Oil prices are under threat. Food supplies are becoming more fragile.
Donald Trump has made the biggest mistake in provoking a war with Iran. Steve Keen has been proved correct on many aspects of economy for many years.
Grandparents have always been part of the background architecture of family life — steady, familiar, and often underestimated. But when you look closely at what they pass on, you realise they are teaching the most important lessons a child will ever learn.
Grandparents have always been part of the quiet architecture of family life — the school‑run helpers, the emergency babysitters, the keepers of stories and common sense. But new research published in early 2026 shows something bigger happening: grandparents are now structural pillars in the UK’s childcare, social care, and emotional support systems.
the UK deliberately chose a competitive market model rather than a single regulated “best price” system — and changing that would require a major political and legal overhaul. Here’s what’s going on.
There is now fairly strong evidence behind the widely discussed prediction that the UK energy price cap could rise by around 13% from 1 July 2026. The main source is energy consultancy Cornwall Insight, whose forecasts are closely watched because they model Ofgem’s actual pricing formula.
The number of children living in the private rented sector (PRS) has almost tripled over the last quarter century, from 1.1 million children in 2000-01 to 3.2 million in 2024-25. As a result, children are now more likely than working-age adults to live in the PRS (23 per cent compared to 22 per cent) as it increasingly becomes a permanent tenure for many young families, the Resolution Foundation said on Saturday 23 May 2026.
The main change just announced in the UK tax system is a rise in the tax-free mileage allowance for people using their own vehicle for work journeys. From the 2026/27 tax year: The Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP) rate rises from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles.
The UK and Norway are now taking quite different strategic approaches to the North Sea even though both still need oil and gas. Norway has decided that fossil fuels remain central to its economy and Europe’s energy security for decades ahead.
Most people think the next economic crisis will begin when shortages become obvious and prices start soaring. I disagree.
A major new report from the Fraser of Allander Institute argues that Scotland has quietly built one of the most successful early-stage investment ecosystems in the world. This is heloing to create thousands of jobs, support high-tech startups and channel billions of pounds into risky young companies that traditional lenders would often avoid.
Vital emergency services, military operations and British businesses will be better protected through a new system to protect UK satellites and the services they provide from space. First time images from Noctis-1 space telescope are released, capturing objects such as the International Space Station and the UK’s SKYNET military communications satellites.
£96 million to be allocated to create tens of thousands of placements on building sites across the country to plug skills gaps and boost housebuilding. Although the headline announcement was mainly framed around regional funding in England, there are indirect and potentially some direct implications for Scotland too.
Scotland’s councils need greater ambition to redesign services, with financial pressures growing and demand continuing to rise. Councils have been changing how they work and deliver services for years, making significant savings.
A new planning policy aimed at influencing some lighting requirements in new developments that are subject to planning control will be considered by members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee when they meet on Thursday (28 May 2026). The proposed Dark Skies Draft Planning Policy sets out how the Council could reduce light pollution across Highland, supporting environmental protection, community financial and tourism benefits and sustainable development.
The Pensions Commission has (19 May 2026) published its interim report on the state of retirement saving in the UK, setting out the key challenges facing the current system and where it will focus its work next. Interim report highlights key challenges in retirement saving across the UK with 15 million people currently undersaving for retirement.
Most households think saving money means cutting back on things they enjoy. But the truth is far simpler: the biggest, easiest savings come from questioning the things you do out of habit, not out of need.
Applications open for operators to join the self-driving vehicles pilot scheme. Applications open for operators to run taxi, bus and private hire-style self-driving vehicles, in British first passengers could book journeys through operators later this year.
The headlines say “VAT cuts for families”. The reality in Caithness is very different.
April 2026 delivered a sharp reminder that Britain’s retail sector is still on shaky ground. Despite a 0.5% rise in sales volumes over the three months to April, the month itself saw a 1.3% fall — the steepest drop since May 2025.
Cut energy use BEFORE the July cap hits. Small reductions now mean smaller bills when the cap jumps.
The Highland Council has installed automatic bollards on Fort William High Street as part of the Fort William Pedestrian Improvement Scheme. The High Street pedestrian zone will commence from Monday 25 May 2026.
April’s CPI dip was a statistical mirage — a brief pause before the next surge. The real economy is already flashing red.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is not just another geopolitical shock. It is the beginning of a physical supply crisis that could transform the British economy and everyday life.
Long-term immigration is where an individual moves to the UK for 12 months or more. Long-term emigration is where an individual leaves the UK for 12 months or more.
One of the most striking features of the Iran war has been the resilience of the global oil market. Despite the disruption of flows through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint, prices have generally hovered around US$100 (£75) per barrel – a lower level than many observers had expected.
NEWLY REDUCED PRICE A unique chance to acquire this B Listed former Granary, steeped in history and dating back to the 18th century. Planning permission was previously granted for conversion into a family home, highlighting the property's exciting residential potential.
At today’s meeting of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, Members approved a long-term approach to weed control that will reduce reliance on chemical herbicides, while maintaining safe, accessible public spaces and protecting biodiversity. The new Integrated Weed Control Strategy and Action Plan builds on the Council’s partial ban on glyphosate-based products in playgrounds, schools and sports facilities, which was introduced in 2019.
Following today’s deadline for nominations the nnmbers are in. The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton By-election.
Highland Council approves new engagement strategy to put communities at the heart of decision-making A new Participation and Engagement Strategy developed to encourage community involvement in service design and priority planning is set to be implemented by Highland Council following extensive public consultation. The strategy incorporates feedback from residents and community groups, focused on the importance of improving transparency, accessibility and feedback.
Relief Support Worker – Caithness Mikeysline Mikeysline is a Highland, Islands and Moray–based mental health awareness and suicide prevention charity, established in 2015. We provide support to both adults and young people through evening text-based services and one-to-one sessions (face to face, telephone or online) within our ‘Hive’ support spaces.
Blargoans Ltd have a fixed term contract opportunity for a Commercial Analyst to work within our client’s facility in Caithness. https://blargoans.com/jobs/commercial-analyst/ Closing date for CV applications will be on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at 12 Noon To apply: email your CV to recruitment@blargoans.com and specifying the reference BL34343.
Your free PressReader access through High Life Highland is far more powerful for magazines and newspapers than either Prime Reading or Kindle Unlimited. If your main interest is magazines, PressReader is the heavyweight — Prime Reading is tiny by comparison, and Kindle Unlimited is somewhere in the middle.
Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC) AGM Monday 1st June 7pm in the Mowat Room at Wick Assembly Rooms. All Welcome..
Come and enjoy the stalls, the entertainment and support the local shops, too!.
See poster..
Stores Person – Wick Factory imenco.com Imenco Future Technologies is an innovation-driven company specialising in high quality vision systems, subsea sensors and acoustic solutions. We collaborate closely with our customer partners in the offshore energy, defence, and maritime sectors to solve their unique operational challenges by applying core technical knowledge in optics, sound propagation and AI enabled electronic systems.
A vacancy has arisen for the election of a Councillor to represent Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton following the resignation of Jim McGillivray. Ward 4 is a 3-member ward.
Even as the calendar insists it is May, the Highlands often disagree. A stiff northerly wind sweeps across Caithness, the haar rolls in from the sea, and the thermometer hovers stubbornly in the single digits.
Immediate start for for a Kitchen Assistant/Porter. You’ll be the hero behind the scenes – keeping everything clean, organised, and helping the kitchen run like clockwork.
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.
👨🏻🍳 WE ARE LOOKING FOR A CAFE COOK 👩🏻🍳 We are looking for a cook for our busy bakery café. executing our light menu that showcases all of our homemade traditionally baked items with fresh products.
The National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations is a funding programme for artistic, creative and cultural organisations based in Scotland. You can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 to support creative activity that runs for up to 18 months.
Full time counter assistant at north coast butchers. Hours negotiable.
A spacious 4 bedroom semi-detached house with garage and off road parking, situated in the popular Mount Vernon area of Thurso. Within walking distance of the town centre, the property benefits from easy access to the amenities, services, and transport links expected of a bustling Highland town.
About Us Norscot is a leading manufacturer of high-quality windows, doors, and conservatories in a variety of materials including uPVC, Timber and AluWood. Renowned for superior quality products and customer service, we are committed to delivering exceptional products that meet the needs of both residential and commercial customers.
CLFC summer sessions' We are delighted to be able to offer free taster sessions for girls between the age of 4 and 12 this summer (see poster attached). Please complete the form in the below link and email back to caithnessladiesfc@gmail.com .
A date for your diaries - Sunday 14th June. Yarrows Heritage has been renovating the Yarrows Trail - new signage, information boards, leaflets, waymarker posts, etc.
Care Planning Coordinator – Laurandy Centre Wick The Laurandy Centre is recruiting an experienced Care Planning Coordinator to join our team. The Laurandy Centre is a registered day support service for older people, delivered by a respected third sector organisation and funded as a commissioned service by the NHS.
A & D Sutherland Ltd have vacancies for General labourers. Please apply including your CV to: mark@caithnessflagstone.co.uk.
This immaculately presented four-bedroom semi-detached property is ideally situated in the heart of the town, offering generous living space and excellent convenience to local amenities and East Caithness Community Campus. A standout feature of the home is the stunning conservatory, providing a bright and relaxing space overlooking the beautifully maintained garden, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.
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.
Blargoans Ltd have 12-month contract opportunity for a Senior Administrator to work within our client’s facility in Caithness. Key responsibilities will include Manage vetting, aftercare and the Automated Access Control System (AACS), providing expert oversight and reporting.
The UK is entering a new phase in its energy story—one defined not by choice, but by necessity. Across the country, more wind farms, battery storage sites, substations and power lines are being proposed, approved and built.
See poster.
Job Description As a Catering Assistant, you'll be part of a dynamic, fast-paced team, contributing to a positive and friendly work environment. The role offers numerous opportunities for growth within a company that values individuality and invests in its employees.
This beautiful bright and modern two-bedroom property is an ideal purchase for a first-time-buyer. Sitting in a really quiet area of the town and somewhat hidden, with being set back from the street, with a view onto the beautiful Central Church building.
The aviation industry is entering a period of renewed uncertainty. The collapse of Spirit Airlines has raised serious questions about the stability of low-cost air travel, especially as fuel prices and operating costs continue to rise globally.
See poster for details Scan to book..
For the first time in modern history, Britain’s life expectancy curve has flattened. The Office for National Statistics confirms that the average Briton is living longer in years but shorter in health.
A Highland Council by-election is being held for Ward 4 – East Sutherland and Edderton following the resignation of Councillor Jim McGillivray. The Notice of Election and timetable for this election will be published on the Council’s website on Thursday 14 May 2026.
Senior Support Worker 16 hrs per week £15:50 ph. Key Responsibilities * Work Closely With Management team to ensure smooth running of service.
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 Lecturer – Higher Physics SCQF 6 , to be based at any of our NWH college campuses.
An excellent opportunity to acquire this two-bedroom end-terraced home, offering generous living space and outstanding potential in a convenient and well-connected location. Requiring full renovation throughout, the property presents a blank canvas for buyers looking to create a bespoke home tailored to their own style and needs.
About Us BBM Solicitors Ltd is a boutique Scottish law firm committed to delivering exceptional legal services, guided by our core values of Quality, Service, and Trust. The Role We are seeking a confident, organised, and proactive Administration Assistant to join our team in Wick.
An opportunity for rural communities to apply for funding to support their projects is now open. The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for grants up to £10,000.
We are looking for a cook for our busy bakery café. Executing our light menu that showcases all of our homemade traditionally baked goods with fresh products.
RDI Renewables Ltd is looking for an organised, proactive Administrator to join our friendly team in Thurso. We’re a dynamic, forward-thinking company specialising in renewable energy solutions across Caithness and Sutherland – and we’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to quality work and excellent customer service.
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.
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