and expertise during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The figure includes medical and nursing students, retired NHS staff, those on a career break from the NHS and healthcare workers from outside the NHS. In addition there are a number of doctors and other health professionals who may come forward as a result of the work of the professional regulatory bodies. Depending on their specialism, there are different plans in place for students to carry out paid employment in the NHS while also being able to complete their qualifications. New recruits joining the service on fixed-term contracts will be entitled to receive maximum sick pay entitlement, the same as staff with five years’ service. PVG and Disclosure checks are also being fast-tracked to allow new recruits to take up posts as soon as possible.
4 April 2020
Coronavirus: If we are in a war against COVID-19 then we need to know where the enemy is
Highland Council To Provide School Meals Throughout Easter Break
Highland Council will continue to provide school meals through e-vouchers to families throughout the school Easter break. This is to recognise the particular difficulties many families will be experiencing due to the Coronavirus emergency. This innovative and easy-to-use service is being delivered digitally through the use of e-vouchers which will ensure over 4,000 school children will continue to receive support for school meals while schools are closed. Families who are already receiving free school meal provision do not need to apply as the Council will automatically provide barcoded e-vouchers to eligible families. For any families who are still to apply and to check if you qualify see the link inside.
3 April 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): shielding support and contactsDetails of shielding support in local areas to arrange for food and medicine deliveries, and other support services. Highest risk classification Some groups of people are considered to be at extremely high risk of severe illness with Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are in this group you will receive a letter from NHS Scotland or be contacted by your doctor. If you are in this group you should follow shielding measures. Shielding is only recommended for those at highest risk of severe illness if they contract Coronavirus (COVID-19). This group of people will be advised to take very stringent measures to protect themselves from contracting the virus and will be contacted by letter. Community Index
Coronavirus (COVID-19): tailored advice for those who live with specific medical conditions
These conditions include: cancer, diabetes, heart disease, IBD; chronic kidney and liver disease; dermatological, neurological, respiratory and rheumatic conditions; and rare diseases. Folow the links to specifc advice on the conditions.
Supporting The Seafood Sector
£10 million assistance for processing businesses during COVID-19 pressures. Financial support for seafood processors to help them through economic pressures related to COVID-19 will be available through a new £10 million scheme. With many seafood businesses fighting for survival, and in turn threatening livelihoods in coastal communities, the Scottish Seafood Business Resilience Fund provides a combination of grants and loans to businesses suffering severe hardship following the shutdown of international markets and the food service industry across the UK. Business Index
Deliveries For High Risk Group
Local services to supply groceries and medicines to those most at risk. People in Scotland at highest risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) will begin to receive home deliveries of essential groceries on Friday. Letters from the Chief Medical Officer have been issuing this week to those who are at greatest risk of COVID-19, to provide bespoke guidance on shielding from infection and information about the support available, which includes access to home deliveries through a text message service.
Easter Childcare For Key Workers - Hubs To Remain Open Over The Spring Break
Learning and childcare hubs for the children of key workers will remain open across Scotland over the Easter holidays. The move will help support key workers in the NHS and other key sectors on the frontline of the response to coronavirus (COVID-19). All of Scotland's local authorities will keep learning and childcare hubs open in their areas to support children and young people. Business Index
Farmers Urged To Wade Into Bird Conservation

Biodiversity Caithness Photos Galleries
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine
Neonatal Expenses Fund Terms and Conditions
The Neonatal Expenses Fund (NEF) is designed to help parents of premature and sick newborn babies to offset the cost of traveling to and from hospital during the early days of their baby's life and the subsistence required to allow them to spend time with their baby/ies in order to bond as a family during these early days.
2 April 2020
New support for creative sector during COVID-19 outbreak
Vitamin D: advice for all age groups - Scottish Government Revised Advice On Coronavirus
Revised guidance from Scottish Government to reflect the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and the advice to stay at home. Vitamin D: advice for all age groups We are currently advising people to stay at home. For most people, this will mean being indoors for much of the day and not getting enough vitamin D from sunshine exposure.
1 April 2020
Supporting Local Highland Businesses During Covid-19The Highland Council is working hard to release business grants to eligible local businesses as quickly as possible. The Council has received over 2,000 applications since the scheme was introduced last week and has set up systems to process these applications quickly while ensuring the necessary information is received.
Busy First Week For Highland Council's Covid-19 Helpline
Since The Highland Council's dedicated helpline went live last Wednesday afternoon staff have dealt with over 1,600 calls. The helpline has been set to give assistance and to collect details of individuals and community groups looking to provide volunteering support. In the first 7 days the majority of the callers have been seeking support for businesses, along with providing offers to volunteer. Already we have over 240 groups offering assistance. The single line helpline - 0300 303 1362 - is open between 8am and 6pm and is staffed by volunteers from Eden Court and the Council. As well as directly assisting callers, staff, who are all home based, are also signposting people to other organisations that can provide help and assistance too. All calls are free. Business Index
Help available for Council Tax payers in Highland
Council tax payers in Highland who have lost their jobs or are experiencing a drop in their income are being encouraged to apply as quickly as possible for a reduction in their council tax. This help, known as the ‘Council Tax Reduction Scheme', is available for lower income households, including home owners. The person named on the council tax bill can apply online using the Highland Council's Apply Once form. Applicants supply their details only once and the Council will automatically award a range of Council-administered benefits that the applicant is entitled to receive. Council tax payers who live alone are also prompted to apply for a 25% single person discount using the Apply Once form which is available on the Council's website at:..............more
Business Index
Billing Pause For Business Rate Payers In Highland
Around 19,000 business rate payers in Highland will not receive their annual rates bill this April. The Highland Council recognises the exceptional economic challenges for local business and has therefore decided to pause business rates bills in respect of financial year 2020/21. The decision to pause will be kept under regular review and is intended to help mitigate the impacts of coronavirus on local businesses and the local economy. Supporting businesses in this way means that the business community does not have to worry about paying their rates bills for the time being.
Business Index
Shielding For The Extremely Vulnerable In Highland
What is 'shielding'? If you fall within one of the groups recommended to shield, you will have received a letter or text from the NHS. Shielding is a measure to protect extremely vulnerable people by minimising contact between those who are extremely vulnerable and others. This means that those who are extremely vulnerable should not leave their homes, and should minimise all non-essential contact with other members of their household. This is to protect those who are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19). If you think you have a condition which makes you extremely vulnerable you are strongly advised to shield yourself, to reduce the chance of getting coronavirus (COVID-19) and follow the face-to-face distancing measures below......................
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