If you live in rural Britain, you don’t need an economist to tell you that the energy market is in free-fall. You see it every time you pass a petrol station forecourt, and you certainly feel it when you check the tank out the back of your house.
Britain is preparing to spend tens of billions of pounds strengthening its electricity networks. But as battery storage becomes more widespread and communities develop their own energy systems, should we be asking whether every planned upgrade will still be necessary?.
The war between Russia and Ukraine is opening up another front, and it is one that could have implications far beyond the battlefield. Both countries are now attacking digital infrastructure, including the data centres that help keep modern economies functioning.
The banks have closed branches across the Highlands and customers have adapted. With Highland Council facing serious financial pressures, is it time to rethink permanent offices and take council services directly to the people who need them? There was a time when going to the bank meant visiting a branch.
A European Commission decision has cleared the way for a four-turbine tidal energy project in Orkney. It is an important milestone, but the real test will be whether it leads to a commercially viable industry with lasting benefits for the north of Scotland.
The Highland Council’s Environmental Health team is advising members of the public to exercise caution following the identification of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Loch Migdale, Sutherland. The situation is being investigated by Highland Council’s Environmental Health team in partnership with NHS Highland Public Health Department and wider colleagues.
The owner of fashion brands Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight, TFG London, has been hit by a cyber attack affecting some of its IT systems. The company identified the incident on Sunday 11 October and is investigating with the help of external cyber security specialists.
Quantum computing could create a new market for one of the world's scarcest materials. Canada has an established production capability, but the United States has its own supplies.
The Representation of the People Bill is a substantial package of proposed changes to how elections are run in the UK. As of 12 October 2026, it is being scrutinised in the House of Lords, following its passage through the Commons.
The warning signs are appearing across Britain's high streets. Pubs are closing, major retailers are searching for new owners, and even successful shops are finding that the cost of occupying prominent premises can become difficult to justify.
Britain’s housing crisis is real, but blaming migration alone risks overlooking the workers, skills, taxes and businesses that newcomers can bring to the country. Should government be doing more to help people turn their potential into economic activity?.
The government is looking at the heating-oil market after households faced sharp price increases, cancelled orders and uncertainty about whether they were getting a fair deal. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has examined how the market operates and recommended stronger protections for consumers.
Government tables 2 amendments to the Immigration and Asylum Bill as part of a wider package of reforms. Migrants who misrepresent their family circumstances or make last-minute asylum claims will face tougher rules under new measures to prevent abuse of the system.
The government wants to change how trains are bought, maintained and replaced. It could save money and bring cleaner trains, but will rural Scotland benefit as much as the big cities? Britain's railway is facing a major investment challenge.
A UK trade mission to India has unlocked hundreds of jobs and new deals for businesses as Ministers and Mayors look to drive growth. Business, Environment and Scotland Secretaries arrive in India with one of the largest ever regional trade missions of businesses and northern Mayors.
Highland Council is urging community groups to ‘apply now’ for its Winter Resilience Programme if they want grit bins in their local communities. The Highland Council’s winter service starts on Wednesday 14 October and the Council is ready to treat - according to its policy - the 6,787km of roads for which it has responsibility.
Britain is spending billions of pounds on sickness benefits while the Department for Work and Pensions has failed to carry out millions of reassessments intended to check whether claimants still qualify for support. An investigation published by The Times on 11 October has revealed that around 1.8 million people receiving the health-related element of Universal Credit are waiting for a reassessment.
Britain will be better protected from the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI by a suite of measures. Government to put frontier AI to work strengthening cyber defences, building on pilots that have already identified and addressed over 1,000 vulnerabilities.
The UK has an emergency plan for restricting fuel sales, while international energy officials warn that global diesel markets are tightening. What would have to happen before motorists and businesses face rationing?.
Another escalation in the Middle East threatens to add to the pressure on diesel, petrol, heating oil and the cost of living. The danger lies not just in the attacks themselves, but in what happens to the oil supplies the world depends on.
The Chancellor John Healey will anounce the UK budget on 28 October 2026. Bill has dived into some places to see what would help Caithness and other rural areas.
OpenAI's revenue figures have raised fresh questions about the technology boom. With billions being spent and future profits far from guaranteed, could the next financial shock be building inside the AI industry? The stock market has a problem.
Britain needs energy, the Treasury needs revenue and the North Sea needs investment. So why are two major oil and gas projects still waiting for the government to make up its mind? Britain is facing high energy costs, pressure on public finances and growing uncertainty about its future oil and gas supplies.
Britain’s public finances are heading towards another difficult reckoning. With inflation rising, government borrowing becoming more expensive and public services under pressure, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned that the Chancellor faces some uncomfortable decisions in his Budget on 28 October.
History is full of investors who convinced themselves that prices could only go up. Artificial intelligence may genuinely transform the world, but that does not mean today's extraordinary investment boom will end happily for everyone.
Supermarket bargains are tempting, but smaller bars, higher prices and changing recipes mean shoppers need to look beyond the special offer. Chocolate used to be one of life's affordable little pleasures.
This one-bedroom flat is situated in the sought-after Bignold Court. It is in need of renovation, after being empty for a duration of time, and is looking for a buyer to restore it to its former glory.
Trading Standards regularly issues warning about scams. Now they have provided a very useful advice list.
Morven Fancey, Head of housing, skills and population with Highland and Islands Enerprise looks a Childcare. Investing in childcare is an investment in people, in communities and in the long-term success of the Highlands and Islands and the region’s contribution to Scotland’s economy.
The Scottish Government has appointed another trade and investment envoy, this time to the United Arab Emirates. Ronnie Graham, managing partner of Winston Taylor's Dubai office, has been appointed to promote Scotland's interests in the UAE and help Scottish companies build relationships in the market.
Britain is being encouraged to become better prepared for emergencies, with households advised to keep supplies of food and water that could see them through several days. That sounds sensible enough.
RG SetSquare has a requirement for multiple HGV Drivers required for an ongoing assignment with our client. 6 month contract.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join QS, supporting UHI North, West & Hebrides with examinations. QS are looking to recruit an Invigilator to undertake the duties of invigilation for National Qualifications, in accordance with QS policy and procedures.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join QS, supporting UHI North, West & Hebrides with examinations. QS are looking to recruit a Depute Chief Invigilator to be responsible for supporting the Chief Invigilator (CI) with the organisation and supervision of invigilation for National Qualifications, in accordance with QS policy and procedures.
Bacon has suddenly become a rather more complicated item on the shopping list. Should we worry about nitrates and nitrites? Is nitrate-free bacon healthier? And if supermarkets are now selling bacon without added nitrites, is it worth paying extra for it?.
Women going through the menopause are being offered an ever-growing range of supplements promising to help with hot flushes, poor sleep, mood changes, brain fog, tiredness and a host of other symptoms. But new research raises an uncomfortable question: are some women paying hundreds of pounds a year for products that offer little more than a much cheaper ordinary multivitamin? The answer is not that all menopause supplements are useless.
The Highland Council has agreed to submit proposals for two Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) to Scottish Ministers following extensive public consultation and consideration by local area committees. At today’s special meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee (28 September), Members approved the submission of proposals for: An Inverness City Short Term Let Control Area, covering Inverness and surrounding areas; and A Highland Rural Short Term Let Control Area, covering Aird and Loch Ness, Inverness South, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, Lochaber, Skye and Raasay, and Sutherland.
There are times when a story from thousands of miles away makes you look at your own garden slightly differently. Reports from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky describe residents facing such severe shortages of food that some have reportedly been eating plants growing in their gardens that most of us would simply call weeds.
Five place based residencies across Caithness and Sutherland. The Caithness and Sutherland Culture Collective Partnership invites applications for five artist residencies, each rooted in a different locality and hosted by a partner organisation.
Kennel Assistant Donald S McGregor & Partners, Thurso are looking for a proactive and hardworking Kennel Assistant to join our team. We are looking for someone who takes pride in maintaining high standards, is organised and reliable, and enjoys working as part of a busy veterinary team.
A beautiful mid-terraced, three-bedroom (one with ensuite), stone-built home which retains many of the original features, with a large area of garden to rear. Accommodation comprises vestibule, hallway, lounge, sitting room/dining room, Ashley Ann fitted kitchen and a utility room on the ground floor, upstairs from the landing there are three bedrooms, one with ensuite and a family bathroom.
Vapes, Drinks and Spiking: What Young People and Parents Need to Know A recent BBC report has highlighted an issue that parents of teenagers may find worrying: the possibility of drugs being put into drinks or even vapes without the person's knowledge. It is a subject where sensible advice is more useful than alarm.
This doer-upper was started and now looking for a new owner to finish it. Hidden away in Beaufoy Street, this lovely stone-built property has a new fitted kitchen, oak doors fitted throughout and now needs plumbing and electrics to be finished, along with decoration.
Sutherland has had another week in which several apparently separate stories point towards the same underlying question. How does a huge rural area attract investment and economic activity while maintaining the homes, services and communities needed to support it?.
Something rather important is happening around the United States, and it may be bigger than the individual tariff announcements, political arguments or daily movements in the oil price. America is changing the way it deals with the rest of the world.
The Bank held interest rates as expected in its MPC meeting Thursday), with the real news coming from a welcome change in how it intends unwind Quantitative Easing (QE) and a gloomy outlook on the cost of living, the Resolution Foundation said today. James Smith, Chief Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said, “The Bank’s decision today to hold interest rates was welcome but expected.
The future of disability benefits is becoming one of the more difficult issues facing the UK government, with spending rising rapidly and increasing numbers of people receiving support. A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) examines what could be changed in Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the main working-age disability benefit in England and Wales.
Canada has spent generations building its economy around its huge neighbour to the south. Now it is looking across the Atlantic.
Qualified Mechanic required for maintenance and repairs for various types of vehicles. MOT Experience would be advantageous but not essential.
NUVIA UK is looking for a technically minded and proactive Dounreay Beach Monitoring Project Technician to support the delivery of the Dounreay Beach Monitoring Project and related radiological monitoring activities. This varied role combines fieldwork, instrumentation, technical data analysis, GIS mapping, equipment calibration and report writing.
We're Hiring | Experienced Chef The Pentland Hotel is looking for an experienced chef to join our kitchen team in Thurso on a Full-Time or Part-Time basis for the right candidate. We’re looking for individuals with previous experience working in a professional kitchen who are confident in a busy environment and take pride in maintaining consistently high standards.
Food & Beverage Supervisor Ideal for an experienced and confident individual looking to work a few shifts each week while taking on additional responsibility within our food and beverage team. Whether you’re looking for a few shifts alongside other commitments or you’re ready to take the next step in your hospitality career, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking for friendly, reliable and enthusiastic people aged 18 or over to join us as Part-Time Bar Staff Perfect for anyone looking to work a few shifts each week, with opportunities to cover midweek, evenings and weekends. To apply or find out more, please contact Vicky at thecaithnesscollection@hotmail.com .
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 highly organised and detail-oriented Registry and Admissions Officer, with a focus on Registry, to join our Student Records team in Fort William, Thurso or Stornoway.
Caithness Forums
What's On in Caithness
Property For Sale
Property For Rent
Sutherland Property
Planning Notices
Who Is Building?
Submit Your Details
Other Enquiries
