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Running until 20 February and open to all 14-18 year olds, Chance to be Chancellor challenges young people to make informed decisions about how the country's finances should be run. Young people are asked to give their views on taxation and spending policies, which will go on to be published in the Youth Budget 2012.

Last year ‘Chance to be Chancellor' engaged 3000 young people across the UK and the Citizenship Foundation want as many young people as possible to contribute to this year's publication. Further information is available online at www.chancetobechancellor.org.uk.

As well as giving you the chance to learn about the big issues ahead of the Budget 2012, the website offers the chance to win prizes and a trip to HM Treasury for those who take part.

Commenting, Mr Alexander said:

"I would encourage all young people with an interest in how our country is run to get on the Chance to be Chancellor website and make their views heard.

"Young people's voices need to be heard in politics. This new scheme will give them a platform to have their say on real government policies.

"Decisions made by the government in this year's Budget will be extremely important so I hope the younger generation take this opportunity to learn about Budget 2012 and contribute towards to the Youth Budget."

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Scottish organisations will be able to express interest from March and make formal bids on the £4m fund in April. The Highlands is to receive £1.85m from the fund, with £2.05m for the rest of Scotland from the overall £23.7m available throughout the UK.

The Fund will be financed by the Government and will be equal to 50% of the revenues generated by the Crown Estate's marine activities and will be UK wide. Funding for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be determined by the amount of revenue generated in each country.

The UK Government is working with the Big Fund, part of the Big Lottery Fund, to find the best ways to deliver benefits for Scotland's communities.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said:

"Having grown up in a coastal community in Scotland, I am only too aware of the vital role these communities play in the UK. It is fair that we share the Crown Estate's marine revenues equally and I am delighted to launch the Coastal Communities fund prospectus today.

"We look forward to receiving innovative bids from charities, businesses, social enterprises and local organisations, which support the economic development of the community."

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Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) announced last week that they anticipate contracts for the necessary improvement works will be signed by August 2012 and that BT is now the sole bidder involved in the final stage of negotiations. HIE is leading a UK Government backed project aiming to deliver access to superfast broadband across all areas of the Highlands and Islands over the coming years, with work expected to start in 2013.

Welcoming the news, Danny Alexander said:

"The government made it clear that we are committed to ensuring that people in the Highlands and Islands are not left out when it comes to high speed internet. The investment that is on its way through HIE will help ensure that thousands of homes and businesses enjoy the economic and social benefits of superfast broadband sooner rather than later - and I hope the Scottish Government will consider adding to it so its impact can be even greater.

"It is very welcome that BT are already bringing improvements forward in towns like Nairn and Grantown. I hope we will see that approach continue wherever immediate action is commercially viable so that the publicly funded pilot scheme can focus on solutions for the areas which could otherwise be left behind.

"The internet has come to play a vital role in our economic and social life - and its importance is only set to grow. Boosting services will have a profound impact on the way local companies are able to do business as well as on the way we live at home. It is hugely important that the pilot project paves the way to significant improvements that include the whole of the Highlands."

"HIE are playing a key role in this process and this latest announcement marks a welcome step forward."

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Please call 01463 711280 for an appointment

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Please call 01463 711280 for an appointment

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11.30am Gorthleck - Stratherrick Hall

1.30pm Dores - Village Hall

2.30pm Tomatin - Strathdearn Hall

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11.30am Carrbridge - Village Hall

1.30pm Boat of Garten - Community Hall

2.30pm Dulnain Bridge - Village Hall

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2.30pm Balloch - Village Hall

4.30pm Ardersier- Old School Hall

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