Local communities are being encouraged to give their views on the Scottish Government’s proposals to prohibit certain fishing methods in marine protected areas and special areas of conservation.
The aim of the new order is to protect marine biodiversity and conserve the marine ecosystem. The propositions for each of the 19 discrete areas are based on the sensitivities and distribution of protected features, and associated conservation objectives.
The convener of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, Fergus Carson MSP, is interested in hearing from those involved in the fishing industry, and those who are interested in the conservation of our marine environment or represent communities living on the coastline.
The consultation runs until Friday.
High Life Highland and The Highland Council have confirmed that two new mobile libraries, due to be brought into service this summer, have been delayed.
It was announced earlier this year that the Council was committing three hundred and thirty-two thousand pounds to secure the new vehicles.
It is understood that the deferral is due to manufacturing delays caused by global supply issues.
Julie Coran, Head of Libraries at High Life Highland, apologized for the disappointment caused, and said that the changes to the mobile library service were now likely to take place over the winter.
The Inverness Castle Experience has come one step closer to completion with the installation of a living roof on the Saltire Bistro.
The sedum covering will require time to become established, but is expected to contribute to urban ecology by offering habitats for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The secondary benefits include providing natural thermal and acoustic insulation to the bistro, managing rainwater run-off, and shielding the underlying roof from ultraviolet exposure, which increases the durability of the roofing material.
Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness and Nairn, said that it was encouraging to see climate-conscious design woven into the fabric of the project as a core principle.
