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What is fiscal policy, and why does it matter? Fiscal policy is one of the government’s most powerful economic tools, yet it is also one of the least understood. Fiscal policy is the process of managing the difference between government spending and its tax revenue for the benefit of society.

Two offshore wind farms are set to be developed in the Moray Firth. The North and South Caledonia offshore windfarms, which will cover an area of 429km2 with up to 140 wind turbines, have been granted consents and marine licences by the Scottish Government.

One of the biggest debates in UK economic policy is whether Britain is making the best use of its enormous pension wealth. UK pension funds manage trillions of pounds of assets, making them among the largest pools of investment capital in the world.

Scotland's renewable energy growth is impressive, but it is only one part of a much larger UK energy transformation. England and Wales are also rapidly expanding renewable generation, particularly offshore wind, solar power and battery storage.

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape warfare in ways that were difficult to imagine only a decade ago. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated how quickly unmanned systems, drones and automated targeting technologies can change the battlefield.

For decades, Europe's energy security has been built on the assumption that water would always be available. Rivers cooled nuclear reactors, barges carried coal and industrial materials, and hydroelectric reservoirs produced clean electricity.

Just when global energy markets appeared to be settling after several years of volatility, a new source of uncertainty has emerged in one of the world's most strategically important regions. Over the past week, military tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified, raising concerns that the confrontation could evolve into a wider regional conflict.

Over the past few years households have faced a series of financial shocks. First came the surge in energy prices, followed by the highest inflation rates seen for decades, rising interest rates, higher food costs and continued uncertainty over global events.

Living in Caithness means living with long winters, short daylight hours, older houses, electric showers, immersion heaters, and the constant background hum of energy costs. Over recent months I’ve been running a personal experiment: how far can I push down my daily electricity bill through simple behavioural changes — the kind anyone in the Highlands could adopt without spending a penny.

As the new government wrestles with tight budgets and rising expectations, economist Ruth Curtice at the Resolution Foundation sets out a refreshingly sober roadmap for recovery. Her three‑step plan—balancing the books, tackling long‑term pressures, and boosting investment cuts through the noise to show how fiscal realism could support communities like ours, where every pound spent on energy, pensions, and infrastructure matters.

New negotiating body to be set up as part of the first ever adult social care fair pay agreement, representing millions of care workers. Made up of trade unions and employers, the body will negotiate on pay, terms and conditions and wider employment matters, giving care workers a voice; The first ever fair pay agreement for care workers is backed by £500 million, part of the government’s landmark Employment Rights Act.

First deliveries of British-made artillery barrels to Ukraine, under a £61 million contract supporting hundreds of UK jobs. British-made artillery barrels are being delivered to Ukraine, part of the UK’s enduring support.

Every evening the news shows missiles, damaged buildings and military briefings. These dramatic images dominate television screens and newspaper headlines.

When people think about the war in Ukraine, they naturally think about the battlefield. But a second battle is taking place far behind the front lines.

For more than 30 years, China seemed unstoppable. Its economy grew at astonishing speed with new cities appeared almost overnight and millions of people moved from the countryside into better-paid jobs.

Did Scotland's Iron Age brochs form a prehistoric long-distance warning system? In this history documentary, Ashley Cowie joins Iain MacLean of the Caithness Broch Project to investigate an archaeological mystery: four enigmatic Iron Age stone towers hidden across the rugged landscape of northern Scotland. Trekking through the remote Berriedale Strath, they conduct a viewshed analysis to test a compelling archaeological hypothesis: were these monumental brochs deliberately positioned to maintain line-of-sight with one another? Their expedition reveals remarkable evidence that these towering displays of Iron Age architecture may have formed an intentional signaling network, offering new insights into prehistoric engineering, landscape planning, and regional communication..

Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking to employ a part time Laundry Assistant working 20 hours per week worked over four days, hours are two shifts 9am-1pm and two shifts 7am-1pm, for more information or to request an application form email; lynnsmith@riversidehousecarehime.com or call 01955602314.

The ONS report measures the natural capital of enclosed farmland meaning the economic value of the land, soils, habitats, and ecosystem services produced by fields, hedgerows, and managed agricultural landscapes across the UK. Key points from the report Enclosed farmland covers around a third of the UK’s land area, making it one of the country’s most significant land uses.

The UK Government has announced that children aged 8 and 9 can now use eGates at major UK airports and at international rail terminals. Previously, only travellers aged 10 and over were allowed to use them.

Are you ready to take the first step in your career and gain valuable hands-on experience with a supportive local business? Blargoans Limited is offering an exciting opportunity for a Business and Operations Apprentice to join our friendly and hardworking team. This varied role is ideal for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated, and keen to learn how our businesses operate, while gaining practical experience across both Blargoans Ltd and Northern Sands Hotel.

Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd. is the largest crane hire and heavy lifting services company based in Caithness.

Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking to employ a full time or part time dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in supporting the kitchen staff by maintaining cleanliness, washing dishes and adhering to cleaning schedules.

Before the Strait of Hormuz made the evening news, most of us thought potash was a new vegan spread and phosphates were something you rinsed off your dishes. Now, half the country is debating Moroccan mineral reserves like it’s the World Cup.

AI, energy, defence and commodities are colliding to reshape the global economy and the effects are already reaching households and businesses in the Highlands. The world economy is shifting from efficiency to constraint and from cheap abundance to strategic competition For three decades the global economy rested on a simple assumption: that supply would adjust, prices would stabilise, and globalisation would smooth out shocks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.