The Australasian bid, centred on the virtually unpopulated Shire of Murchison, in Western Australia, scored better for radio quietness (important to prevent interference), and on non-scientific factors such as political stability and the quality of the working environment.

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Not surprisingly, Shire stock fell on the news.

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But this swing is almost identical to that registered by the Tories in the shire county elections held on the same day as their general-election disaster.

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The sites identified for possible development are Teaninich, Ross-shire, and Glendullan and Inchgower, both on Speyside.

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Dingwall in Ross-shire was the furthest point north that she reached on her travels, while in the south she stayed at Glenluce Abbey and Dundrennan Abbey in Dumfries and Galloway.

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The CIPD says shire councils could also introduce different pay for their teachers depending on whether they worked in a rural or urban area.

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Details on one interesting one were revealed in the purchase of a company called Lotus Tissue Repair by Shire.

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Either on your way to or from the island, stopping off at Kishorn Seafood Bar, Ross-shire, is a must.

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