Yellow weather warning issued as snow and ice expected across north and north-east
A yellow 'be aware' weather warning has been issued by the Met Office, with snow and ice forecasted for the north and north-east today.
Western Isles Council
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.
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.
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.
Scottish island secures crucial milestone for new housing development
The Western Isles is set for a mini housing boom, with over 200 new properties expected to be developed over the course of the next year.
Western Isles schools to receive copy of new Iolaire book
As part of the Dileab project, every school in the Western Isles is to receive a signed copy of a new book exploring the Iolaire tragedy.
Dog owner hits out at Western Isles Council over collapsed case
An island dog owner has lashed out at Western Isles Council’s “judge, jury and executioner” style of handling complaints over animals.
Former taxi driver and councillor acquitted of sexual offences
A former councillor and taxi driver accused of a string of sexual offences has been acquitted of all charges at Stornoway Sheriff Court.
Assurance over abattoir service given by council
Western Isles Council says it is committed to maintaining abattoir services in Lewis and Harris.
Western Isles Council looking at developing a fleet of ferries ‘more in keeping’ with the west coast
The Scottish Government is looking at developing a fleet of ferries that is “more in keeping” with the west coast, says a council after meeting ministers.
Thousands attend Pride events in Inverness and Stornoway
Supporters have hailed the success of two weekend Pride marches across Inverness and Stornoway as a watershed moment for LGBT rights in the Highlands and Islands.
Gay pride row as Western Isles Council refuses to fly LGBT flag
A row has broken out over the Outer Hebrides first gay pride march after the isles’ council refused to fly an LGBT flag in support.
Western Isles Council making more sacrifices despite cutting 230 jobs already
Having already cut over 230 jobs, Western Isles Council has warned it has to make more “significant savings.”
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.
Aberdeenshire Council call centres leaving residents on hold for up to one hour
Frustrated residents are being left on hold for up to an hour to report urgent public health hazards, road defects and housing repairs.
Council will finally sell horse which lived in woman’s living room on Isle of Lewis
A council which won a four-year battle to remove a pony from the house it was being kept in may have finally found it a new home.
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.
Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles hail ‘historic’ Islands Bill becoming law
A major piece of legislation granting further powers to island communities has been signed into law by the Queen.
Housing initiative being developed in Western Isles
A new housing initiative is being developed in the Western Isles in a bid to help address the issue of depopulation of remote communities.
Western Isles councillor to face ethics panel over ‘failure to declare’
A Western Isles councillor is to face Scotland’s ethics watchdog after allegedly failing to declare company interests in a timely manner.
Western Isles Council confirm horse will get a new home after four-year ownership battle
A council that won a four-year possession battle over a horse that lived in a house with its owner is finally set to find it a new home.
Western Isles Council aims to fill hundreds of empty homes
Councillors on the Western Isles have backed proposals to introduce a dedicated officer to bring hundreds of empty homes back into use.
Call for action over ferry disruption
Calls for the Scottish Government to intervene in the ongoing ferry disruption saga are being made by Western Isles Council.
BiFab deal raises hopes of new work and “vibrant future” for Western Isles yard
A mothballed fabrication yard on the Western Isles was on the brink of being reborn last night after a landmark deal was struck to take over troubled firm BiFab.
North councils facing ‘ticking time bomb’ of population change
North councils are facing a demographic “ticking time bomb” that could accelerate cuts and make vital services unsustainable within a few years, according to a new report.
Jobs at risk after Highlands and Islands Airports announce decision to centralise air traffic control
Western Isles Council has voiced concerns over local jobs and security in the latest instalment of the “remote” air traffic control towers row.
BiFab urged to continue closure of its yard on Lewis – so it will be “ready to go” in the future
Engineering firm BiFab is being urged to place its closure-threatened yard on Lewis on “care and maintenance” so it can speedily restart operations when the market improves.
Ministers under pressure amid fears Arnish yard on Lewis is on the brink of closure
Scottish ministers were under growing pressure last night to step in to save the Arnish yard in Lewis amid fears it could shut down within days.
Budget deal secures £40million extra for north and north-east – but cuts threat remains
A budget deal has handed councils across the north and north-east a £40million boost – but leaders warned that threat of severe service cuts remained.
Councils across Scotland considering plastic straw ban
Councils across Scotland are considering banning plastic straws after a campaign which began with a school trip to the Highlands.
New council funding revealed after Holyrood “blunder” claims
Grants for Scottish councils have been re-calculated just weeks before they set their budgets – with Moray and Aberdeen City among the authorities losing out.