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The European Central Bank (ECB) has kept interest rates unchanged, but the decision offers little reassurance that borrowing costs have peaked. Rising oil and gas prices, driven by the continuing conflict in the Middle East, are increasing the risk of another wave of inflation across Europe.

When governments make decisions about taxation, employment rights, energy prices, planning regulations, public contracts or business investment, they are supposed to act in the interests of the country as a whole. But there is another influence which operates behind the scenes: lobbying.

The Resolution Foundation has examined the Budget in considerable detail, looking beyond the Chancellor's announcements to assess who really benefits, who loses and what problems remain unresolved. Its 48-page report makes uncomfortable reading for a Government hoping to convince voters that household finances are improving.

The Government is keen to attract billions of pounds of investment into Britain, with international businesses, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and other financial institutions being encouraged to help finance major infrastructure projects. On the face of it, this sounds like good news.

A growing off-grid solar industry could provide electricity to almost 400 million people by 2030, while creating jobs, supporting small businesses and helping some of the world's poorest communities gain access to reliable energy. That is the central finding of a new report published on 27 October 2026 by the World Bank Group and GOGLA, the global association representing the off-grid solar industry.

The cryptocurrency industry is facing one of its biggest tests of confidence after Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, reported a security breach with an estimated impact of $6.3 billion. The incident could represent the largest cryptocurrency theft in history.

Disruption to Russian and Ukrainian grain exports is adding to rising food, fuel and fertiliser costs. Britain may face another squeeze on household budgets, but the consequences for poorer countries could be far more severe.

The Chancellor has announced help with immediate pressures, but important decisions on welfare, public spending, housing support and the future tax burden remain unresolved. Is the government buying time to develop a long-term plan, or postponing choices that will become harder to make? The Chancellor's Budget on 28 October contained a long list of measures intended to help households and businesses cope with rising costs.

A new Government policy could change the way Britain buys military equipment from overseas, requiring foreign defence contractors to deliver economic benefits in return. Scottish manufacturers and smaller engineering businesses could be among those to benefit.

The Chancellor has presented his Budget as a way of helping households through a difficult period while keeping control of public finances. But the money for energy support, investment and other commitments has to come from somewhere.

The Chancellor has promised families “breathing space for today” and hope for the future. His Budget includes measures on energy bills, fuel duty, wages and housing, but the crucial question for households is how much difference they will make to their finances, and when.

The Chancellor's Budget promises investment, support for businesses and a renewed effort to spread economic opportunity across Britain. But for communities such as Wick and Thurso, the important question is not how many billions of pounds are announced in Westminster.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.