RGU did not follow ‘normal practice’ in appointing new principal
The chairman of crisis-hit Robert Gordon University has admitted that the board did not follow “normal custom and practice” in the way it appointed its new principal.
North-east Conservative councillor under fire for online burka posts
A north-east Conservative councillor has issued a fresh apology after becoming embroiled in a burka row.
Union blasts RGU over ‘jobs for the boys’ appointment of new principal
The Robert Gordon University’s new principal was immediately thrust into the centre of a fresh row last night after a leading trade union branded his appointment an example of “jobs for the boys”.
Transport secretary urged to resolve delay to cheaper Orkney ferry fares
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson is facing demands to outline how he will resolve a dispute that has delayed the introduction of cheaper fares on ferries to Orkney.
Calls for new ‘whisky tax’ to boost the coffers of an independent Scotland
Whisky producers should face extra taxes in an independent Scotland in order to boost the public purse, a leading economist has said.
Concern as police officer numbers fall in the north-east
Concerns have been raised about a drop in the number of “bobbies on the beat” in the north-east after new figures showed the region lost 27 police officers in a year.
Ministers urged to act on ‘scandalous’ bed-blocking increase
Campaigners have urged the Scottish Government to act on bed blocking after figures revealed it has risen by 10% in a year.
Theresa May recognises ‘iconic importance’ of Scotch whisky amid Brexit fears
Prime Minister Theresa May has spoken of the “iconic importance” of Scotch whisky as she vowed to fight to safeguard vital protections for the sector.
Fears of north-east ‘crisis’ after almost 40 deaths linked to celebrity drug
The north-east is feared to be in the grip of a “crisis” after almost 40 fatalities in the last 18 months were linked to a drug made infamous by celebrity deaths.
MEP calls for Skye to be made Scotland’s next national park in bid to protect stunning scenery
Skye has been backed to become Scotland’s next “national park” in an effort to protect its stunning scenery for future generations.
Governments urged to help Highland Council save rural bank services
The UK and Scottish governments were under pressure last night to step in and help Highland Council save rural banking services.
Future of Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding an ‘obstacle’ to Brexit deal
A failure to agree on the future of special protections for famous goods such as Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding could be holding up the UK’s Brexit deal.
Delight as Scottish ministers vow to keep free bus passes for over-60s
Free bus passes for over-60s have been spared the axe – and the scheme will now be extended to cover family members accompanying a disabled child.
Dozens of angry teachers in north and north-east condemn Primary 1 tests as ‘cruel nonsense’
Furious teachers from the north and north-east have told Scottish ministers that controversial Primary 1 tests are “cruel nonsense” and “completely inappropriate”.
North-east population drops as thousands leave area
The population of the north-east fell last year after more than 20,000 people moved away and far fewer arrived to make the region their home.
Scottish Government insists it has ‘absolutely no plans’ to merge NHS boards
The Scottish Government has again been forced to deny that it is plotting to merge health boards covering Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands and islands.
Crisis-cash applications continue to rise in the north-east
Crisis-cash applications are still growing in the north-east - but the number of struggling families seeking emergency grants fell in the Highlands and Moray last year.
Highland Council could move to save closure-threatened banks
Highland Council is considering taking over closed bank buildings and saving local services amid growing fears over the impact of axing branches.
Ambulance crews fail to meet response target in almost 40% of life threatening cases
Shock new figures show that ambulance crews are failing to meet their target response time in almost 40% of “life threatening” call-outs in the north and north-east.
Trump Estate plans could finally trigger community cash deal
Plans to build 500 homes would pave the way for Donald Trump’s north-east golf resort to make its first community payments – a decade after they were agreed.
RGU vice-principal quits over ‘unacceptable’ conduct of bosses and ‘extraordinary’ decision not to punish them
An Aberdeen university has been plunged into turmoil after its vice-principal quit in protest at the “unacceptable” conduct of its principal and another senior colleague.
UK and Scottish ministers told to stop bickering over broadband
MPs have told the UK and Scottish governments to stop bickering over broadband provision and get on with delivering investment.
Projects worth £1.5billion delayed or over-budget in north and north-east
Major projects worth a combined total of £1.5 billion are currently delayed or running over budget in the north and north-east, it has emerged.
Scottish MPs visit soft fruit farms amid escalating labour crisis
Scottish MPs have witnessed the escalating labour crisis facing soft fruit farms after a fact-finding mission to local producers yesterday.
Five injuries every day at mental health units in north and north-east
Concerns have been raised after it emerged an average of almost five people are injured every day in mental health units in the north and north-east.
Fresh call to protect status of Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding
New Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab was under fresh pressure last night to guarantee special protections for Scotch whisky after the UK quits the EU.
Scorn at claim Sutherland chosen for spaceport because it is close to Tory seats
A Labour frontbencher has claimed that north Sutherland was chosen to host the UK’s first spaceport because it is “close” to Tory seats – despite the nearest being 100-miles away.
Shetland space centre plans win ‘highly significant’ backing
Shetland has moved a major step towards hosting its own space centre – just days after plans for a satellite-launching site in Sutherland won backing.
Hopes raised of visa concessions to help Scottish fishermen
A UK Government minister has said he is “open to the idea” of bringing back concessions to allow more migrant workers into the inshore fishing sector.
RGU principal expresses ‘deep regret’ after failing to declare business link
The boss of Robert Gordon University has expressed “deep regret” after a probe found he did not declare his business relationship with the newly-appointed vice-principal.
RGU investigation was launched after whistleblower raised alarm
A dossier sent by an unnamed whistleblower raised the alarm about a conflict of interest at the top of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
RGU principal and vice-principal breached university’s conflict of interest policy
An investigation has found that Robert Gordon University's principal and vice-principal breached its conflict of interest policy by failing to declare their business relationship.