Latest news with #ComhairlenanEileanSiar
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Fish firm to provide housing in Scalpay due to lack of homes
A salmon farm company is to provide housing for its workers at a site in Scalpay due to a lack of available accommodation on the Scotland (BFS) has been granted planning permission for 14 temporary units and welfare facilities at Cuddy told Western Isles local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, a lack of homes had created difficulties for the company in recruiting and retaining units are to be made available to workers across BFS' Isle of Harris operations. The comhairle said that while the proposal to site the temporary accommodation in a compound was "not ideal," it had been justified in terms of the identified employs more than 400 people across about 45 sites on Scotland's west by local democracy journalist Peter Urpeth.
The National
18-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Western Isles says 'cyberattack' behind 6.1 per cent drop in council tax collection
Scotland's provisional council tax collection rates for this financial year were published on Tuesday, showing a range from 89.5% to 98.2% across the 32 local authorities. The Western Isles' council tax collection rate was an outlier in the data as the only council collecting less than 93%. The council registered a rate of 89.5%, after previously collecting 96.1% in 2021/22, 96.4% in 2022/23 and 95.6% in 2023/24. READ MORE: Yacht's lower deck catches fire off Scottish island's coast as lifeboat launches When asked the reason for this drop, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar told The National that a cyberattack in November 2023 destroyed council tax data and IT systems. The rebuilding of these systems "took several months", which resulted in "bills being issued later than usual". Local authorities are responsible for billing and collecting council tax, and before the start of each financial year, councils issue council tax bills to householders in each property. The local authority said that "there is already a marked improvement in collection" now that the system is back to running smoothly again. READ MORE: Scottish pensioners to be better off than rest of UK after winter fuel changes A spokesperson for the council said: 'Comhairle nan Eilean Siar was the victim of a cyberattack on November 7, 2023, which resulted in the loss of council tax data and IT systems. "The systems, including council tax account data, required to be rebuilt, which took several months, resulting in bills being issued later than usual, with an obvious impact on collection rates. Limited system functionality at the initial stage following the rebuild meant that routine debt collection processes could not be undertaken 'With the system now largely back to full functionality and the backlog of processing being cleared, debt collection processes have now been reinstated, and there is already a marked improvement in collection. "It is anticipated that current year collection rates will return levels seen in previous years.'
The National
18-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Western Isles says 'cyberattack' behind 89.5 per cent council tax collection rate
Scotland's provisional council tax collection rates for this financial year were published on Tuesday, showing a range from 89.5% to 98.2% across the 32 local authorities. The Western Isles's council tax collection rate was an outlier in the data as the only council collecting less than 93%. The council registered a rate of 89.5%, after previously collecting 96.1% in 2021/22, 96.4% in 2022/23 and 95.6% in 2023/24. READ MORE: Yacht's lower deck catches fire off Scottish island's coast as lifeboat launches When asked the reason for this drop, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar told The National that a cyberattack in November 2023 destroyed council tax data and IT systems. The rebuilding of these systems "took several months" which resulted in "bills being issued later than usual". Local authorities are responsible for billing and collecting council tax, and at before the start of each financial year, councils issue council tax bills to householders in each property. The local authority said "there is already a marked improvement in collection" now that the system is back to running smoothly again. READ MORE: Scottish pensioners to be better off than rest of UK after winter fuel changes A spokesperson for the council said: 'Comhairle nan Eilean Siar was the victim of a cyberattack on 7 November 2023, which resulted in the loss of council tax data and IT systems. "The systems, including council tax account data, required to be rebuilt, which took several months, resulting in bills being issued later than usual, with an obvious impact on collection rates. Limited system functionality at the initial stage following the rebuild, meant that routine debt collection processes could not be undertaken 'With the system now largely back to full functionality and the backlog of processing being cleared, debt collection processes have now been reinstated and there is already a marked improvement in collection. "It is anticipated that current year collection rates will return levels seen in previous years.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials take drastic action to wipe out fast-spreading species threatening key region: 'Total removal is feasible'
An initiative to remove the invasive American mink from Scotland's Outer Hebrides is giving native birds a better chance to thrive, NatureScot reported. The newly funded effort, called Saving Nature Outer Hebrides, has secured £94,000 from the Scottish government's Nature Restoration Fund to create a plan for complete mink removal. This work builds on the successful Hebridean Mink Project, which has lowered mink numbers since it began in 2001. When American mink got loose from fur farms set up in the 1950s, they started appearing throughout the island chain. These nonnative hunters often kill more prey than they need, harming ground-nesting bird populations in a region internationally known for its wildlife. The area includes five Special Protection Areas covering about 150 square kilometers. Since trapping began, tern colonies throughout the area have grown beyond expectations. Various birds, including water birds, shore birds, and waterfowl, have increased in population, creating richer biodiversity and more opportunities for wildlife tourism. Fewer mink means young salmon and sea trout face less danger, keeping waterways healthier. Local farmers can raise chickens and ducks with less worry, and fish farms experience less damage to their stocks. "Thanks to the prolonged efforts of the Hebridean Mink Project, the mink population in the Outer Hebrides has been reduced to extremely low levels with significant positive consequences for ground nesting birds," said David Maclennan, NatureScot's head of operations for West Scotland. If you want to make a difference in your area and create habitat friendly to native birds and other animals, try installing native plants. Native vegetation provides food and shelter for local wildlife and requires less watering and maintenance than exotic species. By replacing even a portion of your yard with native wildflowers, grasses, or shrubs, you help create corridors that allow birds and pollinators to thrive in urban and suburban landscapes. Despite bringing mink numbers down dramatically — from being common to just seven animals caught in Lewis and Harris in 2016 — total elimination remains challenging. The new project unites NatureScot, the local government of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and community land groups to finish the task. "We believe that while it will be challenging, total removal is feasible and in the long term offers both the most effective protection for our native wildlife and the most cost-effective solution to the problem," Maclennan added. Kevin Adams of Community Land Outer Hebrides expressed his organization's support: "We are delighted to be partnering on this vital programme. The protection of our unique landscape in the Outer Hebrides is one of the top priorities for our members." Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The National
26-05-2025
- Business
- The National
The Scottish councils using Elon Musk's Starlink across 30+ sites in 2025
Elon Musk – the world's richest man – who has drawn criticism from a number of figures in Scotland over his political stances in recent years, uses his company SpaceX to operate a series of low-earth orbit satellites. The company has about 5000 satellites in space around the globe and the technology is being used by several councils in Scotland to connect rural sites and isolated areas to better internet service. In 2024, connections through Musk's Starlink reached 87,000 – mostly in rural areas – more than double the 42,000 connections in 2023. In Scotland, trains to Inverness, Thurso and Wick already have WiFi provided by Starlink, with SpaceX monitoring the trains' performance, safety systems, and live CCTV. READ MORE: Scottish island ferries hook up to Elon Musk's Starlink satellites If successful, the pilot – backed by the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Futures Trust – could be rolled out along other rural rail routes across Scotland. Starlink claims it outpaces its rivals when it comes to download speeds, upload speeds, and latency. So, we asked every council in Scotland if it used Starlink, why, for how long, and how much it costs. Here's what they said. Argyll and Bute Several schools and council sites across Argyll and Bute have installed Starlink, with the cost for hardware, installation, start-up costs, and ongoing service payments all provided by the council. A test installation at the GWITC site was completed on January 4, 2024, with deactivation on 31 January 2025. Starlink received £744 for hardware (including fixings), £280 for installation, £1024 in total start-up costs, and £150 per month ongoing costs, with £1785 total paid to date, Installed on February 6, 2025, Gigha Primary School (below) is connected via Starlink. The breakdown includes £801 for hardware, £1377 for installation, £2178 total start-up, and £150 monthly service cost, with £65 paid so far. Kilmory HQ received Starlink installation on 29 July 2024, aimed at testing performance and reliability for broader council use. Starlink received £849 for hardware, £1045 for installation, £1894 total start-up, and £150 monthly cost, with £1,000 paid to date. Easdale Primary is the second school with Starlink in Argyll and Bute. Costs included £654 for hardware, £925 for installation, £1579 total start-up, and £150 monthly charge, with £1055 paid to date. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar The Western Isles Council uses Starlink in one primary school and a museum store. The primary school started using the technology in May 2023, and the museum store received Starlink in February 2025. In both cases they were £460 initial purchase cost, with £75 per month thereafter. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar's top aide accused of 'disadvantaging' left-wing candidates All council were asked for any internal reports or assessments on the effectiveness of Starlink in council operations, and most held no information of this sort. However, a Comhairle nan Eilean Siar spokesperson said: 'Nothing official just verbal discussion that they are working fantastically'. Falkirk Falkirk Council has used Starlink the most out of any Scottish local authority, deploying it to 11 times since 2022. It is unclear which of the below are still live with no deactivation dates supplied by the council. The authority's bereavement services office installed the technology in December 2022, with the initial equipment purchase costing £495 with a monthly charge of £80. READ MORE: I'm an activist targeting Tesla – here's why I want to take down Elon Musk In the same month a care home also received Starlink costing £460 with a monthly charge of £80. Two sports and culture sites and a children's services location all also had Starlink installed for the same price and monthly charge. The council's headquarters also installed Starlink 'for business continuity,' costing £612.80 at a monthly charge of £80. In 2023 between January and July, a social work office, work and housing advice hub, 'travellers' site, files storage facility and a care home all had Starlink installed for £612.80 each, with each site costing a monthly charge of £80. Fife Fife Council does not use Starlink as of May 2025, but did previously test the technology after it was 'only suggested and looked at as a backup network solution to supplement the wired network where mobile coverage was poor'. A council spokesperson said: 'There are no further plans at this moment in time to pursue the Starlink option.' The cost associated with its use, including procurement and ongoing expenses, was £913.55. Highland Scotland's largest local authority has installed Starlink in five instances, with the latest project going live in February and another awaiting evaluation. At a children's home in the Loch Ness area, the council installed Starlink in November 2023 due to 'no landline broadband available in this area'. The installation cost £3000, with an ongoing monthly charge of £150. A corporate HQ mobile unit was set up in December 2023 to provide 'fast setup needed for emergencies or temporary events'. The council said mobile coverage may not be available in areas of emergency. An estimated £1000 was spent on the installation, with a monthly service fee of £96. Two primary schools in the Highlands are using Starlink, one in Tain and another in Lairg. A SpaceX Falcon 9 carries Starlink satellites (Image: Joe Skipper, REUTERS) The Lairg location had Starlink installed in November 2024, due to an 'emergency replacement for failed microwave link'. The council also cited 'no landline broadband services available yet in this area'. The primary school in Tain is for 'additional bandwidth needed for pupil use'. The council said the capital costs of a fixed line was 'unaffordable due to imminent relocation of [the] school'. Highland Council also revealed a mobile site office which is yet to be deployed has been installed with Starlin. The unit will be used for 'rapid deployment to works sites (e.g. road projects) where other services may be too slow to deploy or unavailable'. The costs for the unit so far amount to £300. A Highland Council spokesperson said: 'All the services on the attached spreadsheet have been ordered directly from Starlink. We are considering a managed service in future as the number of installations is likely to increase and managing the directly ordered services presents some challenges. 'In addition, BT are considering deploying Starlink as part of our managed WAN contract, though in this case it would be BT making the choice of technology, not the council.' Renfrewshire The Clyde Muirshiel Visitor Centre within Renfrewshire Council uses Starlink. The local authority began using the technology in March 2025 to provide 'primary internet access for council devices and a limited public access wireless network'. The council said Starlink was the only connection that met the connectivity requirements of the service and at a reasonable cost. Installation cost £1087.74, with recurring costs at £1578.65 per year. Scottish Borders The Scottish Borders council said it was 'unable to release this information into the public domain' under Section 35 (1) (a) which exempts information if its disclosure is likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime. A spokesperson from the council's IT department said: Considerations in favour of the releasing the information included consideration of public interest in transparency and accountability and disclosure of information about Scottish Borders Council procedures and commercial outsourcing contracts. READ MORE: World's first 'soft robots' developed by Scottish university 'However, release of this information would make Scottish Borders Council more vulnerable to crime; namely, a malicious attack on Scottish Borders Council computer systems. 'As such release of this information would be seen to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime, by making Scottish Borders Council computer systems more vulnerable to hacking, therefore facilitating the possibility of a criminal offence being carried out.' Shetland Islands Shetland Islands Council uses Starlink for 'site connectivity/disaster recovery' and on the MV Leirna. The council started using the technology for 'site connectivity/disaster recovery' in November 2022, and on the MV Leirna in May 2024. The council uses Starlink to test various scenarios in the event of primary connection issues, and this cost £2485 for the initial equipment purchase, and is £150 per month when in use. Th cost of the MV Lerina Starlink procurement and ongoing expenses to 'improve ferry connectivity,' according to the council, was £2668.60 for the initial equipment purchase, and is £808 per month. Stirling Stirling would 'neither confirm nor deny' whether the information on Starlink is held, citing security concerns. A spokesperson said: 'While The Council remain committed to transparency and supporting public access to information where appropriate, we must also carefully assess and mitigate the risks associated with disclosing certain details, particularly where such disclosures may pose a threat to the organisation's security and operations. 'Sharing information regarding the council's infrastructure presents a significant cybersecurity risk. This could inadvertently expose potential vulnerabilities within our infrastructure, thereby increasing the likelihood of targeted cyberattacks, including ransomware, unauthorised access, or data breaches." READ MORE: How Tesla sales fell in Europe after Elon Musk's salute They added: 'Moreover, disclosing information of this nature may compromise the confidentiality and integrity of our IT environment and reveal operational practices intended to remain secure as part of our wider organisational resilience strategy. From a governance standpoint, releasing this information could hinder the council's ability to protect both individual data and broader corporate systems. 'In this case, we consider that the public interest lies in withholding this information as disclosing this, presents a security risk to the organisation and therefore the members of the public who we provide services for.' Councils in Scotland which do not use Starlink technology (as of May 2025):
