Pay deal struck for thousands of staff in Scotland’s colleges
Thousands of college staff in Scotland are poised to receive a pay rise after a £14million deal was struck with trade unions.
MP issues fresh call to scrap ‘energy tax’ on north families
The UK Government was under fresh pressure last night to end its “energy tax” on communities in the north and north-east.
Shock as north-east hit by ‘staggering’ spike in winter deaths
Shock figures have revealed a “staggering” spike in the number of people dying in the north-east last winter.
E-mails reveal how RGU vice-principal branded cronyism row a ‘conspiracy theory’
The academic at the centre of Robert Gordon University’s cronyism row privately dismissed the issue as a “conspiracy theory”.
‘The people equation’: Looming crisis of depopulation back at top of the agenda
A new phrase was coined by the head of Highlands and Islands Enterprise last week to describe the region’s most pressing problem.
Advertising watchdog vows to ‘put a lid’ on false delivery charge claims
The boss of Britain’s advertising watchdog has vowed to “put a lid” on false delivery charge claims as he hailed the success of a recent crackdown.
Minister warns SPFL to avoid any repeat of the League Cup semi-final fiasco
A Scottish Government minister has warned the SPFL to ensure there is no repeat of the League Cup semi-final fiasco as hopes were raised of a breakthrough last night.
Fort William wheel plant could help secure UK car industry after Brexit
A new alloy wheel production plant in Fort William could help secure the UK’s car manufacturing industry after Brexit, it has been claimed.
Health secretary under fire for refusing to meet north-east campaigners
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has been criticised for refusing to meet a north-east campaign group battling for improved services for sufferers of a rare skin condition.
More than 1,000 representations made to RBS branch review team
A review of 10 closure-threatened RBS branches was launched in June after the bank appointed accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael to conduct the study.
Blow to four Highland communities as RBS confirms branch closures
RBS was accused of dealing a “disastrous” blow to Highland communities last night after the bailed-out bank confirmed that four more local branches will be axed.
MSPs spent thousands of pounds on hotel meals, taxis and stamps
A north-east MSP spent almost £1,200 on meals in Edinburgh hotels last year, while another forked out £4,350 on postage stamps.
Nicola Sturgeon signals potential U-turn on ‘tourist tax’ powers
Nicola Sturgeon has signalled that the Scottish Government could perform a U-turn and grant councils the power to levy a “tourist tax”.
Ferry boss admits investment is ‘significantly lower than we would like’
The boss of the firm which owns CalMac ferries and harbours around the country has said that current investment levels are less than half of the amount required.
Campaign to win new protections for music venues in Aberdeen clears key hurdle
Live music venues have moved a major step closer to securing more legal protections against new housing developments.
Minister to ask why Aberdonians can not board train called ‘The Aberdonian’
A Scottish Government minister has vowed to ask the operators of a new steam train called “The Aberdonian” why Aberdonians can not get on board.
Brexit branded the ‘biggest challenge’ facing the Highlands and islands
MSPs have been told that Brexit it is the “biggest challenge” facing the Highlands and islands – and that it could jeopardise the booming tourism and food and drink sectors.
Crime falls by 12% in Aberdeen, Shetland and the Western Isles
Crime in Aberdeen, Shetland and the Western Isles has plummeted by 12% in the last year – the biggest reductions in Scotland.
Longest recorded cancer wait is in the Highlands
A suspected cancer sufferer in the Highlands has been waiting 289 days for treatment – the longest delay in Scotland.
Concern over ‘vast disparity’ in classroom assistant numbers
Concerns have been raised after new figures exposed a “vast disparity” in the number of classroom assistants in schools across Scotland.
New evidence shows how tax hikes hit whisky production
New research has shown that whisky production levels reduce when taxes are hiked up by the government.
RGU vice-principal leaves firm at heart of ‘cronyism’ row
A controversial business relationship that was at the heart of Robert Gordon University’s “cronyism” row has now been terminated.
RBS urged to review the way it serves rural communities in the north
The Royal Bank of Scotland has been urged to order a review into the way it serves rural communities as MSPs joined forces to condemn bank branch closures yesterday.
Inquiry into ‘jobs for the boys’ controversy at RGU poised to start
An inquiry into the “jobs for the boys” controversy at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen will get under way this week.
Remote communities told to work longer to avoid population crisis
Residents in remote communities in Scotland have been told they should work longer into their old age rather than relying on immigration to boost fragile populations.
S4 pupils suffer subject choice ‘postcode lottery’ in Scotland
A leading academic has told MSPs that a cut in school subject choice in many areas has created a “postcode lottery” for pupils.
RAF Lossiemouth could be key bargaining tool to secure Nato membership for independent Scotland
RAF Lossiemouth could be used as a key bargaining tool to secure Nato membership for an independent Scotland, it has been claimed.
Nicola Sturgeon’s touching letters to youngsters revealed
Nicola Sturgeon has been taking time out of her busy schedule to respond to touching letters from young children who are eager to see wolves reintroduced to the Highlands.
SNP MSP urges Scottish Government to hold ‘tourist tax’ consultation
An SNP MSP has called on the Scottish Government to hold a consultation on the proposed introduction of a “tourist tax” in the Highlands.
The roots of Brexit run deep but what it lets loose is what will define this period
Right now, it would appear to be a historic blunder that has left Britain deeply divided and stumbling towards the abyss.
‘Tax tourists to pay for new public toilets’
The power to tax tourists could enable councils in the Highlands and Aberdeen to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in local infrastructure and facilities.
Scotland’s child mental health services too ‘complex and fragmented’
A powerful watchdog has warned that mental health services for children are too “complex and fragmented” and the system is under “significant pressure”.