News Archive

Scottish Independence - Aye or Nae?

Last week 120 students and staff at North Highland College UHI attended an in-house Independence Referendum debate "Aye or Nae".   The event was organised by members within the college to better inform students and staff for their vote in September.  

Dogs Trust to host microchipping event at Thurso and Wick

Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity with two rehoming centres in Scotland, has teamed up with The Highland Council to provide free microchipping for all dogs in the Highlands.   From 6th June -10th June, roving teams of Dogs Trust representatives will be spending a week touring the Highlands, providing free chips to local dog owners at five different locations.  

TUC urges unions and disability organisations to campaign together against attacks on disabled people

Speaking at the TUC's annual disabled workers conference in London today (Thursday 29th May 2014) TUC Assistant General Secretary Paul Nowak urged unions and disability organisations to come together to campaign against government attacks on the welfare state.   Speaking at the event in Congress House he said "The past four years have been tough for disabled people in Britain.  

Google Self Drive Car in Action

The Google self-driving car navigates some common scenarios on city streets near the Googleplex.   Learn more: http://goo.gl/LKlBZQ.  

Would you like to open your doors this year?

People with interesting buildings in The Highland Council area which are not normally open to the public are being invited to open them up for a day as part of the Highland Doors Open Days programme in September this year.   Highland Doors Open Days is part of the Scottish Doors Open Days programme, which is, in turn, part of the European Heritage Days initiative.  

Ackergill Tower Opened Again After £1 million Refurbishment

Ackergill Tower is a fifteenth century Caithness castle that has been for a few years the only five-star hotel in Caithness.   It has reopened after a £1 million refurbishment following a fire earlier in 2014 which police said they were treating as suspicious.  

Pentland Model Boat Club 2014 Show

Another good entry for the 2014 model boat show run each year by Pentland Model Boat Club.   The winning entries in each of the categories chosen by the judges were - Warships - K80 - Ian Moore Search and Rescue - Taylors Thurso Life Boat - Ted Miller Fishing Boats - Thorsa - Ian Mackintosh Work Boats - Ballachylist - Dave Lambert Leisure Boats - Jet Stream - Ted Miller Sailing Boats - Grand Banks Schooner - Billy Mackintosh The overall winner was Ted Miller for his Taylors Thurso Lifeboat.  

Pulteneytown People's Project - Funded Opportunities for SVQ Qualifications and Modern Apprentice

PPP are offering a unique opportunity for people who would like to train to work in the following fields; Social Services and Healthcare (Adults) Social Services and Healthcare (Children and Young People) Playwork (playgroups, nurseries, out of school care or play-schemes) PPP have secured funding from the Highland Councils Deprived Area Fund to deliver Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ’s).  These opportunities are open to anyone over the age of 16 whether they are employed or unemployed.  

Magazine Bag Holds Information Trail For Highland Parents

Highland parents are to receive a free and handy magazine bag to help them store health information that is given to them throughout pregnancy and until their child is 5 years old.   The Highland Council and partners NHS Highland, Everything Baby Highland, and Highland Real Nappy Project introduced the new “Mag-Bag” today (Wednesday 21 May 2014) to members of the Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee.  

Saga Sapphire Probably The Biggest Passenger Liner To Pass Pentland Firth

Biggest passenger ship passes through Pentland Firth's narrow Inner Sound, in between Caithness's Canisbay shoreline and Stroma Island.   The 37,300 tonne, 200 metre (655 feet) long cruise liner Saga Sapphire has become the largest passenger ship at least in decades, if not ever, to navigate the Pentland Firth's Inner Sound.