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Today :: Business
Highland Coincillors approve ambitious Talent Strategy to foster growth and innovation

Members of today's Corporate Resources Committee (Thursday, 20 March) were presented with and approved the organisation’s Talent Strategy and Talent Action Plan These have been designed to support initiatives to grow and retain talent within the Council, ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future. The Talent Action Plan includes initiatives such as developing apprenticeship programmes, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and promoting flexible work models.

Today :: Business
Key appointments form core leadership team at Inverness Castle Experience

The Inverness Castle Experience is delighted to announce the appointment of three senior roles, adding to its leadership team ahead of its highly anticipated opening later this summer. The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.

Today :: Business
 
How to stop the economy from collapsing - Gary Stevenson

Gary Stevenson was highly successful trader and more recently makes videos about economics and is widely acknowledge to be on of the most successful at explaining the topic. Gary Stevenson (born 1986) is a British economist, former financial trader, and YouTuber known for his economic analysis and activism against economic inequality.

Today :: Business
No Change As Bank Rate Maintained at 4.5% - March 2025

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, and in a way that helps to sustain growth and employment. The MPC adopts a medium-term and forward-looking approach to determine the monetary stance required to achieve the inflation target sustainably.

Today :: Business
Why You Should Check Your Monthly Subscriptions Regularly - Manchester tech companies shut down for suspected monthly direct debit scam

Consumers appeared to be signed up for monthly payments without their consent. Concerns were raised that tech companies Affinity Technology Solutions Limited and RCSR Tech Limited were operating a direct debit scam.

Today :: Business
 
With so much going wrong in our world, being angry is the thing to be - Richard Murphy Lets It Rip

Anger has a bad name. Too often, we're now told being angry is unacceptable.

Today :: Business
 
New Report reveals young people nearly fives time more likely to be put out of work

New Keep Britain Working Review report reveals an increase of 1.2 million young people with work limiting health conditions Nearly 1 in 4 people out of work due to ill health are under 35 - underlining the need for government's employment and welfare reforms. Government to consider independent recommendations on partnering with employers to keep young people in work Follows sweeping package of welfare to reforms to unlock work and boost living standards as part of the government's Plan for Change.

Today :: Business
Diversity and Inclusion of the Scottish Government Workforce

The latest Scottish Government Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Information statistics have been published today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. These statistics are based on data available as at 31 December 2024 and cover the diversity of Scottish Government permanent staff in core directorates, some agencies and some non-ministerial departments and the experiences of different demographic groups.

Today :: Business
 
Bluefin tuna fishery applications set to open

Fishers with commercial licences who want to apply for an authorisation to fish commercially for bluefin tuna in English waters in 2025 can start the process from 20 March 2025. Marine Management Organisation (MMO), in support of Defra, has published guidance to support fishers through the application process and explain how the fishery will operate this year.

Yesterday :: Business
Major income losses for those who are too ill to work or no longer qualify for disability benefit support

The Health and Disability Green Paper will boost Universal Credit (UC) support for up to four million families without any health conditions or disability by around £3 a week. But these tiny gains are overshadowed by reforms that risk causing major income losses for those who are too ill to work, or those who no longer qualify for disability benefits, the Resolution Foundation said.

Yesterday :: Business
 
A dangerous road? Examining the ‘Pathways to Work' Green Paper

Yesterday's Green Paper marks a serious attempt by the Government to tackle two major concerns: the growing spend on disability benefits, and the large number of people who are not working through ill-health. The proposals to tackle the former go much further than reforms suggested by the previous Government; between 800,000 and 1.2 million people are set to lose entitlement to PIP (worth at least £4,000 a year by 2029-30) - as well as any benefits that they (or others) receive that are linked to PIP eligibility.

Yesterday :: Business
 
Do We Need Benefit Cuts - The government says it must cut benefits for the disabled - They are completely wrong

The government says it must balance its books and benefits cost too much, so they must be cut. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Yesterday :: Business
Jobs treading water and wages cooling ahead of big tax and minimum wage changes in April

The number of payrolled jobs has flatlined and average total weekly pay levels have fallen by 1 per cent in real terms since October, adding to a picture of wider economic stagnation ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Statement and big policy changes coming into effect this April, the Resolution Foundation said today (Thursday 20 March 2025). The latest HMRC payroll data showed that employee jobs have been broadly flat since May - growing by just 3,000 (0.01 per cent).

Yesterday :: Business
Scottish Government Workforce Statistics December 2024 - Scottish Government Employee Numbers Still Increasing

The latest quarterly Scottish Government Workforce Information statistics have been published today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. These statistics cover the numbers of workers, staff sickness rates, and the diversity of staff up to the most recent quarter ending December 2024.

Yesterday :: Business
Amazon boycott could spread to the UK costing up to £47m in lost sales

Amazon is one of a number of retailers being shunned by consumers over its association with the Trump administration. Last week, 9% of US Amazon users planned to boycott it.

Yesterday :: Sutherland
Pm: Barrow A Blueprint For Positive Impact Of Defence Spending Across The Country

Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today. Keir Starmer joins Vanguard Class submarine crew returning home from nuclear deterrent patrol to thank them for their silent service Comes as he visits Barrow to lay the keel of the next generation Dreadnought submarine, the next generation of the UK's nuclear deterrent.

Yesterday :: Business
 
Japan Ditches the Dollar: U.S. Stunned as Japan Retaliates Against Trump's Tariffs!

A video that outlines: -Context: U.S. imposing EV (electric vehicle) tariffs harming Japan's auto exports.

Yesterday :: Business
Supporting people with complex disabilities

Around 150 additional community toilet facilities for people with complex disabilities and health conditions will be created across the country thanks to £10 million Scottish Government funding over the next two years. There are currently around 270 of the specially equipped facilities, known as Changing Places Toilets, in Scotland.

Yesterday :: Business
 
British start-up wins £1 million AI prize for breakthrough slashing materials development from years to days

A British AI-driven innovation that dramatically speeds up the development of materials used in wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries has won the UK government's £1 million Manchester Prize. Polaron awarded £1 million for revolutionary AI technology transforming materials innovation.

Yesterday :: Business
Plan for future of Grangemouth - Summary of Project Willow report published

Plans to secure a long-term industrial future for Grangemouth have been stepped up as a feasibility study sets out nine options for its future. The plan - which is backed by £25 million from the Scottish Government and £200 million from the UK Government – will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.

Yesterday :: Business
Over £4,900 a year for student carers - Extra money available to many in education

Carers in full and part-time education could be entitled to over £4,900 a year in financial support from Social Security Scotland. It is estimated that there are over 30,000 students at college or university in Scotland providing unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour.

Yesterday :: Business
USA Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rate Steady - Bank Of England To Announce Today

The Federal Reserve is maintaining interest rates with no change. Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace.

Yesterday :: Business
 
Boost to National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage

This change is another step towards creating a genuine living wage that supports millions of families across the country. The National Minimum and National Living wage are going up.

Yesterday :: Business
Multimillion-pound investment gives rocket boost to South West space sector

Minister Jones has announced a multimillion-pound investment in Bristol's space sector from leading German space company OHB. New multimillion-pound investment from leading German space company OHB to support Plan for Change by creating specialist jobs in Bristol.

Yesterday :: Business
Chancellor's National Wealth Fund to deliver growth and boost security

Chancellor sets new strategy for National Wealth Fund to reflect our Plan for Change, unlocking billions of pounds of private investment into the UK. New strategic steer will see National Wealth Fund take on higher risk projects as government goes further and faster to kickstart economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower and boost security.

Yesterday :: Business
Changes to passport application fees

The government will introduce new fees for passport applications on 10 April 2025. The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.

17/3/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Sat, 29 Mar 1:00pm - Mothers Day Afternoon Tea

Entertainment from Junior members. See poster for tickets.

17/3/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Fri, 6 Jun 7:30pm - Darts Exhibition Night

Tickets from the bar from 14 March. Show starts at 7:15pm.

9/3/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Wed, 2 Apr 7:30pm - Evening concert

Venue: Mount Pleasant Primary School, Thurso Programme: Bizet - L'Arlessienne Suites 1 & 2, conducted by Susie Dingle Wagner - The Pilgrims' Chorus from Tannhauseer, conducted by James Doherty.

9/3/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Sat, 29 Mar 2:30pm - Afternoon concert

Venue: East Caithness Church of Scotland, Argyle Square, Wick. Programme: Bizet - L'Arlessienne Suites 1 & 2, conducted by Susie Dingle Wagner - The Pilgrims' Chorus from Tannhauser, conducted by James Doherty.

6/3/2025 :: Sutherland
More Rights For Victims Of Crime

More crime victims will get access to a range of information about the perpetrator and have a say on decisions about their prison release under newly unveiled justice reforms. Currently victims can register with the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) if the offender in their case has been sentenced to 18 months or more in prison, or with the Victim Information Scheme if the sentence was less than 18 months.

6/3/2025 :: Community
Celebrating World Book Day And The Importance Of Reading

Today is World Book Day, an important moment to reflect on the power of storytelling to inspire, educate and connect young people across the world. Reading is a fundamental right - one that opens doors, fuels imaginations and shapes futures.

5/3/2025 :: Community
We'd Just Switch Everything Off - Six In Ten Social Housing Tenants Go Without Essentials To Pay Rent

The following article is the result of research in England but Scotland may well be similar with a higher level of social housing. As of 31st March 2022, there were 2.7 million dwellings estimated in Scotland.

5/3/2025 :: Community
 
New Earlier Cancer Detection Campaign Focuses On Head And Neck Cancers

People across Scotland encouraged to get potential symptoms checked earlier. The latest phase of the Scottish Government's ‘Be the Early Bird' campaign has a new focus on head and neck cancer symptoms.

5/3/2025 :: Community
Community Organisations Invited To Submit Expressions Of Interests For Community Regeneration Funding

The Highland Council is inviting community groups and organisations to submit Expressions of Interest for Community Regeneration Funding (CRF) to finance capital projects that will respond to the needs of their local areas and deliver positive impacts. Community Regeneration Funding is an umbrella term being used to cover multiple community-led external funding programmes being administered by the Highland Council.

5/3/2025 :: Community
 
Members Of The Public Asked To Return Boots Paracetamol 500mg Tablets Due To Packaging Error

People who have purchased Boots Paracetamol 500mg Tablets 16s (Item code 81-99-922, Batch 241005, Expiry date 12/2029) are advised to stop using the product immediately and return it to a Boots store for a full refund, because of a packaging error. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a medicines recall alert due to a packaging error where the foil blister inside the carton incorrectly states ‘Aspirin 300mg Dispersible Tablets' instead of ‘Paracetamol 500mg Tablets'.

28/2/2025 :: Coming Events
Wed, 26 Mar 09:00am - Lybster Heritage Trust - AGM

Lybster Heritage Trust Annual General Meeting Wednesday 26th March 2025 at 0900 Waterlines, Shore Road, Lybster Harbour All Welcome Cheers Andrew.

28/2/2025 :: Sutherland
Successful Projects Highlighted At Harbours Management Board

When The Highland Council's Harbours Management Board met earlier today, (Friday 28 February 2025) members expressed their delight that two projects are bringing benefits to the council, the fishing industry and their local communities. The Highland Council manages approximately ninety ports, harbours and marine facilities, ten of which provide Marine Gas Oil (MGO) bunkering facilities.

28/2/2025 :: Arts
 
Boost For Gaelic Broadcasting - Supporting Gaelic Dramas

Gaelic language broadcasting is to receive an additional £1.8 million to help build on the success of BBC Alba's crime thriller An t-Eilean. The increase is contained in the Scottish Government's 2025/26 Budget and raises total funding for MG ALBA (the Gaelic Media Service) to £14.8 million in the upcoming financial year.

25/2/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Sat, 22 Mar 12:00pm - Science Festival Family Fun Day

Demonstrations, talks, stalls and more..

25/2/2025 :: Community
Extra Energy Bill Support For The Country

The government is bringing forward strengthened support for millions of households to help pay their energy bills next winter. Nearly 3 million more families would be eligible to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount next winter under new proposals to help people with their energy bills.

22/2/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Sun, 13 Apr 10:00am - Car Boot Sale - Latheron Village

See poster..

21/2/2025 :: Arts
Gaelic Teaching Hub Announced - £200,000 funding for sports bus and accommodation

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye is to be a Gaelic hub in the new Centre for Teaching Excellence, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has announced during a visit to the college. The Cabinet Secretary met with staff at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, during a visit to discuss the aims of the new Centre in providing opportunities for Gaelic teachers across the country.

21/2/2025 :: Arts
 
Regional Growth To Be Boosted By £67 Million For Culture Projects

Growth in jobs, tourism and regional regeneration to be ushered in by funding for major cultural projects across the UK. egional growth and regeneration will get a much-needed boost as 10 major culture projects across the UK will receive more than £67 million, the government confirmed this week.

21/2/2025 :: Arts
 
A Palestinian Film Is An Oscars Favorite − So Why Is It So Hard To See In The United States?

For many low-budget, independent films, an Oscar nomination is a golden ticket. The publicity can translate into theatrical releases or rereleases, along with more on-demand rentals and sales.

21/2/2025 :: Arts
 
Major Investment To Boost Growth And Cement Britain's Place As Cultural Powerhouse

Over £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in major boost for growth. Intervention is next step of Government's Plan for Change to help boost local economies and increase opportunities to gain creative skills.

21/2/2025 :: Arts
 
Jennie Lee Lecture - Arts For Everyone

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy yesterday (Thursday 20 February 2025) made an inaugural lecture marking the 60th anniversary of the first ever arts white paper. In 2019, as Britain tore itself apart over Brexit, against a backdrop of growing nationalism, anger and despair I sat down with the film director Danny Boyle to talk about the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony.

20/2/2025 :: Community
Adult Support And Protection Day 2025

Residents across Highland are being asked to be alert to vulnerable adults in their communities who are susceptible to financial harm. Adult Support and Protection Day takes place on Thursday 20 February 2025 and NHS Highland is urging everyone to report any concerns to ensure those in need are able to access support.