At its meeting ending on 4 November 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 8–1 to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 4%. One member voted to increase Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points, to 4.25%.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain stood at the absolute forefront of global progress, pioneering the agricultural and industrial revolutions with unmatched ambition. Today, as humanity transitions into a new digital age driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, a critical question faces the nation: is a cautious approach to building data centres risking Britain’s position as a global innovator? The reality is a complex balancing act.
As England rolls out specialist anti-fraud lessons in schools, questions are being raised about whether children in Scotland are receiving the same level of protection from scams, money muling and financial exploitation. Children and young people are increasingly being targeted by criminals seeking to exploit their online activity, financial circumstances and lack of experience with banking.
The Energy Independence Bill will cut bills for households and put power back in people's hands with a fairer energy system. Energy Independence Bill builds on the Budget by delivering a major overhaul of Britain’s energy system, putting affordability and public control at its heart.
A powerful cross-party parliamentary committee has issued a stark warning to the UK government, stating that Britain remains “dangerously” dependent on China for critical raw materials. In a comprehensive report published today by the Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee, MPs warned that without immediate intervention, the country cannot safely rearm its military, expand its AI infrastructure, or successfully meet its legally binding 2050 Net Zero targets.
Every year on the fifth of November, skies across the United Kingdom light up in a tradition stretching back over four centuries. What began as a mandatory celebration of the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot has evolved into a massive, modern cultural event.
The National Audit Office (NAO) report, published on 4 November 2026, highlights significant risks when health boards undergo major restructuring. In particular regarding the rapid loss of staff skills, lagging performance measures, and the complexities of aligning health boundaries with local government.
As escalating geopolitical volatility continues to threaten the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical energy chokepoint—global energy buyers are aggressively shifting their focus toward Africa to secure alternative fuel lines. Eager to decouple supply chains from vulnerable Middle Eastern transit routes, global energy supermajors are pouring unprecedented capital into Sub-Saharan Africa.
Visitor Levy Bill introduced in Parliament, letting local leaders raise and reinvest money in much loved high streets, public spaces and tourist attractions. Local leaders are a step closer to getting new powers to invest more in high streets, cultural sites and other attractions that make communities great places to live, work and visit.
Artificial intelligence will transform nearly a third of all jobs in the South of England, but its structural impact will be starkly unequal, according to a landmark study. The report, spearheaded by the University of Southampton and unveiled today at the Business South Annual Conference, reveals that while AI will act as a powerful co-pilot for most professionals.
While Washington adjusts to a new political reality, London's attention is fixed firmly on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). Financial markets have heavily priced in a 25-basis-point increase to the benchmark base rate, which would lift it from 3.75% to 4.0%.
Savers are urged to review their pots regardless of changes to the Base Rate, as they risk paying a “loyalty tax”, according to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk analysis. The Bank of England Base Rate is widely expected to rise by 0.25%, to 4%, the first hike in three years (August 2023).
The Highland Council’s newly unveiled Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2027–2032 paints a glossy, optimistic picture of the region's future. It promises a steady pipeline of 700 affordable homes a year, framed alongside a booming £10–£16 billion "Growth Deal" linked to green freeports and renewable energy expansion.
New laws to govern the use of groundbreaking technology and maximise public safety. Facial recognition technology that helps police catch thousands of dangerous criminals every year will be subject to tough new safeguards to ensure that the technology is used fairly and safely.
Oil prices have dropped below $95 per barrel primarily due to the sweeping results of the U.S. midterm elections, which have triggered aggressive speculation that the Trump administration will be forced to find a diplomatic resolution to the eight-month war with Iran.
Imagine a dedicated employee logs into their bank account on payday, only to find it completely empty. When they contact HR, the records show their salary was successfully processed but sent to an entirely different bank account.
The US Dollar has slid sharply to a one-month low following the sweeping Democratic victories in the US midterm elections. As results confirmed a Democratic block in both the House and Senate, global currency markets experienced swift shifts driven by expectations of a legislative gridlock during the remainder of Donald Trump's final term.
Local councils will be able to request up to two extra in-service days this academic year, so that teachers can prepare for the most significant curriculum changes in more than a decade. The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) which brings together the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA, and teaching unions has agreed up to two additional in-service days, which will form part of multi-year support for implementation of the updated curriculum.
50 local news providers awarded grants of up to £125,000 to support long-term sustainability and growth this Journalism Matters Week. The ‘Inspiring the Future’ campaign, which encourages children to consider careers in journalism, has reached more than 11,000 students and engaged with more than 100 schools This all forms part of the Government’s Local Media Action Plan, backing the vital role of local media in communities across the country.
Eight new regional water councils will put communities at the heart of decisions on tackling sewage, flooding, drought and securing future water supplies. Communities across England will get a bigger say over how water companies invest in their area under plans to put more power in local hands.
America's midterm election results could usher in a new period of political confrontation. Donald Trump remains President and Commander-in-Chief, but a Democratic-controlled Congress could make it considerably harder for him to pursue his domestic and foreign policies without challenge.
The Democrats' strong performance in the 2026 midterm elections could open the door to investigations into some of the most controversial aspects of Donald Trump's presidency. From immigration enforcement and family business interests to government contracts, political appointments and the use of presidential power, the next two years could bring a level of scrutiny that the White House has so far largely avoided.
The conflict in the Middle East is usually discussed in terms of oil, gas, shipping and military installations. But there is another vulnerability that could have even more immediate consequences for ordinary people - drinking water.
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.
Saudi Arabia has spent billions of pounds trying to transform its economy and its international reputation. For decades, the kingdom was known primarily for its oil wealth.
Saudi Arabia has an important advantage over many other major oil-producing countries. It has an alternative route for exporting much of its oil without having to send tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Early morning Cleaner required. Good attention to detail Driving licence Essential Contact Elizabeth 07999225288.
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.
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.
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