Sales surge after new advice urges households to prepare for three days without essential services, but ministers say there is no need to panic. The British public appears to be taking the Government’s latest advice about emergency preparedness seriously.
Higher mileage rates are welcome news for volunteer drivers, but charities need the funding to pay them Volunteers are often described as the backbone of the charity sector. They drive older people to hospital appointments, deliver food parcels, support community transport schemes and help keep local services running.
Tax rises, public spending, defence and the cost of living will reveal whether the Government can meet its promises without storing up bigger problems for the future. The small announcements made before a Budget often attract considerable attention.
Hospitality support raises questions about fairness as small accommodation providers face rising costs, new charges for visitors and uncertainty over the future of rural tourism. The Government has promised additional support for pubs, recognising their importance to local communities and the financial pressures facing the hospitality industry.
Britain faces a difficult financial dilemma. The public wants a properly funded NHS, decent pensions, better social care, reliable public services and stronger national defence.
As households brace for the Budget, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare, highlights some of the key money challenges facing homebuyers, savers and retirees. “Consumers must not make rash financial decisions on speculation alone, and instead, seek advice to go through the official announcements from the Budget.
A proposed tax allowance for pensioners is among the measures attracting attention ahead of the Budget. But what is confirmed, what has been reported, and what could it mean for older people in Scotland? Pensioners will be watching the Chancellor's Budget on Wednesday 28 October for signs of how the Government intends to protect their incomes as the cost of living continues to put pressure on household finances.
The Government has announced plans to make higher tax-free business mileage rates permanent and increase the rate paid on higher annual mileage. The changes could benefit millions of employees and self-employed workers, including nurses, care workers, builders and other people who use their own vehicles for work.
Mileage payments, carers' benefits, paternity pay and fuel duty are among the changes announced ahead of the Budget. But who will benefit, and how much difference will they make? The Government has unveiled a series of practical measures ahead of the Budget on Wednesday 28 October, covering working expenses, unpaid carers, new parents and everyday services.
ScotRail is advising customers to check their journey before they travel as more strong winds and heavy rain are set to sweep across the country. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across large parts of Scotland from 03:00 until 21:00 on Tuesday, 27 October, with wind gusts of 50-60mph widely forecast and potentially reaching more than 70mph in coastal and northern parts of Scotland.
Rising fuel prices expose the limits of presidential promises and offer a warning for Britain about the cost of energy dependence. Donald Trump made cheaper energy one of the central promises of his return to the White House.
The technology giant is seeking to reshape its workforce while spending heavily on artificial intelligence. The move raises wider questions about the future of employment, productivity and the economic benefits of AI.
As household budgets tighten, more meals may be eaten at home. That could save families money, but it creates another challenge for already pressured hospitality businesses.
From technology companies to supermarkets and small shops, artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate. The benefits could include greater productivity and lower costs, but workers and local communities may pay part of the price.
The Government is targeting the cost of everyday essentials with a programme of import tariff reductions covering a surprisingly wide range of products. Marmalade, gherkins, garlic, baked beans, chocolate and sweets are among the familiar items affected, alongside plant-based drinks, agricultural fertilisers and kerosene used for heating.
US military preparations in the Middle East and the continuing attacks on Russian and Ukrainian energy infrastructure are creating a dangerous combination for global oil markets. British households and businesses could pay the price.
Four major telecoms companies want a share of valuable satellite frequencies, but Washington is warning of retaliation as Europe seeks greater control over its communications infrastructure. Europe’s efforts to reduce its dependence on American technology have opened another front in an increasingly important dispute with the United States.
With the Chancellor due to deliver the Budget on Wednesday 28 October, households have good reason to review their finances. There are legitimate ways to reduce the tax they pay, from making pension contributions and using tax-free savings accounts to claiming allowances they may have overlooked.
The EU wants to turn uncertainty in American science into an opportunity for Europe. The outcome could influence research, technology and economic competitiveness for years to come.
With tax rises, energy support and help for selected households already being discussed or announced, Wednesday's Budget may be as much about the detail as the headlines. The Chancellor will stand up in the House of Commons on Wednesday 28 October to deliver the Budget, but the public has already been given clues about what to expect.
Households are being warned to prepare for another substantial rise in energy bills in January, just as many families are facing the expense of Christmas. Forecasts suggest that the next increase in the energy price cap could add hundreds of pounds to annual bills, although the final figure will not be confirmed until November.
The decision by Ukraine to explore its own satellite communications system with Finnish companies Nokia and ICEYE may prove to be about much more than finding an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink network. It could become part of a wider movement to reduce Europe’s dependence on American technology at a time when international relationships, defence and economic security are under increasing scrutiny.
Oil prices do not always move in the same direction. Recent figures published by OilPrice.com illustrate why looking at Brent crude alone can sometimes give an incomplete picture of what is happening in the international oil market.
Unfortunately, rising energy bills may not be the only financial headache facing households as winter approaches. The Bank of England is widely expected to raise interest rates in November, potentially increasing its base rate from 3.75% to 4%.
Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC is about more than an edited television programme. It raises important questions about journalistic responsibility, the cost of defending news organisations against powerful individuals and the meaning of press freedom in an age when accusations of “fake news” have become a regular feature of political debate.
We have a rare opportunity become available of a confectioner within the heart of our bustling bakehouse. This role entails all of the daily finishing details of our freshly baked pastries, doughnuts, scones etc.
UK retail sales fall 0.4% as cautious consumers rein in spending ahead of the crucial Christmas shopping period. Brent crude surges to $114 a barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions and mounting fears over energy supplies.
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.
Scottish Government puts environmental protection ahead of promised jobs and tourism investment near Dornoch. The Scottish Government has rejected plans for a new championship golf course at Coul Links, near Embo and Dornoch, bringing another chapter to a long-running dispute over the future of one of Sutherland's most environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
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.
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.
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.
There are some plants that stop you in your tracks because they’re beautiful. Others because they’re unusual, and then there’s giant hogweed.
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.
Early morning Cleaner required. Good attention to detail Driving licence Essential Contact Elizabeth 07999225288.
The Highland Council has today 15 October 2026 launched a statutory Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 consultation. Dornoch residents have until 10 December 2026 to respond to a proposal affecting Common Good land.
WE ARE HIRING! Closing date extended to 9pm Wednesday, 21st October. Looking for a wee temporary, part time job after Christmas? Our Community Session Facilitator vacancy may be the one! Join the team delivering this fantastic project, now in it's 5th year, for the Sinclair's Bay community.
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.
Scapa Flow Museum has announced the official launch of ‘Voices from Scapa Flow’, an ambitious new audio project revealing what life was really like for the residents, service personnel and workers stationed at one of the world’s greatest natural harbours during the First and Second World Wars. The project is a Highlands and Islands Digital Heritage Network initiative, delivered in partnership with The Space, a not-for-profit digital agency for the arts, heritage and culture sector, and Museums and Heritage Highland.
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.
This one-bedroom flat is situated in the sought-after Bignold Court. It is in need of renovation, after being empty for a duration of time, and is looking for a buyer to restore it to its former glory.
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.
The Scottish Government has appointed another trade and investment envoy, this time to the United Arab Emirates. Ronnie Graham, managing partner of Winston Taylor's Dubai office, has been appointed to promote Scotland's interests in the UAE and help Scottish companies build relationships in the market.
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.
RG SetSquare has a requirement for multiple HGV Drivers required for an ongoing assignment with our client. 6 month contract.
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.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join QS, supporting UHI North, West & Hebrides with examinations. QS are looking to recruit an Invigilator to undertake the duties of invigilation for National Qualifications, in accordance with QS policy and procedures.
Women going through the menopause are being offered an ever-growing range of supplements promising to help with hot flushes, poor sleep, mood changes, brain fog, tiredness and a host of other symptoms. But new research raises an uncomfortable question: are some women paying hundreds of pounds a year for products that offer little more than a much cheaper ordinary multivitamin? The answer is not that all menopause supplements are useless.
Bacon has suddenly become a rather more complicated item on the shopping list. Should we worry about nitrates and nitrites? Is nitrate-free bacon healthier? And if supermarkets are now selling bacon without added nitrites, is it worth paying extra for it?.
The Highland Council has agreed to submit proposals for two Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) to Scottish Ministers following extensive public consultation and consideration by local area committees. At today’s special meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee (28 September), Members approved the submission of proposals for: An Inverness City Short Term Let Control Area, covering Inverness and surrounding areas; and A Highland Rural Short Term Let Control Area, covering Aird and Loch Ness, Inverness South, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, Lochaber, Skye and Raasay, and Sutherland.
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