The UK pension system is built on a false idea: that savings and financial assets can guarantee security in old age. In this video, I argue that pensions do not ultimately depend on money saved in the past, but on the productive capacity of those still at work in the present.
A familiar tension sits at the heart of many modern planning decisions: the clash between local opposition and national priorities. The proposed battery energy storage system near Spittal is a clear example of how that tension is resolved not in favour of unanimity, but in favour of policy.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has looked carefully at the party manifestos. We make no comments on any of them but they do look closely at the range of policies.
Here at Riverside house care home in Wick we are seeking to employ full or part time kitchen assistants to join our team. Duties include washing of dishes, setting up trolleys and keeping the kitchen clean and tidy, this position will be a mix of shifts 9am-3pm or 3.30pm-7pm, hours can be discussed.
Most people never hear about the quiet decisions that keep global oil prices from exploding. But every so often, a single diplomatic move buried in a press release or slipped out late on a Friday ends up shaping what the world pays for fuel.
Most people think of the NHS as a proudly British institution that was built here, staffed here, sustained here. But the truth is far more uncomfortable in that the NHS depends on foreign‑trained nurses, doctors, carers, and imported medicines to keep its doors open.
For years, Scotland’s political debate has been dominated by big, dramatic issues such as independence, budgets, NHS waiting times, teacher shortages. But while the spotlight was elsewhere, something quieter and more fundamental was happening in the background Scotland’s health visitor workforce was shrinking.
Most people in the UK have heard of Brent crude, the North Sea oil price that appears in the news whenever petrol or heating‑oil costs rise. But there is another benchmark far less known, far less understood, and right now far more important that is quietly shaping global oil markets and pushing up the cost of fuel everywhere from Aberdeen to Asia.
The spring of 2026 has brought an unusual and unsettling reality to UK households that rely on heating oil. What is normally a period of falling prices and calmer markets has instead become a season defined by volatility, geopolitical tension, and unprecedented uncertainty.
The UK economy is increasingly defined not by a single crisis, but by a set of overlapping pressures that are creating a sense of fragility without tipping clearly into recession. Households, businesses, and investors are all behaving more cautiously, yet the overall system is still functioning.
Across Europe, governments are facing a contradiction that is becoming harder to ignore. Economies need workers urgently.
The EY ITEM Club’s most recent forecasts paint a portrait of a UK economy entering 2026 with a mixture of cautious optimism and persistent fragility. After several years of turbulence from global supply shocks to domestic policy tightening the economy stands at a delicate crossroads.
As governments around the world search for reliable, low-carbon energy, nuclear power has returned to the centre of policy debates. Yet the approaches being taken reveal a striking divide.
The Deloitte Consumer Tracker published today 20 April 2026 showed overall UK consumer confidence declined by three percentage points from -11.1% to -14.1% to reach its lowest level since 2023. Five of the six confidence measures fell, including a 7.2 percentage point decline in sentiment towards household disposable income.
The global oil market has once again been thrust into volatility following a dramatic escalation in the Gulf of Oman, where U.S. forces fired upon and damaged an Iranian‑flagged vessel.
The idea sounds irresistible: cap the price of basic food and make life instantly more affordable. Bread, milk, eggs the essentials kept within reach by government action.
There's a quiet fiction at the heart of the UK tax system. It's called National Insurance and it still carries the language of contribution, entitlement, and fairness across a working lifetime.
Sweden provides the most striking example of a policy shift. Over the past decade, Swedish schools embraced digital learning enthusiastically, introducing tablets and laptops widely while reducing reliance on printed textbooks.
Far from the headlines about النفط prices, ռազմական posturing, and geopolitical brinkmanship, there is a quieter, more human story unfolding at sea. Thousands of sailors—ordinary men and women whose work keeps the global economy moving—are now stranded aboard ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The funding of Scotland’s ferry network—operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)—has become one of the most politically sensitive infrastructure issues in the country. At its core, the system is designed not as a commercial enterprise but as a publicly subsidised lifeline service, connecting Scotland’s islands to the mainland.
Should Borrowers Save for a Higher Deposit Before Taking on a Mortgage?. Experts Say "Yes If They Can", Especially in the Highlands.
The Strait of Hormuz is closed again as of Saturday, 18 April 2026, following a brief attempt to reopen it. Iran's military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced they have resumed "strict management and control" over the strategic waterway.
Business debt in the UK has been rising for several years, but the latest insolvency statistics show the situation has now become structural. Firms are not simply struggling — many are failing.
At first glance, the advice seems simple: spend more to support the economy, or save more to protect yourself. But modern economies face a deeper tension—one that sits at the heart of Keynesian economics and is often called the "paradox of thrift." The core dilemma When individuals save money, they are usually acting wisely—building a buffer against uncertainty, job loss, or rising costs.
Mortgage lenders have begun offering slightly lower interest rates to first‑time buyers in an effort to revive a sluggish housing market. But financial analysts warn that the deals may carry long‑term risks, particularly for rural households in the Highlands who already face higher living costs and tighter budgets.
For decades, small business ownership in Scotland was built on a simple expectation: work hard, build a stable enterprise, and eventually sell it to fund retirement or pass it on to the next generation. But in 2025-26, that model is breaking down.
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, defence, and maritime sectors to solve their unique operational challenges by applying core technical knowledge in optics, sound propagation and AI enabled electronic systems.
This charming 4 bedroom Victorian terraced house, built in 1883, retains many of its original period features. The property benefits from a secure rear garden and is situated on a quiet residential street.
There once was a voter in Kent, Whose wages were already spent, With eggs and with oil. And Mandelson’s toil, And wars that came highly event.
Johnstons of Thurso is hiring Shop assistant & kitchen support Job requirements -Early mornings -Friendly manner -Excellent customer service skills Experience is preferred but not essential as training will be provided. Please send your CV to johnstonsbakery@gmail.com.
⭐️ House For Sale – Barons Well, Wick ⭐️ Offers over £100,000 Available to view now - awaiting home report. This lovely 3-bedroom mid-terraced home offers comfortable family living in a central location, close to Noss Primary school and the town centre.
See poster for full details. 2nd 3rd 4th July.
As a researcher investigating how electric brain stimulation can improve people’s powers of recollection, I’m often asked how memory works – and what we can do to use it more effectively. Happily, decades of research have given us some clear answers to both questions.
Community groups and organisations across rural Highland are invited to apply to the fund, which is now open for Expressions of Interest for grants of up to £25,000 until 24 April. Following this deadline, a small grants pot will open on 28 April, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Refreshments, Baking Stall, Hotdogs, Kids Games. Tickets available from Crew & Fundraising Committee.
Next Session - Special Reminiscence and Collection Afternoon The next session of the Dounreay Reminiscence Group will take place at Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives, Wick on Thursday 7th May 2026 from 1300-1500. For this session we would like to invite you to bring along your own archives to share with the group and get conversation flowing.
Come down and celebrate our town with some music, highland dancing and refreshments as we unveil the new 'Welcome to Wick' logo, visitor map and website alongside a new Telford Trail leaflet map..
A semi-detached, 2 bedroom bungalow with a detached garage and secure garden. Located in the vibrant village of Castletown, the property sits on the renowned North Coast 500 route and is just a short distance from the stunning Dunnet Beach, with its 2 miles of golden sand.
Sparsile Books (Glasgow) presents an evolution/ancestor-themed event at Nucleus. The Nuclear and Caithness Archives.
| Vacancy: | Graduate Electronics Engineer | Duration: | Permanent | Location: | Thurso Salary: TBA Candidate dependant At Denchi, we offer an environment where your talents will be nurtured, and your ideas will have a real impact. Denchi has 20 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing batteries from our base in Thurso, Scotland, we proudly serve blue chip customers in defence, security, aerospace, oil and gas, and renewables markets.
Scaffolders/helpers required, please contact Caithness scaffolding at caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk for more information..
| Vacancy: | Electronics Engineer | Duration: | Permanent | Location: | Thurso Salary: TBA Candidate dependant At Denchi, we offer an environment where your talents will be nurtured, and your ideas will have a real impact. Denchi has 20 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing batteries from our base in Thurso, Scotland, we proudly serve blue chip customers in defence, security, aerospace, oil and gas, and renewables markets.
Join the ranger on a 12km guided walk through Broubster Forest in north Caithness. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest as we wind our way to a couple of hidden lochs.
Blargoans Ltd have 12-month contract opportunity for an Administrator to work within our client’s facility in Caithness. https://blargoans.com/jobs/administrator-ohd/ Closing date for CV applications will be on Wednesday 15 April 2026 at 12 Noon To apply: email your CV to recruitment@blargoans.com and specifying the reference BL34102 Blargoans Limited operates as a locally based employment business for temporary/contract recruitment and an employment agency for permanent recruitment for technical and professional roles to the Engineering, Office & Commercial Industries..
App scaffolders required for long term contracts, please send CVs to caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk.
New research published by Ofcom reveals how people in the UK use, understand and feel about the media and online services they interact with in their daily lives. In line with our duty to promote and research media literacy, Ofcom’s annual Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes and Adults’ Media Lives research reports tracked trends in the nation’s media habits and online behaviours over the last year.[1] The research reveals, among other things, more circumspect relationships with social media; rapid adoption of AI tools; a continuation of online enterprising; and mixed views when it comes to trust in news sources.
Job Opportunities - Immediate Start We currently have three jobs available, One Full Time and Two Part Time. Job Description Removals Porter(s) - Van Driver - LGV Driver Students - Semi Retired - Etc Working as a member of a removal crew carrying out Local and National household removals and deliveries.
Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking a compassionate and dedicated night shift care assistant to join our team working four nights per week. Previous experience working in a care setting is an advantage but not essential as full training will be provided.
For decades, nightlife has been defined by darkness, alcohol, and the slow drift toward closing time. But a new cultural experiment is emerging in cities from London to New York: the early‑morning “coffee rave.” These events are part fitness class, part club night, part wellness ritual and start at 6am, run on caffeine rather than alcohol, and send people into their working day energised rather than hungover.
Rural communities across Highland are set to benefit from more than £1 million in funding to support community asset improvements and to help tackle inequalities affecting children, young people and families. The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) are inviting organisations to apply for funding to finance revenue and capital projects to address two main priorities.
Relief Care/Support Staff Wanted We are seeking relief care staff to join our team. We are looking for people who are caring, reliable, and flexible, with a genuine interest in supporting others.
Kitchen Worker (Part-Time) The Laurandy Centre We are seeking a motivated and reliable individual to support the day-to-day running of our busy kitchen. Main Duties: Assist with preparation and serving of food Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene Wash dishes and kitchen equipment Ensure compliance with food safety regulations Support other staff as required Person Specification: Experience in domestic or catering environments preferred Good time management and reliability Willingness to undertake Food Hygiene training Successful completion of a Standard Disclosure Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00am – 2:30pm For further information or to request an application form, please contact: 📧 tracy.mackay@laurandycentre.org.uk.
Job Summary GMG Energy is expanding, and we’re looking for a hands‑on, motivated Sawmill Operator to help drive our wood production operations forward. If you take pride in producing high‑quality work, enjoy practical tasks, and want to be part of a friendly, growing team, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
When businesses struggle, households pay — and rural Scotland pays twice. If you want to see how national policy changes land in Scotland, especially in the Highlands, don’t look at the legislation look at the weekly shop, the fuel gauge, and the heating bill.
Why the next year will test the resilience of Scotland’s local economy especially north of Perth If you want to understand the pressure Scottish businesses are under, picture a crofter trying to mend a fence in a gale. Every time he hammers one post in, another one blows over.
Are you passionate about supporting your local community? Caithness FM is looking for a motivated Fundraiser and Admin Support to join the team in Thurso! You’ll help keep our station thriving by coordinating fundraising, seeking new sponsorship and adverts, assisting with grant applications, and supporting our Treasurer behind the scenes, including invoicing. You will need good computing and Admin skills and the ability to express yourself in verbal and written communication.
Blargoans Ltd have a 12-month contract opportunity for a Document Control Coordinator to work within our client’s facility in Caithness. https://blargoans.com/jobs/document-control-coordinator-2/ Terms and Conditions Basic Annual Income – £38,354 to £51,475 overtime rates apply as standard.
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: Are you passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment? We’re looking for 2x compassionate and proactive Learning Support Workers to be based at our Thurso campus (x1) and any NWH campus (x1) to play a key role in empowering students to thrive—academically, personally, and emotionally.
As festival season approaches, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is urging consumers to take extra care when buying neon makeup and face/body paints. Bright colours and bold looks may be part of the fun, but unsafe cosmetics are never worth the risk.
Ideal Investment or First Home Traditional two bedroom townhouse with huge potential, An excellent opportunity to acquire this traditional built maisonette, ideally located close to Wick Marina and within easy walking distance of all local amenities. This property offers fantastic potential for buyers looking to add value and create a beautiful home or investment.
Local families and environmental enthusiasts are invited to attend a free, fun-filled visit to Causeymire Wind Farm on Saturday, 9th May. Hosted by Nadara, Europe’s largest independent power producer of onshore wind and operator of Causeymire Wind Farm, the event is set to be a day of discovery, creativity, and learning about the environment and renewable energy.
A rare opportunity to acquire this hidden gem. This impressive 5 bedroom detached house features a detached garage and a wraparound garden, offering both privacy and versatility.
An interesting position has become available as a Sales Assistant in out depot in Thurso. This role will involve creating a welcoming experience for visitors, providing product information and maintaining both our display and stock areas to keep them always looking their best.
Pay: (£31,200 - £35,360, depending on experience) An opportunity has arisen within our production team for 2No. Trainee Stone Masons.
The Highland school Easter holidays start on 3rd April. And whether you're planning ahead or still figuring it out, we've got everything your family needs right here.
"Pay by Bank" in the UK. It is a secure, fast, and growing payment method powered by open banking, allowing you to pay directly from your bank app without entering card details.
Round 2 of The Highland Council’s Reuse and Repair Fund opens this week on Thursday 2 April. Grants of between £2,000 and £50,000 are available to support a range of community‑led initiatives that will help people repair, reuse and upcycle materials - reducing waste and supporting a stronger circular economy.
Fuel security has quietly become one of the most important issues facing the Highlands, even if it rarely gets the political attention it deserves. Prices rise, global tensions escalate, and supply chains creak under the strain of geopolitical shocks.
When people imagine fuel shortages or the prospect of rationing, they tend to picture dramatic disruptions: grounded flights, empty petrol stations, or governments imposing strict limits on usage. Yet the real story of fuel consumption is far less dramatic—and far more embedded in the quiet routines of everyday life.
New insights from sector data suggests that charities directed £5 billion of additional resources to delivering their aims, despite ongoing financial pressures. The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, has analysed data drawn from annual returns for the financial year ending 2024 – the most comprehensive dataset available to the charity sector each year.
We at Riverside house care home in Wick are looking to employ a full time nurse working three 12.5 hour shifts 7am-7.30pm or 7.30pm-7am. Rate of pay £20.85 per hour paid weekly For more information or to request an application form please contact; joannesinclair@riversidehousecarehome.com or call 01955602314.
Position: We are seeking a Facilities Technician to be based at our Thurso campus. This post will be required to travel periodically to other sites to provide technical expertise and undertake packages of maintenance works.
Government answers parents’ calls for support on screen time with new evidence-backed guidance. Parents of young children are facing a constant battle with screens.
With Ofgem due to announce the July–September energy price cap on 28 May 2026, households across Scotland are bracing for what comes next. The April cap has already set the baseline for spring, but the big question now is whether the July cap will push bills back up just as we move toward the colder months.
A family-run micro-distillery in Wester Ross is set for significant growth after securing a £105,215 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). A family-run micro-distillery in Wester Ross is set for significant growth after securing a £105,215 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Lessons from the Post-War house building Boom Between 1951 and 1964, successive UK governments pledged and delivered 300,000–400,000 new homes per year. This included New towns like Glenrothes, East Kilbride, and Cumbernauld.
Brand snobbery is one of the most expensive habits in the weekly shop. But here’s the truth as many unbranded items don’t just match the branded versions - they outperform them.
Most households want to save money on groceries, but they fear the fallout. Complaints from the kids, grumbles from partners, or the dreaded “this tastes different”.
Supermarkets look friendly, but they’re engineered with military precision. Every shelf, every sign, every smell is designed to make you spend more than you intended.
Households across the UK are being squeezed harder than at any point in recent memory. Energy bills, fuel, insurance, council tax, and food prices have all risen together.
Households often underestimate the cumulative power of small savings. Downgrading a few items feels trivial — until you add it up over a year.
A major project to develop a new net zero distillery in Sutherland has secured up to £1.57m from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). A major project to develop a new net zero distillery in Sutherland has secured up to £1.57m from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
What New Rules Mean for Pet Owners Across The country. If you’ve ever walked out of a vet’s surgery almost any where wondering how a five‑minute consultation turned into a three‑figure bill, you’re far from alone.
We have a jam-packed Easter programme of family friendly events this Spring including Graffiti workshops, Ukulele Club, a drumming workshop and more. Check out the poster below for more info and head over to our website to book.
If the Highlands is to navigate the next decade without sliding into a quiet, unmanaged decline, it needs a new model for public services and one that reflects the region’s geography, its demographics, and the financial constraints shaping every decision. The old model, built around a large workforce, a wide estate of local offices, and a service structure designed for a very different era, is no longer sustainable.
A fascinating talk by Thomas Keyes about his work at the Pictish Tarbet Discovery Centre, Portmahomack. FREE ENTRY - All welcome.
Date for the diaryâ¦.. Saturday 4th July 1pm Rose Street Gardens, Thurso Tea and Coffee following served in Gardens.
Scotland is set to become the first country in the UK to publish a miscarriage patient charter, giving women clear information about the care and support they can expect from the NHS. The charter, commissioned by the Scottish Government and developed in partnership with baby loss charities Tommy's, Held In Our Hearts and the Miscarriage Association, sets out the rights and entitlements women should receive during and following a miscarriage.
A temporary export bar has been placed on the historically significant archive of James Stirling. The archive catalogues revolutionary practices at James Stirling’s Scots Mining Company that ushered in a new era of better conditions for workers.
£500,000 funding of digital development for world’s largest performing arts festival. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society will receive £500,000 to help support ongoing digital transformation work, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.
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