Scotland sits on the edge of an energy paradox. It produces far more renewable electricity than it can use, yet it lacks the storage needed to turn that abundance into security.
On March 19, Ras Laffan, the largest liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal in the world, supplying one-fifth of the world's super-chilled fuel, was hit by Iranian missiles and drones. The Qatari terminal suffered substantial damage in the strikes - fires were raging across the gas-to-liquids facility within the complex, which covers 295 square kilometres - the size of a large city.
The quantity of goods bought (volume) in retail sales is estimated to have risen by 0.7% in the three months to February 2026, compared with the three months to November 2025. The rise was mainly because of better sales for non-store retailers in the three months to February 2026, following a weaker November 2025, as well as strong artwork sales volumes in January 2026.
The manifesto contains very large tax cuts and major structural reforms, but little credible evidence or detailed costings to show how they would be funded. Claims that tax cuts would "pay for themselves" are unsupported and contradict the Fiscal Framework's constraints.
The recent surge and volatility in global energy prices—particularly oil and natural gas are no longer abstract economic indicators. They are feeding directly into the daily financial reality of households across the United Kingdom.
When Scotland replaced Stamp Duty with Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), the intention was to build a fairer system one where those buying more expensive property contributed more. A decade on, a detailed government review suggests that while LBTT has succeeded in raising revenue and increasing progressivity, it has also created a series of unintended consequences.
The latest interim outlook from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development paints a picture of a global economy that is no longer stabilising, but instead being tested once again. What had appeared to be a gradual recovery from the inflation shocks of the early 2020s has been disrupted by renewed geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices.
To Lease or buy. Or something else..
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.
Norbloc Construction Ltd have a vacancy for a part time QHSE Manager who will be responsible for leading, developing, and maintaining integrated management systems for Quality, Health, Safety & Environment across their projects. Key Responsibilities & Duties • Lead, develop, and maintain an Integrated Management System (IMS) aligned with ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) standards.
Households often underestimate the cumulative power of small savings. Downgrading a few items feels trivial — until you add it up over a year.
In recent years, energy costs have become an increasingly significant concern for businesses across the United Kingdom. While much attention has been paid to the dramatic price spikes during the energy crisis of 2022-2023, a quieter but equally important issue is now unfolding: the renewal of fixed energy contracts.
The Resolution Foundation's proposed deposit loan scheme shares structural similarities with student loans—delaying repayment until later in life but they warn this could create long-term debt burdens if not carefully designed. Like student loans, it risks becoming a deferred cost that weighs on future budgets, especially if interest rates rise or wages stagnate.
A family-run micro-distillery in Wester Ross is set for significant growth after securing a £105,215 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). A family-run micro-distillery in Wester Ross is set for significant growth after securing a £105,215 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Brand snobbery is one of the most expensive habits in the weekly shop. But here’s the truth as many unbranded items don’t just match the branded versions - they outperform them.
Lessons from the Post-War house building Boom Between 1951 and 1964, successive UK governments pledged and delivered 300,000–400,000 new homes per year. This included New towns like Glenrothes, East Kilbride, and Cumbernauld.
Most households want to save money on groceries, but they fear the fallout. Complaints from the kids, grumbles from partners, or the dreaded “this tastes different”.
Supermarkets look friendly, but they’re engineered with military precision. Every shelf, every sign, every smell is designed to make you spend more than you intended.
Households across the UK are being squeezed harder than at any point in recent memory. Energy bills, fuel, insurance, council tax, and food prices have all risen together.
The Government has shored up the UK's critical supplies of CO2 vital for Britain's nuclear, packaged meats, fresh food and healthcare by temporarily restarting the Ensus bioethanol plant in Wilton, Teesside. CO2 supplies vital for critical sectors protected as government backs plant to resume production.
The UK has taken further action against a network that operates illegal scam centres across Southeast Asia. UK steps up action to protect British nationals from online fraud and prevent human rights abuses through new sanctions tackling "scam centres" in Southeast Asia.
Brits are expected to spend £2.39bn on chocolate eggs, cards, meals and gifts this Easter - that's a 4% rise on 2025, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero. However, while it's a great idea to send gifts such as craft kits and bunny toys to loved ones, think twice about sending fragile chocolate eggs.
Households across the UK are being hit from all sides. Energy bills remain stubbornly high, fuel costs creep up with every fill, and the weekly shop has quietly become one of the biggest pressure points in the family budget.
In recent months, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has spoken about the need to protect vulnerable households from rising energy costs. This commitment reflects a clear political and social priority by shielding those least able to absorb higher living expenses.
Rising energy and fuel costs are not only a challenge for households and private businesses; they are placing increasing strain on the public sector, where the ability to respond is far more constrained. Local authorities and health boards, responsible for delivering essential services, are particularly exposed.
In a move that stunned Highland communities and sent shockwaves through Scotland's green energy sector, the UK Government has blocked a £1.5 billion contract with Chinese firm Ming Yang Smart Energy to build the world's largest wind turbine factory at Ardersier Port, near Inverness. The decision, made on national security grounds, has reignited debate over devolved powers, economic sovereignty, and the future of rural regeneration.
On 25 March 2026, the Scottish Parliament held a wide-ranging debate on the sustainability of remote, rural and island communities, with multiple MSPs highlighting the erosion of local services—including maternity care—and calling for urgent cross-portfolio action. The debate marked the final contributions of several departing members and underscored growing concern about depopulation, connectivity failures, and unequal access to healthcare.
Two poverty statistics publications were released by the Scottish Government today. Poverty and income inequality in Scotland 2022-25 covers the period up to March 2025, presenting poverty rates for children, working-age adults and pensioners.
Farm incomes rose in 2024-25, after sharp declines in 2023-24. Increases in income are largely driven by high livestock prices, while total input costs remained stable.
A new targeted equity loan scheme could help up to a million priority first-time buyers - for whom getting on the property ladder would reduce their housing costs and raise their living standards in one fell swoop. This is according to a new Resolution Foundation research published today (Thursday 26 March 2026).
CPI inflation held steady at 3.0 per cent in February, but with soaring oil prices prompting the Bank of England to revise up its inflation forecast, this may be the last bit of good news on the cost of living for some time, the Resolution Foundation said (Wednesday25 March 2026). Beneath the headline figure for last month, the picture is mixed.
Rising fuel costs are often discussed as a problem for motorists, but their true impact runs far deeper. For many businesses—particularly those reliant on transport such as taxis, delivery services, and bus operators fuel is not just an expense but a core operating cost.
This well-presented two-bedroom top floor flat offers comfortable living in a convenient location, close to East Community Campus, Pulteneytown Community Centre, and within walking distance of all local amenities. The property is in good decorative order throughout and comprises two spacious double bedrooms, a bright kitchen with dining area, a modern bathroom, and a useful additional storage room.
Job Purpose To support the procurement function by sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials required for PVC & Timber window & door manufacturing, ensuring cost efficiency, quality standards, and timely delivery to meet production demands. The role also includes responsibility for monitoring and measuring on-hand stock to support efficient production planning.
Contact Details: tangus@interbevgroup.com Location: Wick, Scotland Are you passionate about whisky, heritage, and creating unforgettable visitor experiences? Old Pulteney Brand Home is looking for warm, engaging and knowledgeable Brand Home Hosts to welcome guests to our distillery in Wick. About Old Pulteney Crafted in the far north‑east of Scotland, Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is shaped by its surroundings.
Join us at the Greenhouses from 2 to 4pm Saturday 28th. Got something that needs fixing Donât fling it.
A major project to develop a new net zero distillery in Sutherland has secured up to £1.57m from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). A major project to develop a new net zero distillery in Sutherland has secured up to £1.57m from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Tens of thousands of sick or disabled people are closer to work following a landmark programme introduced by this government, as part of its efforts to fix the broken welfare system it inherited. More than 65,000 sick and disabled people given free, tailored employment support - reaching target set in March 2025.
In the same month that Clynelish at Brora/Golspie falls silent, Highlands and Islands Enterprise proudly announces a £1.57 million award for a new "net‑zero" whisky distillery at Dornoch. On one stretch of the A9, a major Diageo site—an anchor employer, a pillar of Sutherland's modern history—has closed its doors.
Join me for a gentle stroll on the RSPBs Forsinard Flows nature reserve to discover the splendid peatland habitat with its World Heritage Site designation, all from the comfort of a boardwalk and flagstone trail. Prepare to be shocked at how deep the peat is! Do you dare to bounce on it with me? Explore the many pools (with a pond net) and discover what lurks there.
Join us on the Ferry Views Bus for a relaxed evening of creativity, comfort food, and cosy vibes You will be painting a beautiful glass design inspired by Scottish bluebells. No experience needed, just good energy and maybe a steady hand!.
We have a jam-packed Easter programme of family friendly events this Spring including Graffiti workshops, Ukulele Club, a drumming workshop and more. Check out the poster below for more info and head over to our website to book.
What New Rules Mean for Pet Owners Across The country. If you’ve ever walked out of a vet’s surgery almost any where wondering how a five‑minute consultation turned into a three‑figure bill, you’re far from alone.
Project Management Summer Placement – Transmission Duration: 12 weeks commencing June 2026 Base Location: Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, Western Isles (Stornoway). Candidates must be based in commutable distance from base location for the duration of the placement Salary: £26,239 per annum (pro-rata) Working Pattern: Fixed Term Contract | Full Time Degree Disciplines: Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering What is the role? Working as part of our multi-disciplined teams, we have a range of opportunities for students to support projects across our Transmission business.
Position: We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic lecturer to join our team at our Thurso campus. This role focuses on delivering core skills such as communication, IT and employability within an engineering context.
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 Lecturer - Health, Social Care & Life Sciences, to be based at any of our UHI North, West and Hebrides campuses to deliver across a range of courses from SCQF level 4 to 9.
FULL TIME POSITION HAS BECOME AVAILABLE FOR FULLTIME OFTEC ENGINEER. FULL DRIVING LICENCE ESSENTIAL WORKING HOURS 8AM - 4.30PM MON TO FRIDAY CALLOUT ROTA ENHANCED RATES ONE WEEK PER CALENDAR MONTH.
A&D Sutherland Ltd have positions available at the main quarry site in Spittal. We require General Labourers & Machine Operators.
If the Highlands is to navigate the next decade without sliding into a quiet, unmanaged decline, it needs a new model for public services and one that reflects the region’s geography, its demographics, and the financial constraints shaping every decision. The old model, built around a large workforce, a wide estate of local offices, and a service structure designed for a very different era, is no longer sustainable.
After some downtime due to our server relocation our Whatson section is up and running. It is free to use by adding your details for any advert on the Submissions page.
A fascinating talk by Thomas Keyes about his work at the Pictish Tarbet Discovery Centre, Portmahomack. FREE ENTRY - All welcome.
Date for the diaryâ¦.. Saturday 4th July 1pm Rose Street Gardens, Thurso Tea and Coffee following served in Gardens.
New yoga class in Wick. Launch class on Saturday 4 April.
£500,000 funding of digital development for world’s largest performing arts festival. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society will receive £500,000 to help support ongoing digital transformation work, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.
Scotland is set to become the first country in the UK to publish a miscarriage patient charter, giving women clear information about the care and support they can expect from the NHS. The charter, commissioned by the Scottish Government and developed in partnership with baby loss charities Tommy's, Held In Our Hearts and the Miscarriage Association, sets out the rights and entitlements women should receive during and following a miscarriage.
A temporary export bar has been placed on the historically significant archive of James Stirling. The archive catalogues revolutionary practices at James Stirling’s Scots Mining Company that ushered in a new era of better conditions for workers.
Dive into Joanne B. Kaars exhibition Shipshape telling the story of Strathnavers boatbuilding heritage.
A widely experienced saxophonist and flautist. Brian Molley released his quartetâs first album, Clock, in 2013 and was immediately noted as One to Watch by Jazzwise.
Like many of us in Caithness, we have noticed the weekly shop creeping up. Here’s a simple idea that won’t take extra time.
Reviving old-fashioned church jumble sales could be a practical and community driven response to charity shop closures, especially in rural areas like Caithness. These sales were once a staple of British parish life, offering low-cost goods, social connection, and local fundraising and they’re well-suited to low-overhead, volunteer-led models.
Wick-based with travel to Thurso | 38–40 hours per week | Permanent | £28,000–£30,000 depending on experience Bin Ends is a much-loved independent wine and whisky retailer with shops in Wick and Thurso, proudly part of the Lamont family of businesses in Caithness. We’re looking for an experienced, enthusiastic Retail Manager to lead our team and help take the business to the next level.
Mackays Hotel is one of the North Highlands' most loved destinations, a family-run property established in 1883, with an AA Rosette-awarded bistro that puts fresh, seasonal Scottish produce at the heart of everything we do. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a talented Chef to join our kitchen and help us deliver the exceptional dining experience our guests have come to love.
Are you a morning person with a love of great food? Mackays Hotel, one of the North Highlands' most cherished destinations since 1883, is looking for a Breakfast Chef to join the team at our AA Rosette-awarded No.1 Bistro. No previous professional kitchen experience? No problem.
Here at Riverside house care home we are looking to employ a kitchen assistant working five shifts per week working 3.30pm-7pm. Duties include basic cooking & serving of evening meals, washing dishes and cleaning of kitchen.
Everyone knows how Jason won the Golden Fleece. Everyone knows how he became a hero for all time and everyone knows the part his wife, Medea, played in creating his legend dont they.
An excellent opportunity to purchase a well presented 3 bedroom semi-detached house situated in a popular residential area of Thurso. The property is conveniently located close to local amenities, including Thurso High School and North Highland College UHI, as well as the nearby primary schools Pennyland Primary School and Miller Academy Primary School.
Animals, Flower Tent and much more..
5 star theatre coming to Staxigoe! Love is a complicated business. It gets even more complicated when the person you love doesnât want to be alive.
Commodity markets have slipped back into a familiar pattern: when the world becomes uncertain, prices stop reflecting supply and demand and start reflecting fear. Oil is the clearest example.
The UK pays the highest electricity prices in Europe — and it doesn't have to. In this video, I explain the electricity pricing scam at the heart of the UK energy crisis and why the government refuses to fix it.
New plans aim to support British farmers by improving supply resilience to global market shocks and supporting innovation in the fertiliser sector. British farmers could benefit from access to new and innovative fertilising products which have the potential to reduce air, land and water pollution under new government proposals launched today (Thursday 19 March 2026).
More than 80 grassroots initiatives across Scotland will share in over £3 million funding to help deliver more ambitious community projects and activities and enable them to generate their own income. To date the Strengthening Communities Programme has helped hundreds of organisations to develop and improve their work with local communities and boost local economies.
Travellers who have had flights delayed or cancelled due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East are being warned that scammers are setting up fake airline accounts on social media. Several customers have messaged these fraudulent accounts, believing that they were talking to genuine customer service staff from the airline.
The North's Premiere Highland Games. A great day out for all the family..
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated full time care assistant to join our nightshift team at Riverside house care home working four nights per week. Previous experience working in a care setting is advantage but not essential as full training will be provided.
DESPERADOS: The Music & Legacy of Eagles Prepare to be transported back to the golden era of classic West Coast rock as Desperados faithfully captures the essence and spirit of EAGLES. Their impeccable harmonies, flawless instrumentation, and passion for their craft make their show, one not to be missed! Expect all the classics including Hotel California, Lyinâ Eyes, Peaceful Easy Feelinâ â as well as songs from Don Henley, Glenn Frey & Joe Walshâs solo careers.
Drop in Lego Yachts, come design and build and then race your yachts against others. Under eights must be accompanied.
See poster for details..
See poster for full details..
This 2 bedroom end-terraced house with attic room and secure rear garden is ideally located in the heart of Thurso, offering convenient access to all local amenities. Situated just a short walk from the town centre, beach front and park, the property enjoys a prime position within this vibrant coastal community.
Position: Construction Site Administrator Location: Lybster, Caithness Length: 6-month contract (extension highly likely) Rate: £200/day (£2590 NET per month + Holiday + Pension) Work Pattern: Monday - Friday, 8.30-17:00 - Onsite Start date: 2nd/3rd Week of April 2026 Interviews: ASAP Scope: Verification of Employee Hours: Review and verify employee timesheets to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies. Weekly Hours Approval: Coordinate with project managers and supervisors to approve weekly employee hours and ensure timely submission for payroll processing.
We are looking for fabulous people to come and join our team for our busy summer season (until end Sept). The roles are based in our distillery shop and we are recruiting Tour Guides and Shop Assistants.
Some people have been arrested in UAE and Dubai for filming missile and other war incidents. When videos of missile interceptions or explosions appear online from places like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, they spread across social media almost instantly.
Expanding medicine reclassification could improve access to treatments, empower self-care, and reduce pressure on NHS services. Empowering people to take control of their own health is an essential pillar of a sustainable healthcare system.
This is a well‑known principle in international relations. Many conflicts involve asymmetric power: One side is militarily weaker But they can still impose high costs on stronger countries.
Experienced carer needed to support a physically disabled person in their own home. The ideal candidate must be reliable, flexible and a good communicator.
Here at Riverside house care home we are looking to employ a Domestic assistant to join our team, the ideal candidate will work four shifts per week 8am-2pm including some weekends. Duties include that all areas are maintained to the highest standard of cleanliness, cleaning of communal areas, lounges and bedrooms.
Situated in the peaceful rural setting of Thurdistoft, this well presented 3/4 bedroom bungalow offers the perfect blend of countryside tranquillity and convenient access to local amenities. The bustling village of Castletown is just a short drive away and provides a range of facilities including a hotel/restaurant, primary school, doctor’s surgery, convenience store/post office, butchers, garden centre and is a short walk to the stunning Dunnet beach.
The New Naver Bridge, located in Bettyhill along the A836, is now open to traffic. Though currently open only as single carriageway, the new bridge, which is part of the North Coast 500, welcomed its first cars at the end of February.
A 2/3 bedroom semi-detached home with a large garden and detached wooden garage, ideally located close to Wick town centre. The property is in walk-in condition, offering bright and comfortable living spaces throughout.
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
