Eligible candidates are reminded that the deadline for returning nomination papers to seek election to the new Crofting Commission is 4 pm on Thursday 26 January.   Six people will be elected by Scotland's crofting community to represent their interests on the Crofting Commission, which will come into effect on 1 April 2012 when it will replace the current Crofters Commission.   ... [more]

More than £5 million was contributed to the Scottish economy as a result of the 2011 Barclays Scottish Open, according to a study released today.  This figure includes £4 million to the economy of the Highlands and Islands.   ... [more]

As a matter of urgency, Highland Council roads officials have been asked to bring forward options for a long term solution that provides a secure transport link between Wester Ross and Lochalsh.   The move came at the Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee today (Thursday) as the result of the closure of the A 890 Stromeferry Bypass - which takes traffic from Lochcarron to Kyle/Plockton and on to Skye - due to landslides and the continuing danger of rock fall.   ... [more]

What can ERI do for you? Our courses allow you to study for a postgraduate certificate, a diploma, an MSc or take individual modules for Continuing Professional Development and can be taken on a full- or part-time basis.   The ERI invites you to a buffet and drinks evening.   ... [more]

What can ERI do for you? Our courses allow you to study for a postgraduate certificate, a diploma, an MSc or take individual modules for Continuing Professional Development and can be taken on a full- or part-time basis.   The ERI invites you to a buffet and drinks evening.   ... [more]

All the information to stand in the Crofting Commission Elections can be found at http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/elections/croftingcommission/.   ... [more]

The Highland Council started work earlier this week on a notorious section of sub-standard lifeline road in Moidart - at Drynie Hill.   During the contract, Monday through to Friday there will be a temporary road closure in place between 10am and 12:25pm and 1.10pm to 3:30 pm to safely carry out vital tree felling and blasting works.   ... [more]

Pupils from the Lochcarron area will continue to travel to Plockton High School by train for the rest of this week as their normal route - via the A890 Stromeferry By-pass - remains closed due the threat of rockfall.   On Monday 9 January 2012 46 pupils from the Lochcarron area travelled to Plockton High School by train.   ... [more]

The Scotland-wide series of public meetings about the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have kicked off again this week.   After a meeting in Stornoway on Monday, the meetings continue tonight in Lerwick and tomorrow (Wednesday) in Kirkwall.   ... [more]

A drive to cut needless bureaucracy for Scottish farmers was launched today by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead.   A working group is being established to consider how to reduce the red tape associated with farming.   ... [more]

The First Minister Alex Salmond will travel to the Middle East next week to sign a ground-breaking deal on renewables.   Mr Salmond will sign Scotland up to a landmark agreement to develop tangible green energy products with the world's leading innovator, Masdar, based in Abu Dhabi.   ... [more]

Finance Secretary John Swinney today met some of the young people benefitting from Forestry Commission employment programmes in Scotland.   Mr Swinney spent the morning with trainees who are gaining employability skills and experience by helping to improve one of Scotland's main cycle routes near Uddingston in South Lanarkshire.   ... [more]

Raigmore Hospital today 10 January 2012, welcomed Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health, to officially open the new £5.1 million purpose built, Cardiac and Interventional Radiology Suite.   Dr Peter Clarkson, Head of Service for Cardiology, explained that cardiology services being provided in Highland have increased over the past few years and the new unit brings a wide range of benefits to cardiology patients.   ... [more]

Police re-issue advice following card skimming incident in Inverness.   Northern Constabulary is re-issuing advice about some of the things members of the public can do to avoid becoming victims of card skimming following an incident at Morrisons in Inverness at the weekend.   ... [more]

The Highland Council is working to secure the services of a car and a passenger ferry - along with feeder bus services - which it will introduce next week as an emergency measure in the wake of the ongoing closure of the A 890 Stromeferry By-pass between Lochcarron and Plockton/Kyle.   The ferries are needed because the Council has been advised by consultants that the road must remain closed to traffic until works to make the rock face safe are completed, following landslides at a point 100 yards west of the Avalanche Shelter, as there is still a significant risk of further rock falls affecting the road.   ... [more]

First Crofting Commission elections begin as Minister names appointed members.   The starting gun for the first ever crofting elections was fired today with the official publication of the Notice of Elections.   ... [more]

An innovative project to recycle thousands of computers for use by communities and deserving children across the Scottish Highlands has been launched, in a festive season boost for many in the area.   The huge initiative to renovate equipment for re-use instead of landfill is funded by technology company Fujitsu and The Highland Council.   ... [more]

Yes - it is very wild today but next weekend it'll be fine...and the Halladale Film Club is happening so get yourself lined up for the event and maybe offer someone else a lift to get them there too.   Saturday Dec 10th - Halladale Hall, Doors open at 7pm and costs only £2 for children and £4 for adults - it would cost you more for the tea! Even if you've seen the film or haven't seen any of the others leading up to it - this is the final of the Harry Potters, so come along and join us to see it together and then have a claik, a cup o tea and a very fancy piece afterwards.   ... [more]

North Highland Forest Trust At Old School, Inshegra, Kinlochbervie (3km south of KLB, on main B801) 11am: Guided walk and discussion with various experts looking at existing woodland remnants and at new woodland establishment (including SRDP grant aid) 1pm: Soup and sandwiches 2pm: NHFT's AGM All Welcome: please let us know you are coming For full details; - steve[AT]nhft.org.uk or 01408 633 986.   ... [more]

People in the Highlands are invited to find out more about, and have an opportunity to have their say on the development of Planning for Integration of health, education and social care services in the area provided by NHS Highland and The Highland Council.   At three public meetings in Helmsdale (30 November), Inverness (1 December) and Fort William (7 December), Jan Baird, Planning for Integration, Transitions Director will explain how, from 1 April 2012, staff are being brought together into integrated teams to work with children and families and with people who use community care services.   ... [more]