News Archive

Early Learning And Childcare Consultation

The Highland Council's Early Learning & Childcare Consultation is now live, and we want to hear from those living across Highland.   The survey is open until Monday 28 October 2024 and can be filled out HERE The survey is about Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) services, and includes questions for families who: are currently using ELC, have used ELC in the past, are not currently using any ELC services.  

Baby Loss Memorial Book

A Memorial Book is open for anyone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss prior to 24 weeks.   The book, produced jointly by the Scottish Government and National Records of Scotland, will give parents an opportunity - if they wish – to commemorate their loss with a physical record.  

Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.   Sands, the UK's leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, has counted the most Ribbon Displays ever created across the country by the charity's dedicated volunteers and supporters.  

Pension Credit Awareness Advice

A message for everyone who may be entitled to Pension Credit!.   On Wednesday 2 October 2024, Caithness CAB is running a Pension Credit Walk-in Clinic between 11 am and 3 pm at our Thurso office.  

New measures set out to combat violence against women and girls

Violence Against Women and Girls in Scotland 14,602 sexual crimes were recorded by Police Scotland in 2022-23.i The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2019-2020 showed that only 22% of victims/survivors of rape reported it to the police.ii At least 37% of the 14,602 sexual crimes recorded in 2022-23 by the police related to a victim under the age of 18.iii There has been a notable decrease in the extent to which people agree with rape myths since 2014.  In 2019, 8% of people in Scotland thought that ‘women often lie about being raped' (down from 23% in 2014).  

OPSS issues Safety Alert to warn of the risks of water beads

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a Safety Alert to warn of the risks that water beads can pose to children and vulnerable adults.  This follows action taken by OPSS to remove unsafe products from the market.  

Community Learning And Development Plan 2024-2027

The Education Committee met today (Thursday 12 September 2024) and agreed the Community Learning and Development Plan 2024-2027.   Community Learning and Development (CLD) plays an important role in ensuring individuals, families and communities reach their potential, through lifelong learning, mutual self-help and community organisation, ensuring support and opportunities are community-led and built around people's individual and collective aspirations.  

Getting It Right For Every Child GIRFEC Refresh

At today's Education Committee (Thursday 12 September 2024), Members noted the work being undertaken to refresh Highland's approach to GIRFEC based upon the guidance launched by the Scottish Government.   Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: "GIRFEC is an evidence-based, internationally recognised and child-rights-based approach.  

Appeal To Help Track Greylag Geese

NatureScot are asking people in Orkney and north-east Scotland are being asked to look out for greylag geese with special GPS collars as part of an international project to understand more about the Icelandic population.   NatureScot and the Icelandic Institute of Natural History are working together to gain a better understanding of the current migration patterns for Icelandic greylag geese.  

Child Winter Heating Assistance Still Available For Some Children With A Disability

Child Winter Heating Assistance is a payment to help families of a child on the highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance for Children to heat their homes.   You do not need to apply for the payment if the child currently lives in Scotland.