People keep asking me whether the UK is heading for a house price crash. The honest answer is that nobody knows for certain.
Convener of the Council comments on Scottish Parliament Public Service Reform debate. “The public sector continues to operate in an extremely challenging financial environment, where funding has not kept pace with rising service demand and the priorities we face as a region.
If you are 16 to 19 years old, at school or college, and come from a low-income household you may be able to get financial help from an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). EMA is a weekly allowance of £30 per week, paid during term time.
Thousands of young people in Scotland are to be offered free vaccination against meningococcal B disease (MenB) ahead of the 2026-27 academic year. Meningococcal disease, which can include meningitis and/or septicaemia, is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities including amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage.
For weeks the world's financial markets have been dominated by one issue – conflict in the Middle East. The fighting involving the United States and Iran, together with fears over the Strait of Hormuz, pushed oil prices sharply higher, increased inflation concerns and sent investors rushing into traditional safe-haven assets such as gold.
The World Cup is an opportunity to showcase what Scotland has to offer as a place to live, work, study, do business and visit, First Minister John Swinney has said. The First Minister will be in Boston to undertake a series of engagements with business leaders and investors, before joining celebrations to mark Scotland’s men's national football team's return to the World Cup, ahead of the match on Saturday.
The Office for National Statistics reports that total goods and services trade deficit widened by £7.7 billion to £39.9 billion in the three months to April 2026, compared with the three months to January 2026. On the monthly headline, goods exports and goods imports each rose by £0.8 billion in April 2026, equivalent to a 2.6 percent increase in exports and a 1.5 percent increase in imports versus March.
The Office for National Statistics reports that total construction output in Great Britain rose by 1.6% in the three months to April 2026, marking a second consecutive quarterly increase. The monthly picture for April was much flatter.
Fiscal drag is a “stealth” tax rise. By freezing tax thresholds while wages rise, more of your pay is pushed into higher bands so you pay more tax even though rates haven’t changed.
The Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) is warning that Scotland faces slower tax revenue growth, rising spending pressures, and a widening long‑term fiscal gap. We should pay attention, because the SFC is Scotland’s official, independent fiscal watchdog, and its forecasts shape the Scottish Government’s budget decisions.
National Insurance (NI) behaves like a “stealth” tax in practice. It raises revenue from earnings, is visible as a payroll deduction, and increasingly functions like a second income tax rather than a narrowly hypothecated social‑insurance contribution.
Maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt is to lead a review into improving maternity services across Scotland. Health Secretary Angela Constance announced the appointment in an update to Parliament.
The Office for National Statistics reports that real GDP grew by 0.7% in the three months to April 2026 compared with the three months to January 2026, marking the fifth consecutive quarter‑on‑quarter rise and continuing a modest recovery trend. Despite that three‑month gain, the ONS records a monthly contraction of 0.1% in April 2026, the first monthly fall since August 2025.
Uncle Sam, that venerable cartoon uncle with the stern hat and the taxpayer’s wallet, has taken to pacing the global stage with the same confident gait as the Grand Old Duke of York. He gathers his battalions of policy, rhetoric and procurement, marches them up the hill of strategic purpose, and then, with equal ceremony, marches them down again leaving behind a trail of invoices, supply‑chain tangles and a public ledger that looks suspiciously like a marching band’s expense report.
the technology exists and China has already built commercial underwater data centres that use seawater cooling and offshore wind. But Scotland faces distinct geographic, regulatory and economic hurdles that make the idea promising in theory but challenging in practice.
Scaffolder required for approximately 6 week contract in Faroes Islands due to start beginning of August, send CVs to caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk contact 07793102455 for more information..
The renewed exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran today has increased the likelihood that the Bank of England will adopt an even more cautious tone next week, although it is still unlikely to change the expected decision to hold interest rates at 3.75%. Oil prices remain the biggest concern.
The rise in U.S. inflation to 4.2% is important for the UK, even though Britain's own inflation has recently fallen to 2.8%.
New Resolution analysis published (Wednesday 10 June 2026) shows why time should be called on the expensive and wasteful Triple Lock on the State Pension. The briefing shows that the Triple Lock has been far too expensive.
For most people, council committee papers and audit reports are not the sort of documents that attract much attention. They are full of technical language, financial terminology and governance structures that can make even the most determined reader give up after a few pages.
Workers report AI is already actively making their jobs worse as well as outright taking their jobs. Paul Nowak says: “AI must be designed, governed and negotiated by and for workers”.
The Accounts Commission has warned today that Scotland’s councils are heading into their most difficult financial year in decades, with a £529 million shortfall opening up for 2026/27. For Caithness, where services already operate at the limits of geography and staffing, the implications are starker than the national headlines suggest.
Position: We are seeking x3 Postdoctoral Research Associates/Research Fellows, organised around four interconnected Themes. This will be based at our Stornoway or Thurso campus, dependant on Theme.
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.
Pension savers will be better protected from scams under new plans announced (Tuesday 9 June 2026), as the Government acts to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraudsters who rob people of their lifetime savings. New safeguard proposed to tackle pension fraud.
For decades, the Strait of Hormuz has been one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. Around one-fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes through this narrow stretch of water linking the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean.
The Resolution Foundation argues in an article by Alex Clegg on 9 June 2027 that Britain's growing crisis of young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) cannot be solved simply by creating more jobs. While improving employment opportunities is essential, the think tank says government must also reform education and the benefits system if it wants to bring the UK's exceptionally high NEET rate back down.
Universities across England awarded a share of £80 million to offer up to 2,500 student places, as well as help build new facilities to support increased capacity growth over the next decade. £80 million of grants for institutions to offer 2,500 new student places so more young people can land key jobs in defence.
See poster. Book Seats.
Purpose of Post The Membership & Marketing Executive will play a key role in growing, supporting and retaining Chamber membership, while also developing and delivering marketing and brand activity for North Highland Chamber of Commerce and its associated brands, including Venture North and Live North. The post holder will work within a dynamic team, engaging directly with businesses, partners, and stakeholders across rural and remote communities, and ensuring that Chamber services, events and campaigns are effectively promoted and delivered.
We are currently looking for bar staff. This is a part time position which will be permanent.
See poster for details..
Blargoans Ltd have an opportunity for a Health Physics Support to work within our client’s facility in Caithness on a fixed term maternity cover until at least June 2027. The purpose of the post is to play a key role in maintaining and strengthening radiological protection standards at NRS Dounreay, offering a unique chance to contribute to a critical function supporting safe and compliant site operations.
(As spoken by the Seer of Dunnet Head, on a windy day like any other). Hear now, O folk of the far north, And gather close against the breeze, For I shall speak the ancient words Passed down through budgets, cuts, and pleas.
(As sung by the Bards of Berriedale, whose patience is older than the rocks themselves). In the age before spreadsheets, when ministers still believed in timetables and the word “2025” sounded achievable, there came a mighty proclamation from the south: “We shall dual the A9,” they cried, “from Perth to Inverness — a road fit for heroes, tourists, and lorries alike!”.
In rural Scotland, distance is not an abstract concept. It is the price of participation in modern life.
The collapse of Orbex in February 2026 and the fate of its subsidiary Sutherland Spaceport Ltd (SSL) was not caused by a single event. It was a combination of funding failure, rising costs, and strategic setbacks that slowly removed its ability to continue operating.
Our School’s Out summer activity programme is now available to preview. You can save chosen activities ahead of the bookings going live for a faster checkout.
Position: We are seeking a Lecturer – Pathways (Maternity Cover) to be based at our Thurso campus. This role spans further and higher education provision and is currently structured across the following areas, therefore there is an opportunity for candidates to job share: Pathways to College and Employment and Pathways to Health, Education and Social Care These access-level programmes are designed for learners who have experienced barriers to engagement in mainstream education.
At The Highland Council’s Economy & Infrastructure committee held on 28 May 2026, members agreed the distribution of Highland Coastal Communities Funding (HCCF) allocation across the local area committees. HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government.
A number of projects have been supported by funding allocations agreed at today’s Sutherland County Committee. Community regeneration projects Members approved £95,000 of Community Regeneration Funding in support of two community projects in Sutherland.
This beautiful four-bedroom, terraced home, has a garage and a mature garden to the rear. Many of the original features have been retained including original doors, cornicing, dado rails and the staircase.
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, defense, and maritime sectors to solve their unique operational challenges by applying core technical knowledge in optics, sound propagation and AI enabled electronic systems.
Blargoans Ltd have 24 month contract opportunities for Operators to work within our client's facility in Caithness. We are looking for Operators to join our client's Fuel Cycle Area (FCA) Programme area or Site Services, Waste Operations and Logistics department, supporting critical activities that underpin the safe and effective decommissioning of the site.
Polling will take place on Thursday 25 June 2026 to elect one candidate standing in the Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton by-election. Voters in this Ward are being reminded to make sure they are ready to cast their vote.
Escape Pain next block starting 23rd June ð Please phone to speak to our staff before booking. ESCAPE-pain is a group education and exercise programme for people with chronic joint pain or osteoarthritis which aims to increase physical function and improve quality of life whilst living with a painful condition.
The Open Fund for Individuals supports the wide range of activity initiated by artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland. This fund is designed to support a range of creative activity, such as a specific project, production or a period of research and development.
Sutherland is a place of extraordinary beauty and extraordinary resilience. But when the Richmond Project’s Spotlight on Financial Literacy 2026 is read through a Sutherland lens, the findings take on a sharper edge.
Caithness and Sutherland have always been counties where people make the most of what they have. Long distances to shops, higher food prices, and a climate that rewards resilience mean that regrowing vegetables from scraps isn’t just thrifty it’s tradition.
The Richmond Project’s Spotlight on Financial Literacy 2026 lands differently when read from Caithness, Sutherland, or the wider Highlands. The UK‑wide findings are stark enough with low financial literacy, deep numeracy problems, and widening inequality but in the Highlands the implications are sharper, more structural, and more personal.
REDUCED £15,000 below Valuation. This beautiful large end-terraced five-bedroom family home is laid across four floors.
This beautiful three-bedroom, semi-detached bungalow, was built only ten years ago and is located in a sought-after residential area of the town. It benefits from having solar panels to the roof and has an oil-fired central heating system, the oil tank has just been filled.
A £20 million Scottish Government investment will give young people the chance to get involved in different sporting activities on their doorstep. Highland Council, working in partnership with sportscotland, has secured funding to provide free and low-cost opportunities for young people as part of the national agency’s 2026 Summer of Sport.
This latest development will offer flexible and affordable business premises that lend themselves to different commercial requirements. Businesses in Sutherland are being invited to register their interest in new flexible units currently being developed at Golspie Business Park.
Encouraging children and young people to get active. A nationwide summer programme of free and low-cost sporting activities - including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics - has been launched by Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth.
Here at Riverside house care home in Wick we are looking to employ full or part time Care Assistants to join our team, in this role, you will provide essential support. Your primary focus will be enhancing the quality of life for our residents by assisting with daily activities , ensuring their comfort, and promoting their independence.
Position: We are seeking a proactive and detail?driven Quality Officer to play a central role in upholding UHI North, West and Hebrides commitment to excellence. This position is critical to maintaining and enhancing the high-quality learning experience we deliver across the college and will be based at our UHI North, West and Hebrides campuses in Fort William or Thurso.
Here at Riverside House Care Home in Wick we are seeking to employ a part time dedicated laundry assistant working 20 hours per week to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and organisation of laundry services within the home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
See poster..
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.
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 Scotlands coastline.
Caithness Forums
What's On in Caithness
Property For Sale
Property For Rent
Sutherland Property
Planning Notices
Who Is Building?
Submit Your Details
Other Enquiries
