Politics

The Conservative and Labour leaders are spearheading efforts to topple the First Minister who vowed to ‘fight on’.

Scottish Labour have called for a vote of no confidence in the Holyrood administration

Local MSPs are mostly welcoming Humza Yousaf’s decision to ditch the SNP-Green Scottish Government partnership as a positive for the Highlands.

Pressure was mounting on the First Minister to ditch his coalition partners from backbench MSPs like Fergus Ewing and Kate Forbes.

MSP Rhoda Grant has branded pay as “clearly inadequate”.

The local authority claims she would be leaving the role after just under three years ‘to pursue other interests’.

Trees for Life says it is ‘hugely worrying and a move in the wrong direction’ while Oxfam Scotland call it ‘an acute global embarrassment’.

A ‘desperate need for clarity’ on the ban on woodburning stoves in new houses has been highlighted today by a Highland MSP

Politicians must now get permission from the education boss to visit schools which they say impedes their ‘ability to represent our constituents’

Top officials say that councillors, MSPs and MPS must get permission from education bosses before visiting schools.

A Highland MSP has asked Highland Council to take urgent action to enforce their policy banning the use of pesticides on school playgrounds.

Scottish Land & Estates has called for better ‘rural-proofing’ of policies in the wake of the debacle over a ban on wood-burning stoves in new homes.

The Lib Dems came in second, the SNP in third and the Conservatives were fourth.

Cllr Alasdair Rhind, who represented the Tain and Easter Ross ward, will be buried following a funeral service on Friday.

The shock death of Highland councillor Alasdair Rhind has left friends and colleagues stunned, with MP Jamie Stone among those paying tribute.

He says it is ‘crucial’ schools ‘are not granted an exemption when it comes to political scrutiny.’

He was backed by Struan Mackie who accuses the council of ‘creating a culture of fear and intimidation.’

Convener Jackson Carlaw says they ‘can hopefully shed some light’ so ‘there will be no backsliding on the new 2035 anticipated completion date.’

He writes that ‘after nearly a quarter of a century of neglect’ the Scottish Government ‘must do better than the caveated pledge.’

MSP Fergus Ewing worries that could ‘threaten the availability of safe provision of other acute services such as trauma.’