The number of unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland fell from 797 last month to 752. The revised unemployment rates in the Sutherland, Wick and Thurso ‘Travel to Work Areas’ respectively are as follows (corresponding figures for last month are shown in brackets) 5.2% (5.4%), 4.8% (5.3%) and 2.8% (3.0%).

317 young people are currently on Skillseekers, 301 of whom are employed status trainees. There were a total of 5 Level III vocational qualifications achieved, including Matthew Polson from Thurso, who attained his VQ in the Installation & Maintenance of Domestic Gas Appliances.

252 Modern Apprentices are currently in training, including 17 new starts. Alisdair Macleod, Kinlochbervie; Fiona Anderson, Thurso; and Christopher Cowie, Thurso, all achieved their MA certificates. Alisdair achieved his qualification in Heavy Vehicle Repair & Maintenance, while Fiona and Christopher both attained VQs in Customer Service.

There are currently 34 participants on Training For Work. Ellie Morrison from Golspie and Kelvin Bannister from Helmsdale both achieved Positive Outcomes by going into employment following their period on the programme.

14 participants started on Gateway, while a further 33 people went into a variety of employment and training options.

Claymore Dairies Ltd, Wick, were awarded assistance of £5,300 towards plant and equipment costs relating to their relocation from their former premises in Station Road to the Airport Industrial Estate.

Also assisted was Andrew Hughes of Castle Falconry, Golspie. He was awarded £1,200 towards the purchase of a Golden Eagle for use in his popular birds of prey display at Dunrobin Castle.

There were a total of 4 approvals, including assistance for Kathryn Mackay, Thurso, towards providing a physiotherapy service based in the Ormlie Hill Dental surgery. Kathryn will also provide a mobile service and expects to work with various community groups and individuals on a range of ailments including sports injuries and arthritis.

Larry Stewart, Golspie has received assistance towards establishing a specialist business with his father and brother. Charles Stewart & Sons Ltd. will concentrate solely on an innovative new technique for lining chimneys. Also assisted were Richard M Davies, Dornoch, towards a furniture making and woodturning business, and Ken Rodger, Dornoch, towards starting an IT Consultancy business.

Skibo Ltd, Dornoch, were awarded assistance of £5,000 towards computer accounts training, while Graham Begg Ltd., Wick, received approval of £318.30 towards sales training. Also assisted were J&C Grant, Lybster, towards the cost of undertaking a course on the rectal scanning of cattle.

Mark Edwards, Tongue, and Strathmore Lodge, Westerdale were assisted with the cost of developing websites. Mark Edwards also received assistance with the purchase of specialist equipment.

A & D Sutherland, Spittal, was awarded assistance of £743 towards a direct marketing campaign while Caithness Goose Company, Thrumster, was awarded £363 towards packaging and direct marketing.  Also assisted was Artfire, Lairg, who will receive up to £875 towards the cost of attending the Scottish International Trade Fair.

Highland Council are to receive up to £1,000 towards the cost of Wild Encounters 2003, a week of wildlife tourism events organised by the Highland Council's Ranger Service.

The Royal Caledonian Curling Club have received approval of £2,000 towards the cost of appointing a Highland Curling Development Officer to promote the sport, while Reels on Wheels NWH are to receive up to £1,002 towards establishing a mobile community film society.

Berridale & Dunbeath Community Council are to be assisted with the cost of purchasing festive lighting, while Sutherland Schools Pipe Band and St Fergus Bowling Club are both to be assisted with purchasing additional equipment.

Assynt Footpath Group are to receive up to £601 towards the cost of footpath construction training.

There were croft out-goer approvals for Moir Longmuir, Strathy, and Dorothy McLennan, Dornoch. Calum Cook and Lynne Mahoney received in-goer payment for their crofts in Strathy and Dornoch respectively.

Melness Pier Development Group, have received approval of up to £3,965 to enable them to undertake a technical study for development at the pier, while Rosehall & District Action Group have received approval of up to £1,600 to assist with the 'Rosehall Trails' network. Also assisted was Durness Development Group, to assist with the cost of a Youth Supervisor/Liason post.

Inver Lodge Hotel in Lochinver has retained their Investor in People status following their recent re-assessment.

SKILLSEEKERS - Vocational qualifications achieved

MODERN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME - Modern Apprenticeship certificates achieved

Bonus payments are paid to the Training Provider for every trainee who goes from the scheme to employment (including self-employment) or further education.