News

Mental Health Awareness Week 18-22 May 2020

During these challenging times, taking care of our mental health has never been more important. Lockdown and self isolation have brought with it, new ways of living and working, but it’s important that we take the time to practice self-care, stay connected and keep talking. The following is a great link to a number of […]

Covid-19 Support & Advice Update 12 May 2020

The UK job retention scheme, which pays up to 80% of employees wages, for those on leave, has been extended by 4 months until October. Further information and the latest updates can be found here; https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice Properties occupied by charities can now apply for the £10,000 Small Business Grant Scheme to help with pressures caused […]

£100 Million Fund for Businesses impacted by Covid-19 Open

The Scottish Government’s additional £100m fund for businesses impacted by COVID-19 is now open for applications. There are 3 new grant funds open to businesses affected by Covid-19; Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund Creative or Tourism & Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund Further details and applications can be made by clicking on the link […]

First Minister Looks Beyond Lockdown

A document outlining how decisions will be taken to control coronavirus (COVID-19) while restoring a degree of normality to everyday life has today been published by the Scottish Government. The paper – COVID-19: A Framework for Decision-Making – sets out the position during this ongoing period of lockdown and outlines the factors that must be […]

Local Businesses Still Open and Trading (21.4.2020)

Additional Support for Business

Scottish Government has announced a second phase of funding to protect against the effects of COVID-19. Around £220 million of further grants are being made available for businesses – including the recently self-employed – to help them deal with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read more…

Guidance & Support for Employers & Businesses COVID-19

Please see below a list of useful links for further information and / or additional contacts / agencies, for guidance and support for businesses during the Coronavirus outbreak. Please get in touch if you are unsure about any aspect. Highland Council Support and applications Government Guidance Job Retention Scheme Scottish Government £320million Package Business Gateway […]

Self Catering Grant Process

As part of its response to the COVID-19 emergency, the Scottish Government is making grants available for certain self-catering businesses and has asked Highland Council to administer the grant scheme on its behalf within the Highland Council area. https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/248/grants_-_business/920/covid-19_self-catering_business_grant

Job finding service for tourism & hospitality workers launched

A new free-to-use jobs portal to help workers from the tourism and hospitality sectors who have found themselves displaced as a result of the COVID-19 has been launched. Supported by the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) and UK Hospitality, the recruitment portal is designed to help tourism and hospitality staff find at least temporary employment in […]

Completing your application for COVID-19 Business Grants

As you will probably know, Highland Council are processing the applications for the Scottish Government’s support to small businesses and tourism / hospitality businesses and the application system went live this week. They initially saw applications come in at a rate of one a minute, which is good, but also brings challenges. Highland Council have […]