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Today :: Business
What If the US-Iran War Lasts a Year? The Economic Shock Could Be Much Bigger Than Oil

There is a new and increasingly worrying question surrounding the war between the United States and Iran. Not simply When will it end? But What happens if it doesn't? Some commentators are now discussing the possibility that the conflict could continue for many months, potentially even a year.

Today :: Business
Is AI Really Going to Take Over the Internet?

There have been some alarming stories on the radio and in newspapers suggesting that artificial intelligence could soon “take over the internet”. That sounds rather like the beginning of a science-fiction film.

Today :: Business
Scotland's Budget Squeeze Is Getting Tighter Before the Next Budget

The Scottish Government is heading towards its next Budget with less room for manoeuvre than it had expected. The Scottish Fiscal Commission's latest update does not describe this as a conventional Government deficit but instead, it points to a combination of falling real-terms funding, higher spending pressures and a series of financial adjustments that are making the outlook for 2027-28 increasingly difficult.

Today :: Business
Iran, the Houthis and the Red Sea: A New Threat to the World's Shipping?

There are moments in international affairs when a relatively small geographical development suddenly becomes important to almost everybody. The latest advance by Yemen's Houthi movement may be one of them.

Today :: Business
The State Pension Triple Lock: A Fair Deal for Pensioners or a Growing Problem for Britain?

The state pension has become one of the most politically sensitive subjects in Britain. For millions of pensioners it is the foundation of their income.

Today :: Business
Scotland's Green Energy and the Hidden Crypto Economy: Could Criminals Exploit Our Power?

Scotland is becoming an electricity powerhouse. In 2025, Scotland generated a record 38.5 terawatt-hours of renewable electricity, with wind accounting for most of it.

Yesterday :: Business
Is Britain Heading Towards American-Style Billionaire Politics?

Britain has just witnessed something that should make us stop and think about the future of our democracy. Reform UK has received a £36 million donation from cryptocurrency entrepreneur Ben Delo, the largest single political donation in British history.

Yesterday :: Business
Should One Person Be Able to Put £36 Million Into British Politics?

Britain has just witnessed something that would have seemed extraordinary only a few years ago. Reform UK has received a £36 million donation from cryptocurrency entrepreneur Ben Delo, the largest single political donation in British history.

Yesterday :: Business
 
Glasgow's Financial Crisis: Is This Scotland's Most Pressured Council?

When I was budget leader of Highland council a few years ago I always looked at what was happening to a few other councils budgets both to find out if we were out of line or were there other ideas we could use. A new Audit Scotland report on Glasgow City Council makes uncomfortable reading.

Yesterday :: Business
Britain's Trade Deficit Is Still Huge – But There Are Signs of Improvement

Britain's latest trade figures provide a useful reminder that the country's economic position is neither as simple nor as gloomy as some headlines suggest. The Office for National Statistics has reported that the UK's trade deficit in goods and services narrowed in the three months to July 2026.

Yesterday :: Business
Rachel Reeves vs John Healey: Is Labour Changing Its Economic Strategy?

Britain has become accustomed to hearing rather depressing economic news. Weak growth High borrowing costs, Rising debt, Pressure on public services, A housing shortage.

Yesterday :: Business
 
UHI North, West and Hebrides turns a generator failure into a solar-powered success

Researchers at UHI North, West and Hebrides have used portable solar power to run radar equipment during seabird fieldwork at Dunnet Head, Caithness - believed to be one of first times renewable energy has been used to power radar fieldwork at the university. During summer fieldwork at Dunnet Head, a PhD researcher, Amy Jones, was using a marine radar to monitor seabird activity when an unexpected generator failure prompted the team to find an alternative way of powering the equipment.

Yesterday :: Business
Why Are Mortgage Rates Rising Again? The Hidden Interest Rate Most Borrowers Never See

For anyone coming towards the end of a fixed-rate mortgage, the past few days have brought an unwelcome surprise. Mortgage rates are rising again.

Yesterday :: Business
Caithness This Week A Region Facing Big Decisions on Energy, Money and Its Future

Caithness has had a busy week, although the individual stories might not initially appear to have much in common. Look a little more closely, however, and a pattern begins to emerge.

Yesterday :: Business
Europe Wants Communities to Own the Energy Revolution. Why Isn't It Happening?

Europe has built an enormous renewable-energy industry, but a new report from the European Court of Auditors raises a rather awkward question. How much of that energy revolution actually belongs to the communities living alongside it? The European Union has promoted the idea of “energy communities”, where citizens, small businesses and local authorities can collectively produce, store, share and sell renewable electricity.

Yesterday :: Business
Bank of England Faces a New Dilemma: Oil Falls, But Yemen Explodes

The Bank of England goes into its next interest-rate decision on 17 September with a problem that has become increasingly difficult to read. On the face of it, there is little reason for the Bank to raise rates.

Yesterday :: Business
What Happens If Saudi Arabia's Backup Oil Route Is Blocked Too?

For weeks, the world's attention has been focused on the Strait of Hormuz and what happens to the oil market if tankers cannot safely pass through one of the world's most important shipping routes. Now there is a new problem.

Yesterday :: Business
Britain Needs More Homes. But Housebuilding Is Going in the Wrong Direction

Britain has a housing shortage. The Government has promised to tackle it by building 1.5 million new homes during this Parliament, an average of around 300,000 a year but the latest construction figures from the Office for National Statistics raise an uncomfortable question.

Yesterday :: Business
New British-built trains to transform railways and reindustrialise Britain

£1 billion investment in 29 new British-built battery-electric trains will deliver faster, more reliable journeys across the North, supporting 6,000 UK jobs and boosting capacity. faster and more frequent train journeys across the North as government supports a £1 billion investment in 29 new British-built trains on Great British Railways (GBR).

Yesterday :: Business
 
English Whisky raises a glass to new protected status

English Whisky has been granted protected status, becoming the newest member of the UK's recognised whisky family. English Whisky has secured protected Geographical Indication (GI) status, a major milestone for a sector that has grown from a handful of pioneering producers into one of England’s most exciting food and drink success stories.

11/9/2026 :: Business
9/11 and World Trade: How Quickly Did the Global Economy Get Moving Again?

Twenty-five years ago today, the world watched in disbelief as four passenger aircraft were hijacked and used in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people were killed.

11/9/2026 :: Sutherland
 
The Last Days of Emperor Trump: A Roman Historian Visits Washington

An entirely fictional account of what might happen if a Roman historian were suddenly transported to America in September 2026. When our Roman historian arrived in America, he was initially rather pleased.

11/9/2026 :: Business
Sterling Holds Its Ground as the Dollar Gains: What Are Currency Markets Telling Us?

There is a curious development taking place in the currency markets as oil prices surge and fears of higher inflation spread around the world. The US dollar is gaining ground, but sterling is holding remarkably steady.

11/9/2026 :: Business
TThe UK Economy Is Sending Mixed Signals – And Oil Could Make Things Worse

The UK Economy Is Sending Mixed Signals – And Oil Could Make Things Worse The latest real-time indicators from the Office for National Statistics provide a useful glimpse of the UK economy before the more familiar official statistics eventually catch up. They do not point to an economy in recession.

11/9/2026 :: Business
Oil, Bonds and Interest Rates: Is the World Entering a Dangerous New Financial Phase? - Oil Surges To $110

Something rather important is happening in financial markets which could eventually affect almost everyone, yet it is easy to miss among the daily headlines about the war and the rapidly rising price of oil. Brent crude has surged to almost $110 a barrel, with the price rising nearly 13% in a week.

11/9/2026 :: Business
Could Britain's Beer Supply Be the Next Victim of Climate Change?

A poor barley harvest does not mean Britain is about to run out of beer, but it could add another pressure to an industry already facing difficult times For most people, barley is something that appears in a field during the summer and disappears from their thoughts until harvest. But barley has a rather important second life.

9/9/2026 :: Business
For Sale: Gingerbread Cottage, Mey

Gingerbread House is a beautifully presented detached cottage situated in the peaceful village of Mey, close to the Castle of Mey and on the world-famous NC500 route. Currently operating as a highly successful Airbnb holiday let, the property offers an excellent opportunity as either a lifestyle business or a charming private home.

9/9/2026 :: Business
For Sale: Kyleburn House, Clyth

Set within generous grounds and enjoying wonderful open countryside and sea views, Kyleburn House is a substantial traditional stone-built property offering exceptionally spacious and versatile accommodation in a peaceful rural setting. Extending to approximately 357 sq m (3,841 sq ft) overall, the property provides an interesting and flexible layout that would lend itself to a variety of uses and lifestyles.

9/9/2026 :: Business
For Sale: 5 Bignold Court, Wick

KR Properties are delighted to bring to the market this spacious two-bedroom townhouse, offering well-proportioned accommodation over two floors within an attractive traditional stone-built property. Access is via a shared main entrance door, which opens into a shared entrance hallway serving this property and one neighbouring home.

9/9/2026 :: Business
 
For Sale: 47 Springpark Terrace, Thurso

3 bedroom gas central heated double glazed property with kitchen bathroom and WC on 1st floor..

7/9/2026 :: Business
 
For Sale: Plot 25, Christie's Circle, , Keiss

We are excited to present this approximate 0.15 -acre plot located within a tranquil location in Keiss, Wick..

3/9/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Plant Mechanic

A&D Sutherland Ltd have a vacancy for a qualified second Plant Mechanic. This is based at our main quarry site in Spittal.

2/9/2026 :: Community
 
Caithness Citizens Advice - Home Visits Now Available!

See poster for details..

1/9/2026 :: Business
Vacancy: Front of House

We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Front of House Staff to join our team. This role is crucial in ensuring that our customers receive exceptional service and a memorable experience.

1/9/2026 :: Business
Vacancy: Cleaner

CLEANER WANTED – LATHERON Cleaner wanted to service Airbnb. 2 bedrooms, lounge, kitchen/dining area and bathroom.

31/8/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Domestic Assistant

Here at Riverside house care home we are looking to employ a domestic assistant to join our team working four shifts per week 8am-2pm to ensure all areas are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, in this role you will perform cleaning tasks including dusting, hoovering, mopping and sanitizing surfaces. Previous experience is an advantage but not essential as full training will be given.

31/8/2026 :: Business
Vacancy: Carer

An exciting opportunity to join a lovely team help support a young man in his own home in Wick. If you are someone who likes to make a difference in someone's life and is caring compassionate and reliable this could be for you.

28/8/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Optical Assistant

Specsavers in Wick are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our store due to continued growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, hard-working team.

27/8/2026 :: Community
Become a volunteer Children’s Panel Member

Volunteer with Children's Hearings Scotland (CHS) and make a lasting difference in your community. Children's Hearings Scotland (CHS) is currently recruiting volunteer Panel Members across Scotland, including the Western Isles.

26/8/2026 :: Community
Views sought on phone restrictions in schools

Pupils, parents and teachers are among those being encouraged to share their views about restricting phones in schools with the launch of a public consultation today. The Scottish Government’s consultation will inform the development of legislation to restrict phone use in schools, given concerns about the harmful effect on pupils’ education and wellbeing.

25/8/2026 :: Sutherland
HIE acquires assets of Sutherland Spaceport Ltd ​

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has acquired the assets of Sutherland Spaceport Ltd (SSL) from the joint liquidators, Chad Griffin and Graham Smith of FRP Advisory. SSL was established in 2020 by Moray-based space launch company Orbital Express Ltd (Orbex), which entered administration in February this year.

24/8/2026 :: Sutherland
Public invited to Justice Service open days in Inverness and Golspie

The Highland Council’s Justice Service teams will be hosting open days in Inverness and Golspie this September. The public are invited to open day sessions on Wednesday 9 September at Inverness Justice Centre and Thursday 10 September at Golspie Justice Services.

24/8/2026 :: Community
New research reveals growing gap between parental confidence and children’s digital reality

Over a third of children talk or play online with people they have never met. 91% of parents use monitoring tools — but 41% of children have tried to get around them.

24/8/2026 :: Community
Why Are We Charging VAT on Something That Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer?

There is something rather odd about the way we treat sunscreen in Britain. We know that exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer.

22/8/2026 :: Sutherland
Britain Is Embracing AI — But Are We Ready for What Comes Next?-

Britain is adopting artificial intelligence at remarkable speed. But there is an intriguing problem developing beneath the headline figures.

20/8/2026 :: Business
Vacancy: Part time bar staff

We are looking for part-time / relief bar staff to join our team. * Casual, part time work as and when needed * Must be able to work evenings and weekends * Must be over 18 * Full bar training can be provided If you would like to join our team, and for more info on this post, please contact our Head Steward Donna by messaging our Facebook page or pop in to the Seaforth Club and see her.

19/8/2026 :: Coming Events
 
Mon, 14 Sep 2:00pm - Dunnet Sand Sculpture Creations

No booking required. Get ready to create..

19/8/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Chef De Parte

Chef de Partie – Full Time We’re looking for a passionate and reliable Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team. You’ll work alongside our Head Chef and wider kitchen team to deliver high-quality food across breakfast, lunch and dinner service.

19/8/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Waiting and bar staff, full time and part time

Waiting Staff – Full & Part Time We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic and reliable Waiting Staff to join our team. We have full-time and part-time positions available, with shifts covering breakfast, lunch and dinner.