Day off for Diamond Jubilee given to Highland staff

The Diamond Jubilee will mark 60 years of the Queen's reign

Highland Council staff are to be given an extra day off to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee next year.

In a report, officials told councillors that giving employees the one-off bank holiday could be good for staff morale.

Employees were not given Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding as a holiday amid concerns it would cost the local authority £200,000.

Highland Council's resources committee approved the jubilee holiday proposed for 4 June.

Officers had also reported that allowing the additional day off could cost Highland £90,000.

The money would be needed for relief staff to cover for workers in social work and the transport, environmental and community services departments.

The Diamond Jubilee will mark 60 years of the Queen's reign.

Celebrations will centre around an extended weekend running from 2-5 June.