The UK Government is planning changes to the rules used to assess public investment projects, with the aim of giving communities that have missed out on funding a better chance of securing support. Announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham on 22 October, the proposed reforms will change how the Government uses its Green Book, the official framework for assessing the costs and benefits of public spending.
The UK Government is planning tougher laws to protect the undersea cables and pipelines that keep Britain connected to the world, with offenders potentially facing prison sentences of up to 14 years and unlimited fines. Announced on 22 October, the proposals aim to bring outdated legislation into line with modern security threats, including suspected hostile activity around critical infrastructure in UK waters.
More Scottish households are expected to receive help with electricity bills automatically, but people using heating oil should understand what the discount does and does not cover. The UK Government has confirmed that eligible households will receive a £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, with changes intended to bring many more people into the scheme.
Oil prices hovering around $114 a barrel are raising fresh concerns about the cost of diesel, with motorists and businesses facing the prospect of further increases in the days ahead. The rise in crude oil prices reflects renewed worries about global supplies, including disruption to production and continuing geopolitical tensions.
With borrowing costs rising and the public finances under pressure, tax cuts may have to wait. But will the Government make the difficult decisions now, or leave some of them until later? The Chancellor faces a difficult balancing act ahead of the Budget on 28 October.
The worldwide race to develop artificial intelligence is creating an unexpected problem for ordinary consumers. The cost of computer memory chips is rising sharply, putting pressure on the prices of laptops, smartphones, storage devices and other technology products.
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.
Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) is to appoint a new strategy manager after securing up to £52,500 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help fund the post. The post holder will help WHA deliver its emerging harbour masterplan and outline business case, strengthen capacity and develop new business opportunities.
Britain is finally creating an energy wealth fund from its North Sea oil and gas revenues. The announcement comes with an initial £2 billion investment, with the aim of using the country's remaining energy wealth to support renewable energy and low-carbon industries.
Inflation hitting its highest rate in almost a year and a £6 billion borrowing overshoot highlight the double dilemma facing the Chancellor in his Budget next week as he tries to ease cost of living pressures while getting government borrowing down, the Resolution Foundation said. CPI inflation rose to 3.5 per cent in September, 0.1 percentage points more than the market expected, driven by rising fuel prices.
Britain is taking another step towards rebuilding its domestic defence industry, with the return of tank and artillery barrel production to the UK providing skilled jobs and reducing reliance on overseas suppliers. A new gun hall operated by Rheinmetall UK in Telford has begun production, creating around 100 skilled jobs.
As the Chancellor prepares the Budget, the question for Caithness is whether the measures announced in Westminster will make it easier for local businesses to invest, employ people and build a stronger economy. Businesses across Caithness will be looking for more than promises about economic growth.
The average shortfall between Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates and the 30th percentile rent level has now reached an all-time high of 23.3 per cent – equivalent to a £170 a month ‘affordability gap’ for a typical family in a two-bedroom home – just a week before John Healey’s first Budget, the Resolution Foundation said this week. Rates of LHA, which determine the maximum amount of benefit support that private renting families can receive, were last adjusted in April 2024 – when they were pegged to 2023 rent levels.
Website owners are being urged to check their security as warnings over serious PHP software vulnerabilities raise questions about how many sites remain exposed to attack. The recent PHP security scare has prompted some organisations to take websites offline or restrict access while they investigate the risks.
Rising inflation and fears of higher interest rates are creating fresh uncertainty for homeowners, businesses and the wider UK economy. Oil prices edging towards $114 (Brent Crude) a barrel and the latest increase in UK inflation have raised an uncomfortable question.
From banking and insurance to retail and professional services, artificial intelligence is changing the way large employers operate. The question is whether new jobs will replace those that disappear.
The share of workers in low pay failed to fall the first time in 15 years, and in fact rose slightly on last year, the Resolution Foundation said (Thursday) in response to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). ASHE is a large ONS survey of businesses and provides valuable detail on earnings and hours worked among UK employees.
The Highland Council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund. The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.
Storm Boelo will impact Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend. Warnings have also been updated for Storm Austen which impacts the south of England and Wales on Thursday night and Friday.
As artificial intelligence threatens to transform millions of jobs, should the government consider reducing the working week and sharing the benefits of higher productivity with employees?. Artificial intelligence is creating a difficult question for governments, employers and workers.
The EU is expanding its planned satellite network to 348 satellites, with the first launches targeted for 2029. The aim is to give European governments and armed forces secure communications under European control, reducing dependence on American technology.
Reports of Israeli military preparations have raised fears of a new confrontation with Iran. For Britain and the world economy, the biggest danger may be the impact on oil supplies, inflation and interest rates.
Elon Musk's ambition to bring electric cars, rockets, satellites and artificial intelligence under one corporate roof raises important questions for investors, regulators and the future of both businesses. The possibility of Tesla and SpaceX joining forces could produce one of the most influential technology companies in the world.
With inflation rising and Christmas approaching, retailers are asking the Chancellor to reduce the cost of doing business rather than introduce further taxes that could feed through into shop prices. The Budget on 28 October comes at a critical time for Britain's retailers.
Scotland is being warned to prepare for unsettled weather as Storm Austen brings the prospect of heavy rain and disruption, with further strong winds possible over the weekend. The main concern is the combination of persistent rainfall and already wet ground.
We are currently performing important routine security updates on our website server to maintain the highest level of safety and protection for our platform and users. While this work is underway, all website forms—including file and image upload features (such as property submissions)—have been temporarily disabled.
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.
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.
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.
Early morning Cleaner required. Good attention to detail Driving licence Essential Contact Elizabeth 07999225288.
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.
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.
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?.
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.
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.
There are times when a story from thousands of miles away makes you look at your own garden slightly differently. Reports from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky describe residents facing such severe shortages of food that some have reportedly been eating plants growing in their gardens that most of us would simply call weeds.
Five place based residencies across Caithness and Sutherland. The Caithness and Sutherland Culture Collective Partnership invites applications for five artist residencies, each rooted in a different locality and hosted by a partner organisation.
A beautiful mid-terraced, three-bedroom (one with ensuite), stone-built home which retains many of the original features, with a large area of garden to rear. Accommodation comprises vestibule, hallway, lounge, sitting room/dining room, Ashley Ann fitted kitchen and a utility room on the ground floor, upstairs from the landing there are three bedrooms, one with ensuite and a family bathroom.
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