Mexico is preparing billions of dollars of new investment in renewable energy, joining countries around the world racing to expand their electricity supplies. Britain is investing heavily too, but turning ambitious plans into affordable energy and lasting jobs remains a major challenge.
Billions of pounds are being invested in artificial intelligence, but could the race to build smarter machines leave ordinary consumers paying more for computers, phones and other electronic goods? The global race to develop artificial intelligence is creating enormous demand for computer chips. While much of the attention has focused on the fortunes being made by technology companies, a less welcome consequence is emerging: the equipment needed to power AI could make some everyday technology more expensive.
Military and medical experts test plans for treating wounded service personnel, raising questions about Britain's security, the lessons of Ukraine and how prepared the country really is. The Government has announced that the Armed Forces, NHS and international partners have been testing Britain's ability to treat military personnel injured in a future conflict.
Government scheme aims to open doors to Britain’s technology industry, but work experience must lead to real jobs The UK Government has announced plans to offer 10,000 work experience opportunities for young people hoping to enter Britain’s digital and technology industries. The programme, backed by some of the country’s best-known technology employers, is intended to help young people gain practical experience, strengthen their CVs and find a route into employment.
New rules promise cheaper home charging for drivers in England, but Scottish motorists face a different system of permissions and grants. Electric car owners without a driveway have long faced an awkward problem.
The UK will provide additional defensive military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, given escalating Houthi attacks in the region. The UK will provide additional defensive military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, given escalating Houthi attacks in the region.
A major North Sea gas project is set to begin production, but the benefits for energy security may be greater than the savings on household bills. Britain's long-running Jackdaw gas field controversy has reached a significant turning point, with the Government approving the project after years of delays, legal challenges and arguments over climate change.
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.
A croft can offer a route into rural life, food production and community involvement. But the attractive image of owning a small piece of Highland land can hide a complicated set of legal responsibilities and financial commitments.
From income tax and capital gains to inheritance tax and the little-known herd basis, farming families have several rules to consider when planning for retirement and passing on the family business. Farming is often described as a way of life rather than simply a business.
Reports that Chancellor John Healey may abandon plans to increase capital gains tax (CGT) have attracted attention ahead of the Budget on 28 October. For investors, landlords, farmers and family business owners across Scotland, the outcome could affect decisions about selling assets, passing on a business or planning for retirement.
Owning a croft does not automatically give someone the right to build a house. Anyone considering a new home needs to understand the planning rules, crofting legislation and the potentially serious consequences of starting work without the necessary permissions.
The US president wants to demonstrate strength, but rising oil prices, threatened shipping and mounting costs for households suggest the economic consequences may be running in the opposite direction. Donald Trump’s approach to the conflict with Iran is facing an uncomfortable test.
As petrol and diesel prices climb, motorists across Britain face a familiar problem. Filling the car costs more, businesses pay more to move goods, and higher transport costs can eventually feed through into food prices and household bills.
Diesel prices could climb further in the coming weeks, adding to the pressure on motorists, hauliers, farmers and businesses already struggling with high operating costs. With oil prices under pressure from renewed tensions in the Middle East and supplies of refined diesel remaining tight, there are growing concerns that the latest increases may not be the end of the story.
Unemployment has edged down, but fewer vacancies and continuing pressure on employers suggest the recovery remains fragile. Britain's jobs market is sending conflicting messages.
For many households in Caithness and the wider Highlands, heating oil is not a luxury or an occasional purchase. It is what keeps the house warm through the long northern winter.
Motorists across Scotland could benefit from new rules designed to make private parking charges fairer, following an announcement by the UK Government aimed at tackling some of the practices that have caused frustration for drivers. The changes are intended to give motorists more protection when using privately operated car parks, including those run by parking management companies, supermarkets, retail parks and other businesses.
Britain is investing billions of pounds in offshore wind farms and other renewable energy projects, including in the seas and countryside around the north of Scotland. Yet the country faces an increasingly expensive problem: it cannot always transport the electricity being generated to the places where it is needed.
Britain's jobs market is showing signs of strain, with new figures revealing that the number of employees on company payrolls has fallen over the past year, despite a small monthly improvement in September. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest that employers remain cautious, while the retail and wholesale sector continues to face considerable pressure.
Scotland must strengthen economic and cultural ties with India for the benefit of jobs, investment and growth, First Minister John Swinney has said. Ahead of visiting Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, he hailed the success of Scottish salmon exports as an example of the “golden opportunity” that exists for Scotland’s economy if new international trading opportunities can be unlocked.
Caithness could become an increasingly important part of Britain's energy future. The winds blowing across the far north of Scotland offer enormous potential for renewable electricity, and new transmission infrastructure is being developed to carry that power towards homes and businesses further south.
New ONS data analysed by Parcelhero shows worry over fuel costs has jumped across UK industry since the summer. Transport & storage businesses remain the most acutely exposed, while manufacturing concern has more than doubled.
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are being urged to check if they can benefit from Pension Credit, an income top-up that can provide vital help with everyday costs. 660,000 households will receive advice urging pensioners to check their Pension Credit eligibility, help a loved one make a claim and pin the information to their fridge.
The official opening of the UK’s first HVDC subsea cable factory, located at the Port of Nigg in Easter Ross, has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The facility represents an investment of £350m.
Young people will get thousands more opportunities to start skilled careers in some of Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as government and businesses join forces to expand apprenticeships, work experience and training. Young people to benefit from thousands more routes into skilled careers, including 22,400 new under-25 apprenticeships a year in professional and business services and 40,000 construction placements every year Industrial Strategy plans come ahead of Milburn review into young people, opening up routes into good jobs while building the skilled workforce Britain needs to grow and reindustrialise Devolution at heart of plans, with mayors and local skills partnerships helping shape training around the jobs and skills their areas need Young people will get thousands more opportunities to start skilled careers in some of Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as government and businesses join forces to expand apprenticeships, work experience and training.
Early morning Cleaner required. Good attention to detail Driving licence Essential Contact Elizabeth 07999225288.
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.
WE ARE HIRING! Closing date extended to 9pm Wednesday, 21st October. Looking for a wee temporary, part time job after Christmas? Our Community Session Facilitator vacancy may be the one! Join the team delivering this fantastic project, now in it's 5th year, for the Sinclair's Bay community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trading Standards regularly issues warning about scams. Now they have provided a very useful advice list.
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 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.
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.
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.
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?.
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.
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.
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