Latest News

Farming Rules Shake-up To Cut Pollution And Support Farmers In England

Streamlined agriculture rules to cut duplication and make it easier for farmers to drive down water pollution.   New, clearer rules proposed today (Tuesday 27 January) will help to improve water quality, reduce pollution in our rivers and give farmers the confidence to grow food sustainably.  

Pet Owners To Benefit From Biggest Vet Sector Reforms In 60 Years

Clearer pricing will help pet owners compare costs and shop around, saving families money.   Millions of pet owners and vet professionals across the country will benefit from major reforms to the veterinary sector - the first overhaul in sixty years.  

Free Ai Training For All, As Government And Industry Programme Expands To Provide 10 Million Workers With Key Ai Skills By 2030

Working people and UK businesses will benefit from a more strategic and consistent UK relationship with China, the Prime Minister will pledge as he arrives in Beijing today.   Prime Minister to travel to Beijing and Shanghai accompanied by nearly 60 British businesses and cultural organisations' As the world's second largest economy and the UK’s third largest trading partner, engagement with China is vital for the British people' He will pledge a partnership fit for our times, grounded in the UK national interest and focused on making the UK better off' Working people and UK businesses will benefit from a more strategic and consistent UK relationship with China, the Prime Minister will pledge as he arrives in Beijing today.  

Thousands more families to get warm, secure social homes

The government has unveiled a new social and affordable housing package today.   New funding and financial flexibilities for councils and other providers to accelerate social and affordable housebuilding.  

Joseph Rowntree Report Casts Doubt On Reducing Poverty

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report "This isn't what change feels like" (27 Jan 2026) warns that while scrapping the two-child limit in April 2026 will lift 400,000 children out of poverty, progress will stall without deeper reforms.  Poverty is projected to remain stubbornly high around 21% overall and over 4 million children still in poverty by 2029 unless government strengthens social security and tackles structural inequalities.  

Ardvreck Castle Parking Improvement Works Begin

The Highland Council is set to deliver significant infrastructure improvements at Ardvreck Castle, one of Sutherland's most iconic historic sites, to enhance visitor experience, improve road safety, and support sustainable tourism.   The project is began on Monday 19 January 2026, for a duration of 10 weeks and the car park will be closed during this time.  

Addressing Depopulation And Economic Challenges In Sutherland

Sutherland is one of Scotland's most sparsely populated counties, with communities experiencing population decline, an aging demographic, and outmigration of young people.   The rise of tourism, particularly the North Coast 500 (NC500), has boosted visitor numbers but also intensified housing affordability problems, as older investors purchase properties for Airbnb and holiday lets.  

Top Restaurant Steps In To Save Christmas At Isle Of Skye School

Chefs from one of Scotland's most famous restaurants co-operated with Highland Council's catering team last week to ensure pupils at a Skye primary school did not miss out on their eagerly awaited Christmas lunch.   Because the school was without a cook, it looked like youngsters at Dunvegan Primary would have to forego their seasonal roast, an occasion which is always a real festive highlight for pupils and staff.  

£20m PiPP Funding For North, West And East Sutherland Welcomed

The Highland Council welcomes the UK Government's announcement that Highland has been awarded £20million Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) funding.   Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: "We have received confirmation from Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland that the North, West and East Sutherland Neighbourhood has been identified as the neighbourhood within Highland Council area to receive PiPP funding.  

Invitation To Pay Car Parks Generate Over £10,000 Of Funding For Community Projects In Sutherland

At yesterday's meeting (Monday 1 December) of the Sutherland County Committee, Members were updated on income generated by the Invitation to Pay parking scheme in the 2024/25 financial year.   The Invitation to Pay parking scheme was introduced in Sutherland in 2022 and income is calculated across five Council-operated car parks in Achmelvich, Clachtoll, Durness and Golspie.