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Today :: Business
Home truths: the only thing Labour is building is a bigger, more dysfunctional housing market

George Monbiot writing in the Guardian on 26 January 2025 has set out the reasons why the country is still struggling to provide enough houses. Summed up in one sentence - Private developers offer politicians a simple solution for bulldozing through this crisis - build more.

Today :: Business
IGA Invited to Meeting by The Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP, to Discuss Impact of MOT Fee Cap

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is pleased to announce they have been invited to a meeting by The Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP, to discuss the critical financial challenges posed by the stagnant MOT fee cap, which has not seen an increase in over 14 years. The meeting will focus on the essential nature of MOT tests in maintaining the UK's road safety record and improving environmental standards, whilst emphasising how the unchanging fee amidst significant rising operational costs threatens the viability of independent garages.

Today :: Business
The Fiscal Drag Started By the Tories But Labour Are Keeping It Going - The impact of frozen or reduced personal tax thresholds

Many personal tax thresholds have been frozen in cash terms since April 2021, whereas previously most were due to rise in line with CPI inflation. The resulting ‘fiscal drag' is set to raise significant sums as the average effective tax rate (total tax paid as a share of total income) rises more quickly over time.

Today :: Business
The removal of the Winter Fuel Payment from UK pensioners has had significant economic effects

More than 2.5 million pensioners who lost their Winter Fuel Payments are struggling to live on incomes below the level needed for a dignified standard of living. Many pensioners are now forced to choose between heating their homes and other essential expenses, such as food.

Today :: Business
Will Brussels Finally Hit Russian Fertilizers? Farmers Costs May Rise And Consumers Pay Higher Food Prices

As the Ukraine war goes on yet another affect for European farmers is now in view. Reported by Rikard Jozwiak, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Today :: Business
Scotland's livestock marts providing good trading ground for machinery, industrial and liquidation sales

Expanding into online used machinery, industrial equipment and liquidation sales is proving good business for a number of Scotland's livestock marts, says Neil Wilson, Executive Director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS). Reports are showing a marked uplift on non-livestock sales year-on-year as demand goes beyond traditional farming-related items.

Today :: Business
 
£5m approved for Scapa Deep Water Quay

Ambitious plans to create a major new renewables hub in Orkney have been accelerated with a £5m grant to help take the project to the next stage. The funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will further the development of a new harbour facility for the assembly of offshore wind turbines at Scapa Flow - the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere.

Today :: Business
HIE welcomes report of £8bn wave and tidal energy potential

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed a new report into the economic potential of wave and tidal energy for Scotland. The study was carried out by the Policy and Innovation Group, part of the Institute for Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh (UoE).

Today :: Business
Increasingly complex tax system burdens government and business with billions in admin costs

HMRC's costs of administering the tax system increased by 15% (£563 million) in real terms between 2019-20 and 2023-24, with tax revenue rising at a similar rate. £15.4 billion estimated annual cost on businesses to comply with the tax system - but this is likely to be an understatement, and there is no equivalent estimate for individuals.

Yesterday :: Community
Farr ELC And Primary Schools Receive Positive Education Scotland Reports

Farr ELC and Primary School have received positive reports following their most recent inspection by Education Scotland. Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: "The recent inspection at the Farr ELC and Primary School from Education Scotland received a very positive report, reflecting the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the caring staff at the settings, to create an inclusive, safe and nurturing ethos for all pupils attending.

Yesterday :: Arts
The National Archives To Establish New Hub For Community-led Research In The Cultural Heritage Sector

Staff working in galleries, libraries, archives and museums around the UK will soon be able to ask The National Archives for help funding community-led research projects, following a generous £1 million award by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The project, known as Spaces, Places and Belonging, will help a wider range of people engage with cultural organisations.

Yesterday :: Community
Online enrolment opens for Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) providers

Online enrolment opens today (Monday 10 February 2025), for all Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) providers, including local authority nurseries, partner settings and commissioned childminders. The enrolment week for all ELC places is from Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February 2025.

Yesterday :: Business
 
How BADLY is the UK economy doing?

A look at problems facing UK economy and recent Bank of England's decision to downgrade growth forecast and increase inflation..

9/2/2025 :: Arts
Gaelic Digital Challenge Fund - Exciting Opportunity For Storytellers

Young Gaelic speakers with a passion for digital storytelling are invited to register their interest for the chance of receiving one of five grants of £5,000, designed to bring their innovative ideas to life. The Gaelic Digital Challenge Fund is being launched by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to develop creative approaches that bring authentic Gaelic stories to life on digital platforms.

8/2/2025 :: Community
 
£15 Million Food Surplus Fund Now Open For Applications

Food redistribution charities can now submit applications for a new £15 million Government scheme, which is helping to ensure surplus food is delivered to those who need it. Every year, an estimated 330,000 tonnes of edible food is either wasted or repurposed as animal feed before leaving farm gates.

7/2/2025 :: Community
Improving Miscarriage Care

Women can expect improved miscarriage care Public Health and Women's Health Minister Jenni Minto has pledged, after unveiling a new framework, backed by £1.5 million funding. The framework sets out a range of actions for Scotland’s NHS boards to implement, including ensuring that women going through miscarriage have a separate, private space.

6/2/2025 :: Community
Fairer Funding For Charities

A new Fairer Funding pilot to deliver on the Scottish Government's top priority of eradicating child poverty will provide additional multi-year funding in the form of 45 grants to organisations across Scotland. The funding, subject to budget approval, will support projects in areas including health, education, poverty and culture and have a total value of £61.7 million in 2025-26 and £63.2 million in 2026- 27.

5/2/2025 :: Community
Improving Local Support For Families

Services providing local support for families will receive additional funding in the Scottish Budget, First Minister John Swinney has announced on the fifth anniversary of The Promise. Following an agreement with COSLA, the share of Whole Family Wellbeing Funding (WFWF) provided to Children's Services Planning Partnerships (CSPP) will increase by £6 million in the next financial year and remain at that level the following year.

3/2/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Sat, 19 Apr 8:30pm - Charity Dance

Tickets are selling fast!!. Why not contact Tracy to book your tickets before it's a sellout!.

3/2/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Tue, 18 Feb 8:00pm - Soundbath Class - Relax and Reset

See poster for details..

3/2/2025 :: Community
Government encourages victims Of Sexual Violence To Seek Support

Victims of rape and sexual abuse are being encouraged to seek vital support through a new Government campaign. New campaign to raise awareness of 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line..

31/1/2025 :: Arts
Creative Scotland multi-year funding: Ministerial statement

Statement made by Angus Robertson MSP, Culture Secretary to Parliament on Thursday 30 January 2025. Presiding Officer, thank you for the opportunity to address parliament today regarding Creative Scotland's Multi-Year Funding programme and today's announcement of successful applicants.

29/1/2025 :: Community
Improving Lives For People With Learning Disabilities

People with learning disabilities will be supported to reach their full potential through a £1.6 million fund. The Learning Disability Support Fund will be available to third sector organisations to enable them to promote equality and inclusion and improve access to health services and social activities for people with learning disabilities.

28/1/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Tue, 11 Feb 7:00pm - Conservation Care

A presentation by Richard Aitken of Highlife Highland's Conservation Service. Learn how to store and handle old books, documents, photos etc.

27/1/2025 :: Community
 
Why Is It That Consumers Are Planning To Spend Less?

UK consumers think there's trouble ahead and are cutting their spending as a result. That's the combined fault of the Bank of England and Rachel Reeves, and no one else but them can put matters right.

27/1/2025 :: Community
Online Enrolment Opens Today For 2025 Primary 1 Places

The Highland Council is inviting parents and carers to enrol their child online for the next school session starting on 19 August 2025. If your child will be five years of age on or before 28 February 2026, they are eligible to enrol for Primary 1.

27/1/2025 :: Arts
Seizure Of Sally Mann's Photographs In Texas Revives Old Debates About Obscenity And Freedom Of Expression

The following article is from the Conversation web site. The author Amy Werbel, Professor of the History of Art, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has gathered a large number of links describing the situation and the history of the problem.

25/1/2025 :: Sutherland
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone - Zone Declared In Scotland And England

Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and other captive birds, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer from Scotland and Chief Veterinary Officer from England have declared a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds. This means that from 12:00 noon on Saturday 25 January, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Scotland and England to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.

24/1/2025 :: Sutherland
 
Sellafield Awards £95m Industrial Services Framework

KAEFER UK & Ireland has clinched a four year framework to provide critical services to the Sellafield site. The company will supply access systems plus asbestos and insulation support under the Access Services and Insulation framework.

24/1/2025 :: Arts
Culture Secretary Speech At The Creative Industries Growth Summit

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's speech on government plans to grow the creative industries, at the Creative Industries Growth Summit in Gateshead. Welcome to the first Creative Industries Growth Summit.

23/1/2025 :: Sutherland
Better Protection For Victims Thanks To New Law On Sexually Explicit Deepfakes

Malicious predators who create sexually explicit deepfakes without consent can expect to face the full force of the law under a new amendment to legislation. New offence to be introduced as part of Data (Use and Access) Bill Law targets artificial images showing someone naked or engaging in sexual acts.

23/1/2025 :: Arts
 
Where Can You See Art In Caithness

Thurso Art Gallery (Swanson): Located within Thurso Library, this gallery hosts a year-round program of exhibitions featuring a diverse range of artwork from local artists. You can find drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, photography, film, multimedia, and digital artwork.

23/1/2025 :: Arts
Showcase Scotland Celebrates 25th Birthday By Shining Spotlight On Scottish And Irish Musical Talent

Showcase Scotland, the music industry event held as part of Celtic Connections in partnership with Innis & Gunn, is celebrating its 25th birthday with a five-day programme at this year's festival. The showcase introduces delegates from around the world to the Scottish music sector and encourages international cultural collaboration.

23/1/2025 :: Arts
 
Celtic Connections Banishes Winter Blues In Glasgow

Celtic Connections in partnership with Innis & Gunn will transform Glasgow into a global epicentre of traditional, folk, world and roots music, at the premier winter festival underway with household names, secret line ups, debut performances, unique collaborations and the piloting of a new venue. The UNESCO City of Music will welcome "the music of the people" to the biggest possible stages for thousands to enjoy over the next 18 days as the 32nd edition of the world-renowned festival, delivered by Glasgow Life, gears up to do what it does best - banish the January blues.

23/1/2025 :: Arts
Free Exhibition At National Galleries Of Scotland - Works By Everlyn Nicodemus

Spanning the gallery's entire ground floor, Everlyn Nicodemus opens on 19 October 2024 until 25 May 2025, and is free for everyone to enjoy. Experience Everlyn's joyful, defiant and searingly honest artworks, with over 80 drawings, collages, paintings and textiles from over 40 years of her career, from 1980 through to the present day.

23/1/2025 :: Arts
 
The National Gallery - The Carracci Cartoons: Myths In The Making

Coinciding with our 'C C Land: The Wonder of Art' re-hang, this spring the National Gallery will present the Carracci cartoons (about 1599) in Room 1. This is a rare chance to see these extraordinary works which, at nearly four metres wide and two metres tall and in the delicate medium of charcoal and white chalk, are not often displayed.

22/1/2025 :: Sutherland
 
Actuaries Highlight The Increasing Risk Of Planetary Insolvency

A new report explores a framework for global climate risk management and includes contributions from an actuary at the Government Actuary's Department. Georgi Bedenham, an actuary from the Government Actuary's Department (GAD), is co-author of a new report, Planetary Solvency - finding our balance with nature.

21/1/2025 :: Coming Events
Wed, 12 Feb 7:00pm - Thurso RNLI Fundraising Committee AGM

Thurso RNLI Fundraising Committee AGM.

21/1/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Sat, 15 Feb 7:30pm - Quiz Time At Reiss Hall

Teams of 2, 3 or 4.

20/1/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Sat, 15 Feb 4:00pm - Street Food Buffet Night

A buffet night with a difference. Booking Essential..

17/1/2025 :: Coming Events
 
Fri, 6 Jun 12:00am - Darts Exhibition Night

We have the honour of welcoming the following players. * Adrian Lewis - 2x World Champion * Chris Dobey - World #10, 2023 Masters Champion and current Premier League player * Joe Cullen - World #23, 2022 Masters Champion.