There have been more reports from across the country of scams related to locksmiths. Consumers who have phoned locksmiths in an emergency have been quoted one price, then charged hundreds of pounds more once the work has been completed.
At this time of year, with more people buying Christmas presents and Black Friday deals online, there is always an increase in delivery scams. Scammers typically direct people to malicious websites by sending scam text messages and emails impersonating delivery companies which claim that you need to rearrange a missed delivery.
The Footsie skips higher as the UK economy confounds expectations. UK GDP grew 0.2% in September, with quarterly growth accelerating to 0.7%.
The prospect of a change in America's immigration policies may already be influencing the decisions of people thousands of miles away. Just days after Democrats celebrated significant victories in the US midterm elections, a large group of migrants began moving north through Mexico, encouraged by the possibility that the political climate in the United States might become more welcoming.
A look at the shortage of affordable housing, rising homelessness, struggling first-time buyers and the challenge facing Scotland's communities. Scotland has a housing problem that has been developing for years, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Since autumn 2024, the share of UK manufacturers worried that cyber attacks will hit their supply chains has risen almost sixfold, and wholesalers and retailers are more than five times as worried, reveals Parcelhero. With AI concern rising too, and M&S, the Co-op, Jaguar Land Rover and Europe’s supermarket fridge hacks as warnings, half of retailers and over half of transport and storage firms still have no resilience action planned.
There have been more reports of rogue traders going door to door and offering to replace or repair driveways or private roads using materials that are supposedly left over from a previous job. Last week workers visited a restaurant and said they had tarmac left over from a job they had just completed.
Britain's trade position deteriorated significantly during the third quarter of 2026, with imports rising much faster than exports and the overall trade deficit widening by £6.2 billion. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), covering September and the three months from July to September, highlight a continuing weakness in Britain's trade in physical goods.
The welfare system could be heading for one of its biggest changes in years, with young people aged 18 to 24 potentially losing access to two important sickness and disability benefits under proposals being developed by former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn. The proposals, which are expected to feature in his government-commissioned review due to be published on 17 November 2026, could leave some young people with considerably less financial support than they receive today.
Britain's economy continued to grow in September, but the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal an uneven picture. While some business services and manufacturing industries are performing well, construction remains under pressure and there are signs that consumer-facing businesses are finding conditions difficult.
Britain is facing a demographic challenge which could have profound consequences for its economy, public services, workforce and communities. Fewer babies are being born, women are having children later in life and the average family is becoming smaller.
Britain's construction industry is showing signs of improvement in some areas, but the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal an industry still struggling to regain momentum. Construction output increased in September, bringing some welcome relief after four consecutive monthly falls.
Britain's manufacturing industry is showing some encouraging signs of improvement, but the latest official figures suggest that the country's wider industrial recovery remains fragile. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on 12 November show that total production output increased by just 0.1% during the third quarter of 2026, covering July to September.
Following an increase in detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild and captive birds, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland has declared Scotland-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds. From 12 noon on Tuesday 10 November, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Scotland to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from avian flu.
New legislation gives independent trade unions the right to request access to workplaces from 30 October 2026, even where employers do not recognise them. Businesses employing 21 or more workers will need to understand the new rules.
Scotland is recording its highest breastfeeding rates since records began, providing encouraging news for the health of a new generation of babies. New figures from Public Health Scotland, published on 10 November 2026, show that seven in ten babies are now breastfed for at least some time after birth.
Thousands of jobs will be supported as two major offshore wind projects mark progress towards delivering clean homegrown energy for millions of homes, ahead of the Prime Minister’s travel to the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Türkiye. Prime Minister welcomes green light for two major new UK offshore wind projects ahead of attendance at COP31.
For many people trying to buy their first home, saving a substantial deposit has become one of the biggest obstacles to getting onto the property ladder. House prices have risen considerably faster than many wages, rents consume a large proportion of household income, and putting aside enough money for a deposit can take years.
Dame Antonia Romeo, the UK's Cabinet Secretary, has delivered a speech setting out plans to fundamentally change the way government operates. Her message is that traditional government structures, departmental boundaries and bureaucratic procedures are no longer suitable for the challenges facing the country.
Perhaps one of the most interesting examples is easyJet, the airline founded in Britain in 1995 which grew from a small low-cost operator into one of Europe's best-known airlines. In August 2026, American investment group Apollo Global Management agreed a recommended £5.7 billion cash acquisition of easyJet.
The Scottish Government has once again confirmed its commitment to completing the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035. Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn has been speaking about the programme and the importance of improving safety on one of Scotland's most important and frequently criticised trunk roads.
Oil prices have fallen to their lowest levels since August, despite fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure and continuing instability across the Middle East. Brent crude briefly dropped below $90 a barrel on Tuesday, November 10, leaving many observers wondering why the market appears so relaxed when the security of one of the world's most important oil-producing regions remains under threat.
The UK will be more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic following a new £90 million investment in new drones, sensors and AI systems for the Royal Navy. First phase of the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Bastion programme will deliver new drones, sensors and AI systems to protect undersea cables and energy networks.
A change to credit scoring could help millions of British renters build a better financial record. But there are questions about fairness, privacy and what happens when someone falls behind with their rent.
Britain's transition towards electric cars is gathering momentum, but it is also exposing some uncomfortable questions about the future of the motor industry. The country's dependence on overseas manufacturers and whether the infrastructure needed to support millions of electric vehicles is being developed quickly enough.
There is an old saying that a problem ignored does not go away. Unfortunately, when that problem is debt, it tends to grow teeth, acquire a credit card and start charging interest.
Co-Chairs Frances Gunn and Ian Ross are delighted to announce the new members of the Neighbourhood Board for the Pride in Place Programme. The Neighbourhood Board brings together an exceptional range of skills, experience and local knowledge from across Sutherland.
Developments over the past week raise some important questions about its economic future, public services and the prospects for its communities. From the future of the Sutherland Spaceport to Highland Council's financial difficulties, there are several issues worth watching.
A US space company is exploring the potential to establish regular launch operations from Sutherland Spaceport in the north Highlands. Colorado-based LEAP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to explore opportunities at the site.
Imenco Future Technologies is an innovation led company specialising in high-quality vision systems, subsea sensors and acoustic solutions. Working in partnership with customers across the offshore energy, defence and maritime industries, we deliver innovative, engineered solutions designed to enhance safety, protect asset integrity and maximise operational efficiency.
Scotland could be heading for the biggest reorganisation of its public services in more than two decades. The Scottish Government is looking at reducing the number of NHS health boards from 14 to just two, while also proposing a major restructuring of local government.
Sutherland faces some difficult questions about its future. The latest developments include a substantial financial challenge for Highland Council, proposals for a new Highland Growth Deal and the continuing debate over how to attract investment and employment to rural communities.
This beautiful five-bedroom, stone-built, large family home is C-Listed and situated in the sought-after Sinclair Terrace. The accommodation comprises a hallway, kitchen/diner, lounge, dining room, utility room and shower room on the ground floor.
This beautiful four-bedroom, mid-terraced home sits in walk-in condition having been finished to a high standard. There is Upvc double glazing throughout and the heating system is oil-fired.
Set in the countryside and facing directly onto the open sea, a lovely detached two-bedroom bungalow with two garages and a stone-built store, sitting on a large plot of garden grounds and surrounded by 3.5 acres of croft land which is available separately. A driveway leads up to the home which consists of vestibule, conservatory, hallway, kitchen/diner, utility room, lounge, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Artificial intelligence may transform customer service, reducing the need for large teams of telephone operators. For communities that once attracted call centres to replace lost industries, the consequences could be particularly significant.
A college + university like no other With 19 campuses and centres across the North and West Highlands, Skye, and Outer Hebrides, we cover a geographic area larger than Wales, comprising 40% of Scotland’s coastline. Our campuses and centres are located within historic towns and villages, set amongst the shorelines, mountains, and moors, with local staff working across our region to support our students and communities.
Private Client Paralegal – BBM Solicitors, Wick BBM Solicitors is recruiting a Private Client Paralegal for our Wick office. The role involves supporting our solicitors with executry administration, wills, powers of attorney, guardianship and trust matters.
We have a rare opportunity become available of a confectioner within the heart of our bustling bakehouse. This role entails all of the daily finishing details of our freshly baked pastries, doughnuts, scones etc.
With Christmas approaching, households across Britain face an important question: should they be more cautious about borrowing, credit card spending and taking on new financial commitments? There are good reasons to think carefully before spending money that has not yet been earned. Inflation has risen again, energy prices are volatile and the Bank of England has warned that interest rates may need to rise if inflationary pressures persist.
UK retail sales fall 0.4% as cautious consumers rein in spending ahead of the crucial Christmas shopping period. Brent crude surges to $114 a barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions and mounting fears over energy supplies.
Scottish Government puts environmental protection ahead of promised jobs and tourism investment near Dornoch. The Scottish Government has rejected plans for a new championship golf course at Coul Links, near Embo and Dornoch, bringing another chapter to a long-running dispute over the future of one of Sutherland's most environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
International tensions are rising, oil prices are volatile and governments are increasingly concerned about security. Against this background, should British holidaymakers be thinking more carefully before booking a trip abroad? The answer is yes, but that does not mean cancelling every holiday or treating the world as too dangerous to visit.
Position: We are seeking a Laboratory Technician, to be based at our Thurso campus. Responsibilities: The post holder will be responsible for providing high-quality laboratory technical support for Research and Knowledge Exchange and its commercial, research and teaching activities.
Port Strategy Manager Wick Harbour Authority · Wick, Caithness Salary £60,000–£65,000 Applications and enquiries recruitment@wickharbour.co.uk Benefits 6% employer pension contribution, 34 days' annual leave including public holidays, and company sick pay. What the job involves The successful candidate will work with the harbour's board and team to: - Lead the harbour's masterplan and long-term development strategy.
There are some plants that stop you in your tracks because they’re beautiful. Others because they’re unusual, and then there’s giant hogweed.
This beautiful, detached, stone-built, three-bedroom, two reception room, family home is situated somewhat hidden away on Louisburgh Street, in Wick and is situated not far up from the High Street. With large rooms throughout, the home retains some of the original features.
RDI Renewables is a local renewables installer at Ormlie Industrial Estate in Thurso. We fit heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage in homes, businesses and community buildings across Caithness and Sutherland, and we look after those systems for years afterwards.
The Highland Council has today 15 October 2026 launched a statutory Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 consultation. Dornoch residents have until 10 December 2026 to respond to a proposal affecting Common Good land.
A college + university like no other With 19 campuses and centres across the North and West Highlands, Skye, and Outer Hebrides, we cover a geographic area larger than Wales, comprising 40% of Scotland’s coastline. Our campuses and centres are located within historic towns and villages, set amongst the shorelines, mountains, and moors, with local staff working across our region to support our students and communities. Position: We are seeking a Work Based Assessor in Aquaculture, to be based at any of our NWH campuses.
Scapa Flow Museum has announced the official launch of ‘Voices from Scapa Flow’, an ambitious new audio project revealing what life was really like for the residents, service personnel and workers stationed at one of the world’s greatest natural harbours during the First and Second World Wars. The project is a Highlands and Islands Digital Heritage Network initiative, delivered in partnership with The Space, a not-for-profit digital agency for the arts, heritage and culture sector, and Museums and Heritage Highland.
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