At long last, the government has realised that social media is far too dangerous for under‑16s. A bold move.
Social media platforms to be blocked from offering services to under-16s, marking a line in the sand and setting a new normal for future generations. UK will go further to protect kids with world-leading additional restrictions on harmful features online such as live streaming and strangers communicating with children.
HMRC overcharged pensioners by around £5 because of a system error in how the State Pension increase was calculated — and refunds can be claimed. Here is a clear, evidence‑based breakdown of what went wrong, who is affected, and how pensioners can get their money back, with citations.
Trade unions representing offshore workers have raised serious concerns about what they describe as a growing pattern of unfair treatment across North Sea operations. The issue centres on the rising use of “Not Required Back” (NRB) notices which are a form of dismissal that effectively ends a worker’s offshore placement without formal redundancy or disciplinary procedure.
Banks are closing branches across the UK. Post offices are disappearing.
Postal vote packs for the Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton by-election were posted posted out last Friday. The Highland Council is advising postal voters to read the instructions carefully when completing their statement and ballot paper to ensure their vote counts.
Healthcare debates are often framed as political arguments about public versus private provision. In reality, the underlying issue is more technical and more important: the stability of any healthcare system depends on how risk is shared across the population.
The UK and Japan are expected to agree investment creating tens of thousands of new jobs and more than £18 billion in economic gains, alongside a new partnership at the forefront of next-generation technologies. UK and Japan unlock significant inward investments totalling more than £9 billion in infrastructure and financial services and up to £9 billion in offshore wind.
The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) has agreed to sell its entire 17.5% stake in the Beatrice offshore wind farm for around £155 million, marking a significant step in its ongoing capital‑recycling strategy. A Major Move in Offshore Wind Investment Located off the north‑east coast of Scotland, the 588MW Beatrice wind farm is one of the UK’s largest offshore wind projects.
Scotland men’s team return to the World Cup is an opportunity to ‘inspire a generation of sporting talent’, First Minister John Swinney has said. Ahead of Scotland taking on Haiti in Boston, the team’s first World Cup finals game since 1998, the First Minister has announced the creation of a World Cup Fund.
If the US–Iran peace deal holds and the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens, you should expect some easing in oil, gas, and electricity prices—but not immediately. The earliest visible effects for Caithness and the wider Highlands are likely 4–12 weeks after stable shipping resumes, with full impacts taking 3–6 months.
For months, the conflict between the United States and Iran has dominated headlines, raising fears of a wider regional war and threatening one of the world's most important shipping routes. Financial markets reacted nervously, oil prices surged, and many households wondered whether higher fuel and energy bills were on the way.
Even with the US–Iran peace deal calming global oil markets, not every price in the supermarket will follow crude downwards. Some foods are structurally expensive now, and the factors driving those costs won’t disappear with cheaper diesel.
The announcement of a US–Iran peace deal has triggered a wave of cautious optimism across global markets. Oil traders, shipping insurers, and energy analysts are all watching the Strait of Hormuz—through which a fifth of the world’s oil and LNG normally flows—waiting to see whether tankers can move freely again.
A wave of optimism has swept across global markets following the announcement of a US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding. Oil prices dipped, analysts rushed out upbeat forecasts, and politicians queued up to claim credit for “de‑escalation”.
Scotch whisky exporters stand to benefit as the Scottish Government continues to help secure an end to increased US tariffs, protecting hundreds of millions of pounds in trade. Following his visit to Boston to support Scotland during their first World Cup finals since 1998, First Minister John Swinney will visit Kentucky to build on President Trump's commitment to remove the 10% tariff for whisky.
About Us Norscot is a leading manufacturer of high-quality windows, doors, and timber frame kits, operating from our hi-tech facility in Bower, Caithness. With a strong reputation for quality workmanship and customer service, we are committed to continuous improvement across all areas of the business, including Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) standards.
Nearly half (45 per cent) of the children surveyed in a new report from researchers at LSE. The University of Oslo said age-based restrictions on social media would not make them feel any safer online.
For centuries, international trade has depended on one simple principle: ships should be able to travel freely through the world's oceans. That freedom has underpinned global commerce, kept supply chains moving and helped create the interconnected world economy we know today.
The dramatic spike in oil and gas prices following the US-Israel war on Iran has prompted governments around the world to implement or consider higher taxes on oil and gas companies. Assessing the case for these taxes Ashfaq Khalfan argues that this is an opportune moment to enact permanent taxes, rather than temporary windfall ones, as a regulatory tool to incentivise investment in renewable energy.
The case against children’s access to social media isn’t just about online harms, argues Goldsmith’s Dr Veli Hillman, but about the steady narrowing of what childhood is allowed to become. Modern societies routinely restrict children’s access to activities where power, incentives and risks are radically unequal.
The rise of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Caithness is no longer a fringe issue. It is reshaping the local housing market in ways that most national policymakers never see and certainly never feel.
The Highlands are experiencing the biggest demographic shift since the oil boom. But unlike the 1970s, this wave isn’t driven by industry it’s driven by housing economics, remote work, lifestyle migration, and the collapse of affordability in the Central Belt and the south of England.
Today, almost anyone who flies a drone must maintain visual contact with it at all times, a practice known as visual line of sight. This requirement severely restricts how far craft can fly.
More than three-quarters of employees who consistently saved into a pension stop doing so when they move into self-employment. Currently, only around one-in-five self-employed workers save into a private pension, compared with around four-in-five employees.
Compared to other parts of the world, the EU on the whole has been fairly reluctant to embrace digital economic innovation. The bloc has been suspicious of cryptocurrencies, and treated them as a potential threat to a financial system where stability is paramount.
As reports emerge that President Donald Trump may be prepared to compromise on some of America's original objectives in order to bring the conflict with Iran to an end, commentators are already asking whether the United States is backing down or simply recognising the limits of military power. Critics argue that Washington entered the conflict with ambitious goals: to curb Iran's military capabilities, force major concessions over its nuclear programme, and restore long-term stability in the region.
Serving customers for dinner and breakfast on our campsite with adjoining cafe and restaurant. Over 18 please as we are a licensed premises.
Scaffolder required for approximately 6 week contract in Faroes Islands due to start beginning of August, send CVs to caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk contact 07793102455 for more information..
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso, is one of three hotels in The Caithness Collection, an established family hotel business, with over 35 years of hospitality experience. The hotel has 42 rooms, which caters for tour buses from April to October, we have a strong local client following allowing us to stay open all year round.
Position: We are seeking x3 Postdoctoral Research Associates/Research Fellows, organised around four interconnected Themes. This will be based at our Stornoway or Thurso campus, dependant on Theme.
We are currently looking for bar staff. This is a part time position which will be permanent.
Purpose of Post The Membership & Marketing Executive will play a key role in growing, supporting and retaining Chamber membership, while also developing and delivering marketing and brand activity for North Highland Chamber of Commerce and its associated brands, including Venture North and Live North. The post holder will work within a dynamic team, engaging directly with businesses, partners, and stakeholders across rural and remote communities, and ensuring that Chamber services, events and campaigns are effectively promoted and delivered.
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Blargoans Ltd have an opportunity for a Health Physics Support to work within our client’s facility in Caithness on a fixed term maternity cover until at least June 2027. The purpose of the post is to play a key role in maintaining and strengthening radiological protection standards at NRS Dounreay, offering a unique chance to contribute to a critical function supporting safe and compliant site operations.
In rural Scotland, distance is not an abstract concept. It is the price of participation in modern life.
(As spoken by the Seer of Dunnet Head, on a windy day like any other). Hear now, O folk of the far north, And gather close against the breeze, For I shall speak the ancient words Passed down through budgets, cuts, and pleas.
(As sung by the Bards of Berriedale, whose patience is older than the rocks themselves). In the age before spreadsheets, when ministers still believed in timetables and the word “2025” sounded achievable, there came a mighty proclamation from the south: “We shall dual the A9,” they cried, “from Perth to Inverness — a road fit for heroes, tourists, and lorries alike!”.
Our School’s Out summer activity programme is now available to preview. You can save chosen activities ahead of the bookings going live for a faster checkout.
The collapse of Orbex in February 2026 and the fate of its subsidiary Sutherland Spaceport Ltd (SSL) was not caused by a single event. It was a combination of funding failure, rising costs, and strategic setbacks that slowly removed its ability to continue operating.
Position: We are seeking a Lecturer – Pathways (Maternity Cover) to be based at our Thurso campus. This role spans further and higher education provision and is currently structured across the following areas, therefore there is an opportunity for candidates to job share: Pathways to College and Employment and Pathways to Health, Education and Social Care These access-level programmes are designed for learners who have experienced barriers to engagement in mainstream education.
A number of projects have been supported by funding allocations agreed at today’s Sutherland County Committee. Community regeneration projects Members approved £95,000 of Community Regeneration Funding in support of two community projects in Sutherland.
At The Highland Council’s Economy & Infrastructure committee held on 28 May 2026, members agreed the distribution of Highland Coastal Communities Funding (HCCF) allocation across the local area committees. HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government.
This beautiful four-bedroom, terraced home, has a garage and a mature garden to the rear. Many of the original features have been retained including original doors, cornicing, dado rails and the staircase.
Imenco Future Technologies is an innovation-driven company specialising in high-quality vision systems, subsea sensors and acoustic solutions. We collaborate closely with our customer partners in the offshore energy, defense, and maritime sectors to solve their unique operational challenges by applying core technical knowledge in optics, sound propagation and AI enabled electronic systems.
Blargoans Ltd have 24 month contract opportunities for Operators to work within our client's facility in Caithness. We are looking for Operators to join our client's Fuel Cycle Area (FCA) Programme area or Site Services, Waste Operations and Logistics department, supporting critical activities that underpin the safe and effective decommissioning of the site.
Polling will take place on Thursday 25 June 2026 to elect one candidate standing in the Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton by-election. Voters in this Ward are being reminded to make sure they are ready to cast their vote.
Escape Pain next block starting 23rd June ð Please phone to speak to our staff before booking. ESCAPE-pain is a group education and exercise programme for people with chronic joint pain or osteoarthritis which aims to increase physical function and improve quality of life whilst living with a painful condition.
The Open Fund for Individuals supports the wide range of activity initiated by artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland. This fund is designed to support a range of creative activity, such as a specific project, production or a period of research and development.
Caithness and Sutherland have always been counties where people make the most of what they have. Long distances to shops, higher food prices, and a climate that rewards resilience mean that regrowing vegetables from scraps isn’t just thrifty it’s tradition.
The Richmond Project’s Spotlight on Financial Literacy 2026 lands differently when read from Caithness, Sutherland, or the wider Highlands. The UK‑wide findings are stark enough with low financial literacy, deep numeracy problems, and widening inequality but in the Highlands the implications are sharper, more structural, and more personal.
Sutherland is a place of extraordinary beauty and extraordinary resilience. But when the Richmond Project’s Spotlight on Financial Literacy 2026 is read through a Sutherland lens, the findings take on a sharper edge.
REDUCED £15,000 below Valuation. This beautiful large end-terraced five-bedroom family home is laid across four floors.
This beautiful three-bedroom, semi-detached bungalow, was built only ten years ago and is located in a sought-after residential area of the town. It benefits from having solar panels to the roof and has an oil-fired central heating system, the oil tank has just been filled.
A £20 million Scottish Government investment will give young people the chance to get involved in different sporting activities on their doorstep. Highland Council, working in partnership with sportscotland, has secured funding to provide free and low-cost opportunities for young people as part of the national agency’s 2026 Summer of Sport.
This latest development will offer flexible and affordable business premises that lend themselves to different commercial requirements. Businesses in Sutherland are being invited to register their interest in new flexible units currently being developed at Golspie Business Park.
Encouraging children and young people to get active. A nationwide summer programme of free and low-cost sporting activities - including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics - has been launched by Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth.
Position: We are seeking a proactive and detail?driven Quality Officer to play a central role in upholding UHI North, West and Hebrides commitment to excellence. This position is critical to maintaining and enhancing the high-quality learning experience we deliver across the college and will be based at our UHI North, West and Hebrides campuses in Fort William or Thurso.
Here at Riverside house care home in Wick we are looking to employ full or part time Care Assistants to join our team, in this role, you will provide essential support. Your primary focus will be enhancing the quality of life for our residents by assisting with daily activities , ensuring their comfort, and promoting their independence.
Here at Riverside House Care Home in Wick we are seeking to employ a part time dedicated laundry assistant working 20 hours per week to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and organisation of laundry services within the home.
Grandparents have always been part of the background architecture of family life — steady, familiar, and often underestimated. But when you look closely at what they pass on, you realise they are teaching the most important lessons a child will ever learn.
Grandparents have always been part of the quiet architecture of family life — the school‑run helpers, the emergency babysitters, the keepers of stories and common sense. But new research published in early 2026 shows something bigger happening: grandparents are now structural pillars in the UK’s childcare, social care, and emotional support systems.
NEWLY REDUCED PRICE A unique chance to acquire this B Listed former Granary, steeped in history and dating back to the 18th century. Planning permission was previously granted for conversion into a family home, highlighting the property's exciting residential potential.
At today’s meeting of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, Members approved a long-term approach to weed control that will reduce reliance on chemical herbicides, while maintaining safe, accessible public spaces and protecting biodiversity. The new Integrated Weed Control Strategy and Action Plan builds on the Council’s partial ban on glyphosate-based products in playgrounds, schools and sports facilities, which was introduced in 2019.
Following today’s deadline for nominations the nnmbers are in. The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton By-election.
Highland Council approves new engagement strategy to put communities at the heart of decision-making A new Participation and Engagement Strategy developed to encourage community involvement in service design and priority planning is set to be implemented by Highland Council following extensive public consultation. The strategy incorporates feedback from residents and community groups, focused on the importance of improving transparency, accessibility and feedback.
Your free PressReader access through High Life Highland is far more powerful for magazines and newspapers than either Prime Reading or Kindle Unlimited. If your main interest is magazines, PressReader is the heavyweight — Prime Reading is tiny by comparison, and Kindle Unlimited is somewhere in the middle.
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