News Archive

Airports Granted Extensions To Install Cutting-edge Security Technology

New scanners detect prohibited items with greater accuracy, which will make air travel safer and easier for UK passengers.   some airports given an extension to install next generation security scanners that will signal an end to 100ml liquid restrictions at large airports.  

Nationwide Shut Out Scammers Campaign Launched By Trading Standards Scotland And Police Scotland To Empower Consumers To Avoid Doorstep Scams

This week we have launched the nationwide Shut Out Scammers campaign in partnership with Police Scotland.   As people continue to struggle with price increases and rising energy bills, rogue traders and companies are exploiting the cost of living crisis and are scamming consumers by providing misleading information about products and services and posting misleading reviews online.  

Holyrood Committee Seeks Views On The Land Reform Bill

Holyrood's Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee has today launched a call for views to support its scrutiny of the Scottish Government's Land Reform Bill.   The Bill sets out reforms which aim to change the pattern of land ownership in rural and island communities and impose new requirements on larger estates across Scotland.  

Scotland Comes To New York As The City Celebrates Tartan Week

Minister John Lamont will represent the UK Government - promoting investment and trade and highlighting heritage and culture.   The UK Government will celebrate Scotland's culture, heritage and global business contribution when Minister John Lamont takes part in New York’s annual Tartan Week festivities from Wednesday 3 April 2024.  

Council Announces Extra Digital Funding To Support Highland Businesses

Following the success of its Business Digital Grant scheme launched last year, The Highland Council is delighted to announce further funding.  This is to help Highland companies access digital support alongside other business growth support.  

Housing Prices In Your Area - Figures From ONS

The average house price in Highland was £208,000 in January 2024 (provisional), up slightly 1.9% from January 2023.  This was lower than the rise in Scotland (4.8%) over the same period.  

What The Child Benefit Rate Rise Means For You - Child Benefit Rates Go Up On 6 April 2024

Millions of families who claim Child Benefit will automatically receive increased payments from 6 April 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed.   Families with one child will now receive up to £1,331 a year - an annual increase of £83.20, and up to £881 a year per additional child - an annual increase of £54.60.  

Consultation On International Football Broadcasting - Case For Scotland National Team Qualifiers To Be Free-to-air

An evaluation will take place as part of making the case to the UK Government that major Scotland men's and women's national football team qualifier matches should be available for free-to-air broadcast.   The Scottish Government’s view is that national sporting events, such as Scotland's men's and women's football qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championships, should be included in the list of matches protected for free-to-air broadcast to expand the opportunity for audiences to enjoy these games.  

First Instalment Of £300 Million To Reduce Waiting Times In Scottish Hospitals

First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced an initial £30 million of targeted investment for Q1 of the new financial year, as part of a £300 million plan over the next three years, to help reduce inpatient and day-case waiting lists.   Backed by planned additional investment, this targeted approach will help drive down waiting lists by an estimated 100,000 patients over three years.  

Outer Hebrides Featured In International Energy Transition Research

An international research project also highlighted exploring energy storage solutions and the importance of helping householders understand the best energy efficiency measures and domestic renewable energy technologies.  The project focused on putting local communities at the heart of achieving a low carbon future.