*Results were up at Dingwall Academy where twenty seven pupils gained at least five Highers. The Academy Rector, Graham Mackenzie, said there was no doubt the new building had given the students a better learning environment but added that this year's success was due to long time staff performance and pupil effort.
*Tourism experts have concluded that information centres should be renamed "Visit Scotland Information Centres" (VICS) because the 103 information centres "lack common identity". £500,000 will be spent on dropping the word "tourist" from centres across Scotland.
*Out of 215 dwelling fires, in the Highlands and Islands in 2006, 38 were caused by faulty appliances or electrical leads. We can all minimise risks to ourselves and families by ensuring that electrical appliances, when not in use or left unattended, are switched off at the mains.
*A Perthshire gardener, who is blind, describes how she compensates for lack of vision by using her hearing, "When I'm watering I can hear if water is going into the pots or splashing down the side", she says.*Responding to my question about the gap in time between the public exhibition of 2005 and the one in 2009, Matilda Urie (of E.ON) pointed out that wind farm development is a lengthy process! Corriemoillie wind farm was actually proposed over 15 years ago. Ecological and technical assessments are now being concluded ready for submission this autumn.
*A Contin man was awarded the top accolade at the Black Isle Flower Show for six dahlias, carefully selected from his garden. The retired farmer said "You have just got to look after them as if they were babies and see to them all the time."
*Highland Council's budget leaders have said that savings must be made on many services over the next three years. it is hoped that input from Ward Forums will show community priorities. A councillor stated that the Winter Maintenance Budget should be left alone and "luxury activities, such as the Arts should take a back seat when the going gets tough."
*Do you qualify for Pension Credit? To qualify you must be aged at least 60, and if you live alone, have a weekly income below £130.00 or, if a couple £189.45. Ring 0800 1991234 to see if you qualify for the guaranteed minimum income.
*Wonderfully named Apples such as "Lass O Gowrie", "The Tower of Glamis" and "The Bloody Ploughman" were amongst those grown in Scotland well into the 19th century, until refrigeration allowed cheaper supplies from elsewhere. We are now being urged to plant new orchards across Scotland, in order to revive the industry.
*After an outbreak of myxomatosis near Cawdor, twelve rabbits had to be put down. Their owner believes that farmers and gamekeepers should not be allowed to actively spread the disease!
*It is hoped that a workshop entitled "Leadership for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs" will encourage women to pursue careers in science and become entrepreneurs, thereby closing the existing gender gap.
*In response to claims that Scotland's past has not been adequately taught, the following will be compulsory topics in the Scottish Higher History Exam: The 13th Century Wars of Independence, the 16th Century - Age of Reformation, The Acts of Union in 1707, Scottish Migration in the 19th Century and, the impact of the First World War. Don't be put off!
Pam Morrison
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