Over 450 Blue Badges have been cancelled after findings show permits issued to deceased residents were still being used. 459 unauthorised Blue Badges cancelled in Wirral Council, saving over £363,000 for the taxpayer.
For decades, Shetland’s inter‑island ferries have been the backbone of life across the archipelago. They carry workers, students, freight, and families — and they do it in some of the most challenging seas in Europe.
For more than a century, the Pentland Firth has been both a gateway and a barrier. It connects Caithness and Orkney geographically, yet separates them socially, economically, and administratively.
Prof Steve Keen sets out the issues and he has been right very often bin the past..
Britain's Armed Forces will be strengthened and thousands of British jobs created through a drone transformation, announced by the Prime Minister and backed by more than £5 billion in the Government’s Defence Investment Plan. Largest ever drone investment in UK Armed Forces – more than £5 billion over the next four years – to be included in the Defence Investment Plan.
More than 45,000 foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers will be removed over the coming decade thanks to a significant expansion of detention capacity. The projects at Haslar and Campsfield Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) will contribute to a 40% increase in the UK’s detention capacity for those with no right to be here.
For generations, most people rarely thought about what happened to the money sitting in their bank account. Savings went into banks, banks made mortgages and business loans, and the economy kept turning.
Andy Burnham has positioned himself as a future Prime Minister and delivered what was billed as a serious economic speech. It was not.
One of the great assumptions of modern economies is that savings eventually become investment. Money placed in banks helps support lending.
Based on what has already been briefed ahead of today's announcement, the broad direction of the UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is already fairly clear. The biggest message is that the Government believes future wars will be won as much by autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and mass-produced drones as by traditional ships, tanks and aircraft.
Defence Secretary has shifted Defence Investment Plan towards more immediate priorities, including getting the latest kit into the hands of military personnel on the frontline. Over £500 million will be committed to continue the transformation of the UK Commando Force, including with new high-speed Joint Commando Craft.
The by-election to elect a councillor to represent Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton on The Highland Council has been won by John Murray, Independent who was one of 5 candidates who contested the vacancy. Voters went to the poll (Thursday 25 June 2026) and the by-election count was held Friday morning in Dornoch Academy.
One month to go until the second Payments on Account deadline on 31 July for Self Assessment customers. One month to go until the second Payments on Account deadline on 31 July.
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.
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.
At least six new warships will be built for the Royal Navy under the Defence Investment Plan, delivering the UK's most advanced maritime air defence capability and keeping British shipyards working for decades to come. The Royal Navy will procure at least six Common Combat Vessels, as part of the system that will replace the current Type 45 destroyers.
Taskforce set up by government to encourage young people to claim their Child Trust Funds. Nationwide, HSBC UK, Sheffield Mutual and Yorkshire Building Society among members of new taskforce meeting for first time as government takes action to reunite young people with unclaimed Child Trust Funds.
Job Title: Business Admin Modern Apprenticeship Location: Janetstown Term: Permanent Job Overview JGC are offering an exciting opportunity for a Modern Apprentice to join our Administration team. As a Modern Apprentice you will work towards a SCQF Level 5 or SCQF Level 6 depending on experience and qualifications.
We are looking for a housekeeper who will look after our accommodation with the same care we give our customers. A team player who will be responsible for cleaning guest rooms, public areas and hotel properties in a timely and thorough manner to ensure guest satisfaction.
Do you love great wine and whisky? Do you enjoy talking to people and sharing your enthusiasm? Bin Ends, Caithness's favourite independent wine and whisky retailer, is looking for a Retail Brand Ambassador to join our friendly team. The Role You'll be the welcoming face of Bin Ends — helping customers find the perfect bottle, keeping the shop looking its best, and making every visit a great experience.
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.
Major sporting events like the World Cup are usually discussed in glowing terms. They bring excitement.
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.
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.
Every World Cup brings the same familiar narrative. The economy will benefit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thought last years show was amazing.... the wait is over and we are delighted to finally reveal that.....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kirsty MacPherson will join from East Renfrewshire Council. Former head teacher previously worked in Dumfries and Galloway and Shetland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
In rural Scotland, distance is not an abstract concept. It is the price of participation in modern life.
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.
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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