Two day budget seminar leaves Highland councillors upbeat
Highland councillors are in positive mode after a two day intensive seminar tackling the council’s ever-deepening budget challenge and looking at new ways of doing things.
Highland Council
Highland Council cracks the whip to make budgets balance
Highland Council’s budget leader has given the P&J exclusive insight into the radical changes the local authority is making to deal with a funding shortfall of more than £30million this year, and further cuts anticipated in the coming years.
Road closure after debris falls property on Montague Row
Police in Inverness closed a city street yesterday after debris fell from the roof of a property.
Funeral poverty fears as further hike planned to ‘scandalous’ charges
As part of the P&J’s week-long series on the challenges grieving families face when a loved one dies, Calum Ross today investigates the soaring cost of funerals.
Revealed: Dozens of local cemeteries on the brink of running out of graves
Graveyards are on the brink of running out of space for new burials in dozens of communities across the north and north-east, it can be revealed.
Community school seeking new headteacher just three months after opening
A community owned school – which has been described as the first enterprise of its kind in Scotland – is looking for a new headteacher just three months after opening.
Councils insist they have ‘plans are in place’ to address cemetery capacity concerns
Local authorities have admitted they are under “pressure” to act on cemetery provision but insisted that “plans are in place” for many sites.
Tributes pour in after Highland rugby stalwart died suddenly aged 62
Highland rugby stalwart Alister Wemyss, who had latterly served as a coach for Highland Rugby Club, has died suddenly at the age of 62.
Over 40 jobs saved as Highland childcare service handed lifeline
A Highland childcare service forced to close its doors before Christmas has been awarded a rescue package - saving over 40 jobs.
Tributes pour in after Highland rugby stalwart passes suddenly aged 62
Highland rugby stalwart Alister ‘Porky’ Wemyss, who still served as a coach for Highland Rugby Club, has passed suddenly at the age of 62.
Man arrested following ‘bogus workman’ offences in Fort William
A man has been arrested after reports of "bogus workmen" in Fort William.
420 pupils forced to evacuate Inverness primary school following suspected gas leak
Hundreds of primary school pupils were evacuated from an Inverness school yesterday following fears of a suspected gas leak.
New school bus will go Farr for Highland school pupils
Pupils at Farr High School in the Highlands are celebrating after taking ownership of a brand new school bus thanks to funding from a local land conservation and tourism company.
‘Challenging scenario’ after shock budget cut for Highland Council
Highland Council bosses have warned of a 'challenging scenario' after receiving millions of pounds less in funding than expected.
Mountaineers challenge Highland Council over developments at the iconic Glen Etive
Mountaineers yesterday challenged Highland Council over its stewardship of one of Scotland’s most scenic and iconic glens.
Mountaineers demand better protection of Glen Etive amid hydro power plans
Mountaineers have called on a local authority to reconsider its options over plans for hydro power construction schemes in a famous glen.
Protestors say proposed Skye aerodrome reopening will ‘subsidise rich people’s flights to the island’
Skye residents have urged agencies to think again over plans to trial the reintroduction of air services to the island’s Ashaig Airport.
Highland Council spends £1.2m on ‘gagging orders’
Cash-strapped Highland Council has splashed out almost £1.2million on “secret settlements” with staff – sparking calls for greater scrutiny of public funds.
Two north primary schools shut due to lack of heating, water and power
A Highland primary school has had to close to pupils today.
Moray bill for agency workers rockets by 204% while union demands training for apprentices
Council bosses have been urged to invest in training more apprentices to reduce spending on costly temporary agency workers.
Drivers ready as new transport operator takes on Highland school routes
Preparations are in place for the transfer of some school transport routes from Stagecoach to D&E Coaches.
Highland Council encouraging participation in Inverness walking and cycling links consultation
Highland Council has issued an appeal to members of the public to come forward and share their views over proposals to make the area surrounding Academy Street and Inverness Railway Station more appealing.
Highland Council to hold teacher recruitment drive
Highland Council has said it is open to hearing ideas on how to attract teachers to the region.
Daughter and carer of elderly Aultbea couple facing deportation to Philippines following visa dispute
Concerns have been raised about the future of two Aultbea residents whose daughter has been refused a visa to stay in the UK.
Caithness resident raises money to buy walking gritter
Last winter, he waged a one-man battle against the Beast from the East to keep his neighbours mobile.
Planning application for River Ness artwork lodged
Plans for a ‘Gathering Place' at the heart of Inverness have taken a major step forward following the submission of a planning application.
Police probe alleged race hate crime against Highland teacher
Police are probing allegations of a race hate crime against a teacher at a Highland school.
Councils across the north facing multi-million pound shortfalls
Councils across the north have said they are facing multi-million pound funding shortfalls as a result of the annual grants announced by the Scottish Government this week.
Aberdeen council leader’s anger at Derek Mackay’s `Scrooge’ budget
Aberdeen council leaders have accused Derek Mackay of delivering a “Scrooge”-like budget that has cut almost £60 million to one of the city’s key funds for public services since 2016/17.
Tour firm ‘could go bust’ following Ackergill Tower’s abrupt closure
A holiday operator fears his business could go bust following the sudden closure of a historic north hotel he has made more than £40,000 worth of bookings at.
Winter wonderland event brings Whin Park to life
Hundreds of families from across the north braved the cold weather over the weekend for the city’s annual winter festival.
Hundreds of cabs banned from roads for failing taxi safety checks
Hundreds of taxis are being banned from the roads every year for failing routine council safety checks.