News Archive

Criminals Seek To Exploit Covid-19 Outbreak

Organised crime groups target most vulnerable.   Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and playing on the fears of businesses and the public, Scotland's Serious Organised Crime Taskforce has heard.  

Council approves community asset transfers in Sutherland and Wester Ross

Two ‘strong' community asset transfer requests have been given the go ahead from Councillors on The Highland Council's Communities and Place Committee.   Unanimous support was given for the sale of land at South Bonar Industrial Estate at Bonar Bridge to Kyle of Sutherland Hub; and for the sale of Kinlochewe public toilets, picnic area and parking to Community Out West Trust - both at the value of £1 each.  

East Sutherland Rescue Association Awarded £11,359 By Rescue Grant Boat Fund

- vital Search and Rescue teams to receive share of £1 million to boost resources.   - grants will fund lifeboats and kit for volunteer search teams - fund has awarded almost £6 million to date, saving lives on UK waterways - volunteer organisations undertaking lifesaving search and rescue work are set to benefit from a £1 million boost for vital new equipment.  

Why Payroll Deduction? - Check Out Hi-scot Credit Union

In 2020, HI-Scot credit union's focus is on making saving and borrowing easier for our members, particularly through the use of payroll deduction with businesses across the Highlands and Islands.   Thousands of employees already have access to payroll deduction with HI-Scot, something the credit union wants to build on in the coming year, promoting the service to employees who work with existing partners and showing other businesses the benefits of offering payroll deduction to their staff.  

£180K Lottery Win For Neighbours In Embo

The new year is off to a winning start for four people in Embo who are celebrating landing a share of £180,000 after their postcode, IV25 3PS, was announced as a winner with People's Postcode Lottery on Saturday 18th January 2020.   Two of the Gate Street neighbours picked up cheques for £30,000 each, while the others - who play with two tickets - doubled their prize and bagged a bounty of £60,000 each.  

Can Highland Council Set Up Its Own Bus Company?

Transport group chair calls for immediate research on viability of publicly operated Highland bus services.   SNP Ness-side councillor Ron MacWilliam has written to members of the Highland Council Redesign board to urge them to consider options for publicly run bus services in the Highlands.  

Business Start Up competition

Lairg and District Learning Centre are organising their Business Start Up competition, with a £1000 prize fund, to help encourage and support business start up and development in the area.  Alongside the prize fund, all entrants will receive one to one business support, to help to get their businesses off the ground.  

Hi-Scot Credit Union Taking Part In Worldwide Celebrations

In October HI-Scot, the credit union for the Highlands and Islands, will take part in a worldwide celebration of credit unions.   Thursday 17th October is International Credit Union Day 2019, a day which highlights the history and achievements of the movement, as well as raising the profile of the work of credit unions in local communities, reflected in this year's theme: 'Local Service, Global Reach.' "HI-Scot has been working across the Highlands and Islands for thirteen years and, in 2019, we have over three thousand members," said HI-Scot General Manager, David Mackay, "In that time we have approved over four thousand loans.  

Over £2 Million Invested In Highland and Moray Fishing Communities

Twenty-six projects have received a share of £900,000 through the Highland & Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) to boost the local economy and create jobs within the fishing, aquaculture and maritime industries, backing a total investment of over £2 million pounds.   The funding has been awarded through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund & Scottish Government to encourage community-led local development and enable localised decision making though Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).  

Social Business Programme Launches Across The Highlands And Islands

People with a business idea that will benefit their local community or environment will soon have access to a new programme of support, being launched across the Highlands and Islands.   Known as the Social Start-Up School, the innovative programme will be delivering four locally focused initiatives.