See poster. Booking required.
Join us for our second Family Fun Day this Sunday 26th July, from 11amâ3pm at the Greenhouse & Olrig Street Gardens. After such an amazing turnout at our first event, weâre excited to do it all over again! Whether you joined us on Wednesday or couldnât make it, everyone is welcome for another afternoon of family fun.
See poster for all dates..
After months of uncertainty in global energy markets, oil prices are once again moving towards a level that will worry households, businesses and governments. A return to $100 a barrel oil may sound like a distant concern, but for many people in rural areas the impact can arrive quickly through higher petrol, diesel and heating oil prices.
The war in Ukraine has become the first major conflict where drones have moved from being a supporting weapon to one of the central tools of warfare. A new agreement between USA and Ukraine has been signed creating the first formal framework for exporting Ukrainian combat drones to the U.S.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games provides a huge opportunity to showcase the best of Scotland on the world stage, First Minister John Swinney has said. The First Minister welcomed heads of visiting delegations from the 73 Commonwealth nations at an event at Team Scotland House, Glasgow, ahead of the Games beginning in the city today (Thursday 23 July 2026).
The new Prime Minister has made tackling the cost of living and reducing the burden on businesses one of his priorities. That is easier said than done.
For years we have heard politicians, economists and journalists talk about "stealth taxes." The phrase usually describes measures that increase the amount we pay without raising the headline rates of Income Tax or VAT. The idea is simple.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax customers have 2 weeks to submit their first quarterly update. Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 from their self-employment and property must send their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update by 7 August 2026.
The UK Government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for many hospitality businesses in England, offering welcome relief to pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and live music venues that have struggled with rising costs in recent years. For thousands of businesses south of the Border, it could mean lower bills and a little more breathing space.
Views are being sought on plans to reform the legal aid system, improving the service for the people who use it and the professionals who deliver it. The Legal Aid Reform consultation sets out wide-ranging proposals to modernise the system, paving the way for a new Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill.
The construction industry is often described as the "engine room" of the economy. When builders are busy, it usually means confidence is rising, people are buying homes, businesses are investing and public projects are moving ahead.
The latest insolvency figures suggest that fewer businesses are going bust than many feared. At first glance, that sounds like good news.
There have been recent reports of scam phone calls impersonating banks, where the caller tries to convince customers to move money to a 'safe account'. They usually say there has been suspicious activity on your account, or that your account has been compromised.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will pledge to deliver growth in every postcode across the UK as he visits Scotland during his first week in office. Prime Minister vows to bring back hope ahead of first meeting with First Ministers of Scotland and Wales.
The Quiet Rise of Economic Insecurity – Why Millions Feel Worse Off Even When They're Working For much of the past few years, the economic headlines have been confusing. Inflation has fallen from its peak.
As Andy Burnham prepared to appoint his new Chancellor, the Resolution Foundation has published major new research examining the role of the UK’s various public financial institutions (PuFins), and how they can be expanded to unlock billions of pounds’ worth of extra investment. The report is especially prescient given the new Prime Minister’s promise to deliver a high investment economy within the existing fiscal rules.
The World Economy Has Lost Its Safety Margins – Why Small Crises Now Cause Bigger Price Shocks There was a time when the world economy seemed able to absorb almost anything. An oil-producing country could suffer disruption.
Why Scotland's public finances face difficult decisions whatever the politics no matter who gets what positions in the UK or Scotland. The hardest budgets are not those where governments have little to do.
For many people in Caithness, the price of oil isn't just something reported on the business pages. It can determine how much it costs to heat a home, fill a tractor, run a fishing boat or transport goods across the Highlands.
While I am conducting my own personal home experiment in cutting my energy use at home no amount of switching almost everything off can solve the energy crisis. Not using any of my oil heating cuts the bill to zero but means wearing extra clothes and only occasional quick blasts from a fan heater in one room at a time can reduce the electric bill but living in much less comfort.
Profits soaring, debts exploding, supply tightening — and millions cutting back on basic heat and hot water. The UK is heading into one of the most punishing 12‑month periods for household energy costs in modern history.
Andy Burnham’s decision to scrap VAT on household electricity for the 2026–27 financial year is one of his first major fiscal moves. The government says the measure will cost £850 million this year and will be funded by scrapping the Digital Identity Scheme.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, most people in Caithness were watching events unfold as a terrible human tragedy happening thousands of miles away. Few could have predicted how quickly the consequences would reach everyday life in northern Scotland.
When a government announces a cut to energy bills, the immediate reaction is usually positive. Lower bills are welcome.
Why the business impact doesn’t stop at August — and how it spreads far beyond the capital Edinburgh is not just a festival city — it is a festival powerhouse, running almost continuously from spring to winter. Beyond the world‑famous August festivals, the city hosts major events in books, film, food, science, storytelling, jazz, art, and culture.
The Edinburgh Festival and Fringe are about to begin, and the question many businesses — and residents — are asking is simple: will the economic boom continue even though accommodation prices have become eye‑watering? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is yes, but with consequences.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are about to begin in Scotland, and the question many businesses are asking is simple: will this actually deliver an economic boost, or is it just political hype?. The 2026 Commonwealth Games are taking place in Glasgow, Scotland, running from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
Care Assistant - Full time Join our compassionate team and make a real difference every day. We’re looking for a warm, reliable, and dedicated Care Assistant to support our residents to live with dignity, comfort, and joy.
Are Britain's Best Companies Being Sold Too Cheaply? And What Happens When the Profits Leave the UK? Hardly a week seems to pass without another well-known British company becoming the target of an overseas takeover. American investment funds.
If the Profits Leave Britain, Does It Make Us Poorer? Every time another British company is bought by an overseas investor, the same question appears. "If the profits go abroad, doesn't Britain become poorer?" It sounds like a simple question.
President Donald Trump has announced new 50% tariffs on around US$20 billion of Canadian imports, marking a major escalation in the trade dispute between the two countries. The tariffs are due to take effect on 19 August 2026 unless there is a negotiated settlement before then.
Why Trump Keeps Using Tariffs – And Why the Whole World Pays Attention. Whenever President Donald Trump announces a new tariff, the headlines usually focus on the country involved.
When President Donald Trump announces a new tariff, the message is usually simple. "Foreign countries will pay." But that is not quite how tariffs work.
Who Owns Britain Now? A Look at Foreign Ownership of UK Businesses and Infrastructure. If you ask people whether Britain is being "sold off", the answers are likely to be passionate.
We love photo walks. What could be better than getting outside with your camera, exploring a beautiful location and meeting fellow photographers who share your enthusiasm? Our Inspired Photo Walks are relaxed, friendly meet-ups designed to combine fresh Highland air with creative encouragement.
If you’ve been online lately, you’ve probably seen those ads shouting “Drink THIS every morning to melt belly fat!”. They always feature a mysterious fruit, a glowing mug, and a doctor who looks suspiciously like a stock photo model named Kevin.
This lovely large four-bedroom family home is situated on the main street and is a dream home for an interior design enthusiast, as it is dated throughout and in need of modernisation. The home benefits from Upvc double glazed doors and windows throughout and has an oil-fired central heating system.
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.
Every week there seems to be another story about China. Chinese electric cars are becoming cheaper.
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.
Care Planning Coordinator Laurandy Centre, Wick Hours: 28 hours per week over 4 days, Tuesday to Friday. We are readvertising this opportunity as we continue our search for the right person to join our friendly team.
Help Shape Highland's Future with Regeneration Funding The Scottish Government has announced plans to open the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) later this year, creating an exciting opportunity for projects that can make a lasting difference to communities across Highland. The RCGF is a competitive, Scotland-wide fund that supports locally developed regeneration projects.
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.
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.
Millions of calls were likely mishandled over nearly a three-year period, preventing or delaying customers from switching away to a better deal. Investigation uncovers deliberate call-dropping tactics, excessive and unnecessary call transfers and putting customers repeatedly on hold for no reason.
Position: We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to be based at our Thurso campus. Responsibilities: The post holder will provide high quality laboratory technical support for Research & Knowledge Exchange and its commercial, research and teaching activities.
Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd. is the largest crane hire and heavy lifting services company based in Caithness.
Position: The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) is part of UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso, one of the academic partners of UHI. Our mission is to ‘provide dynamic leadership in research, innovation and education that advances understanding and informs management of our natural environment’.
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.
Sutherland is one of Europe's great wilderness landscapes. From towering mountains and white-sand beaches to remote glens and picturesque fishing villages, it offers some of the finest scenery anywhere in Britain.
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 £100 Million Question: Why Higher Council Tax Doesn't Always Mean Better Local Services Every spring, millions of households receive a council tax bill that is a little higher than the year before. At the same time, they often hear about cuts to local services, delayed road repairs, fewer leisure facilities or postponed building projects.
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 delighted to bring to the market this beautifully presented three-bedroom semi-detached cottage, finished and fitted to a high standard throughout. This spacious home has been thoughtfully extended, offering generous accommodation that is sure to appeal to a wide range of purchasers.
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.
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.
A Super a Super El Niño event can significantly raise the risk of commodity price spikes and crop failures, but the impact depends on its strength, location, and how global supply chains respond. Here’s how it works in practice.
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.
Beò! 2029, the Inverness-Highland bid for UK City of Culture 2029, has launched an ambassador programme to help champion the bid and build support across the region and beyond. Award-winning folk singer Julie Fowlis and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Katie Gregson-MacLeod have become the programme's first ambassadors, lending their support to the only Scottish bid longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029.
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