FTSE 100 is on the back foot in early trade following fresh attacks in the Middle East. Brent crude rises to $72 a barrel, as Strait of Hormuz remains tricky to navigate.
Th USA Iran conflict is still in turmoil with limited attacks ongoing periodically. The situation has deteriorated again over the past few days, although it has not yet returned to the level of disruption seen earlier in the conflict.
The UK Government recently announced a major package of support centred on Ukraine’s economic recovery and wider global security. The headline figures — $1 billion in UK‑backed World Bank finance and £1 billion in additional defence spending sparked debate about how the UK can afford such commitments at a time when domestic services face intense financial strain.
Ukraine’s resilience and recovery will receive a $1 billion boost through UK-backed funding. Government announces latest $1 billion tranche of UK fiscal support that, pooled with partners’ support, will provide more than $4 billion in additional financing for Ukraine.
The Fraser of Allander Institute’s recent analysis argues that the Scottish and wider UK economies have shown remarkable resilience despite global uncertainty. That view is not an outlier.
A striking feature of the current economic landscape is how global conditions have shifted in the UK’s favour. After two years of intense inflationary pressure driven by energy shocks, supply‑chain disruption, and rising interest rates, the UK is now benefiting from a combination of external forces that are helping to stabilise the economy.
Major sporting events like the World Cup are usually discussed in glowing terms. They bring excitement.
Business failures across the UK have climbed since the pandemic, but the shape of the crisis differs between Scotland and England & Wales. Scotland has seen a steady rise in insolvencies since 2021, while England & Wales have experienced even sharper increases — and the sectoral pressures behind these trends are not identical.
The repeal of the Vagrancy Act in England and Wales has rightly been welcomed by many people. No one should become a criminal simply because they have nowhere to sleep.
Every World Cup brings the same familiar narrative. The economy will benefit.
The number of students learning an instrument has increased by almost 30,000 since the abolition of fees for music lessons in schools. A new report shows that annual investment of up to £12 million from the Scottish Government to fund free instrumental music tuition has seen participants increase to more than 70,000 since 2021.
Until recently, electricity demand in developed countries was relatively stable. Utilities built networks to serve homes, offices and factories, and costs were shared across all users.
On Monday, the UK Government will finally repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824 in England and Wales, ending more than two centuries of legislation that made rough sleeping a criminal offence. The announcement has been widely welcomed by homelessness charities and many police organisations, who have argued for years that homelessness should never have been treated as a crime.
There was a lot of Hype about how the world cup would help pubs and hospitality businesses but has it turned out to be true. The evidence so far suggests the answer is yes and no.
Every major sporting event comes with familiar headlines. “The economy will get a boost.” “Pubs and restaurants will see record trade.” “Billions added to GDP.” The World Cup is no exception.
We are delighted to bring to the market this beautifully presented three-bedroom semi-detached cottage, finished and fitted to a high standard throughout. This spacious home has been thoughtfully extended, offering generous accommodation that is sure to appeal to a wide range of purchasers.
For many people, interest rates are simply about mortgages or savings accounts. But there is another consequence that receives far less attention – the impact on public investment.
It does seem counterintuitive. Normally, renewed military exchanges between the US and Iran would push oil prices higher.
This impressive ‘B Listed’ detached former Church of Scotland Manse, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century, occupies substantial grounds extending to approximately 1.52 acres, enclosed by attractive dry-stone walls, and is complemented by an extensive range of traditional outbuildings. Situated in a delightful setting just a short walk from the village of Canisbay, this attractive property enjoys far-reaching countryside and sea views, with panoramic views across the Pentland Firth towards Orkney.
Up to 40,000 disabled people and people with health conditions will benefit from expanded access to personalised support, as the government rolls out Support Conversations across a further 27 Jobcentres taking the total number of sites to 33. Support Conversations expanding to a further 27 Jobcentres across Great Britain, bringing the total to 33 sites.
Proposed reforms to ease the high prison population, support rehabilitation, reduce reoffending and improve public safety have been published for public consultation. Justice Secretary Neil Gray told Parliament that despite a range of measures taken to reduce numbers and maximise capacity, the prison population is at a critical level and is projected to rise further.
The Scottish Government has announced millions for NHS capital projects—but Caithness is missing from the list. This week the Scottish Government announced progress on a range of NHS capital projects across Scotland.
The most significant reform of Scotland’s curriculum in more than ten years is underway, as the first early samples of new curriculum materials have been shared with councils across the country. Planned updates to the curriculum, prepared by Education Scotland and co-designed with input from over 1,500 teachers, nursery practitioners, and partners through the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC), will clarify knowledge and progression, making it clearer what children should know, understand and be able to do at every stage of school. Discussions are taking place with the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) for two additional in-service days to be offered during the 2026-27 academic year, to help schools prepare for change.
The Highland Council has agreed plans to establish a Highland Wealth Fund to create a lasting legacy from renewable energy development and support long-term benefits for communities across the region. Inspired by the principles of the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, the new partnership-led fund will support strategic, regional, area and local priority projects, helping to ensure that the opportunities created by the energy transition deliver lasting value for current and future generations.
The fall below $75 a barrel is significant because it suggests that the "war premium" which built up during the Iran crisis has largely evaporated. Brent crude is now back close to where it was before fears of a prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Highland Council has agreed to continue working with the tourism industry to co-design a draft Visitor Levy scheme for the Highlands. It follows the Council securing greater flexibility from The Scottish Government on how a Visitor Levy could be applied and administered, after feedback from accommodation providers and industry groups across the Highlands about a percentage-based charge.
Thought last years show was amazing.... the wait is over and we are delighted to finally reveal that.....
This year a predicted Super El Niño affect may hit prices in the UK. There is no certainty about how it will play out but better to know what may be affected.
For years, ultra‑cheap online marketplaces like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress have reshaped the way people shop in the UK. But now the Government is preparing a major change that could shift the balance back toward the high street: the abolition of the de minimis import threshold.
A Super a Super El Niño event can significantly raise the risk of commodity price spikes and crop failures, but the impact depends on its strength, location, and how global supply chains respond. Here’s how it works in practice.
Beò! 2029, the Inverness-Highland bid for UK City of Culture 2029, has launched an ambassador programme to help champion the bid and build support across the region and beyond. Award-winning folk singer Julie Fowlis and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Katie Gregson-MacLeod have become the programme's first ambassadors, lending their support to the only Scottish bid longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029.
Full time Domestic assistant (30 hours per week) Here at Riverside house care home we are looking for a dedicated and reliable domestic assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will work five shifts per week 8am-2pm ensuring areas throughout the home are maintained to the highest standard of cleanliness, this role is perfect for individuals who take pride in their work and enjoy creating a welcoming environment.
Projects supporting people most at risk of social isolation and loneliness have had their funding extended until March 2027. A total of £1.05 million will help 52 organisations provide group and community activities, warm spaces, and opportunities for people to come together for a meal or other activities, aimed at older people, carers, disabled people and young parents.
Barnardo's Highland Services is looking for a dedicated and compassionate support worker to join our Springboard Outreach Service, supporting care leavers across the Highland Area. This role is predominately based in Caithness and Sutherland however you may need to travel to Inverness at times.
This large commercial building is situated on Bridge Street and is spread over three floors. The entire building extends to approximately 315 square meters in total.
This spacious three-bedroom first-floor flat occupies a superb coastal position, boasting impressive views across Thurso Beach, Thurso East, the Pentland Firth, Dunnet, Scrabster and Orkney. Formerly two separate one-bedroom flats, the property offers excellent potential for landlords or those exploring the Airbnb market.
cotland enters the second half of the decade with inflation finally stabilising, but the cost of living remains stubbornly high. Prices are no longer rising at crisis levels, yet they are not falling either — and for many households, especially renters and mortgaged families, the financial pressure is still intense.
Kirsty MacPherson will join from East Renfrewshire Council. Former head teacher previously worked in Dumfries and Galloway and Shetland.
The cost‑of‑living pressures coming toward 2027 — rising rents, mortgage resets, council tax increases, higher import prices, and energy costs that refuse to fall — are structural. You can’t control them, but you can control your exposure to them.
This report is the final output of the Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review. It brings together the evidence collected during the project & provides options & practical recommendations for the roles and delivery of Community Led Local Development, Scottish Rural Network and Scottish Rural Action.
Each year, the Scottish Government distributes Community Led Local Development (CLLD) funding to Local Action Groups (LAG) to support local priorities. For 2026 to 2027, the LAG are investing in projects that strengthen communities in the Highlands and reduce inequality.
When the BBC announces another round of job cuts, it is easy to think of it as a single event. But the latest announcement is not an isolated decision.
Wick Golf Club are looking for an enthusiastic and hard-working person to join their greenkeeping team for the summer months. You will need to enjoy working outside and preferably have some experience with relevant machinery.
WE ARE HIRING Receptionist/Administrator - Thurso Office (Full-Time) Are you welcoming, highly organised, and confident in a fast-paced environment? This could be your next move. As the face and voice of out Thurso office, you'll be the first point of contact for our clients - creating a professional, friendly, and lasting first impression.
Check out Wick Gala Facebook..
Click over to the Caithness show Facebook page for lots of details. You can now buy early tickets online to avoid queues etc.
See poster..
In times of uncertainty, savers may want to keep cash close, but with over 200 easy-access accounts beating inflation, leaving money in low-paying accounts is costly. Time to move your money out of low interest accounts.
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.
Scaffolder required for approximately 6 weeks contract in Fair Isle commencing beginning of August.Send CVs to caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk for more infomation contact 07793102455. .
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.
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.
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.
Serving customers for dinner and breakfast on our campsite with adjoining cafe and restaurant. Over 18 please as we are a licensed premises.
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.
We are currently looking for bar staff. This is a part time position which will be permanent.
In rural Scotland, distance is not an abstract concept. It is the price of participation in modern life.
(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!”.
(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.
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.
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