The debate about Scotland's welfare system is often framed around one question Who should make the decisions? Should welfare remain mainly controlled by Westminster, with Scotland receiving benefits through a UK-wide system? Or should Scotland have full responsibility for designing and funding its own social security system?. But behind the political debate sits a much bigger question: Could Scotland afford it? Taking control of welfare would not simply mean gaining new powers.
A family in Scotland and a family in England can sometimes receive different levels of financial support, even though they live in the same country system. That can seem surprising.
A UK Government announcement about supported housing recently highlighted a question that often causes confusion in Scotland: When Westminster changes welfare rules, do people in Scotland always receive the same benefit? The answer is not always straightforward. Some welfare benefits are controlled by the UK Government.
When Scotland voted for devolution in 1997, the promise was clear: Decisions about Scottish matters would be taken closer to the people affected. The Scottish Parliament opened in 1999 and since then Scotland has developed its own system of government, with its own ministers, civil service structures, public bodies and policies.
Few subjects create as much confusion in Scottish political debate as the Barnett Formula. It is regularly mentioned in arguments about independence, public spending and whether Scotland receives a fair share of UK resources.
Every government faces difficult financial decisions, but Scotland's choices are becoming increasingly complex. On one hand, tax revenues have been rising.
Whenever Scotland's finances are debated, one question often appears If Scotland can set different tax rates, does that mean it controls its own taxation? The answer is only partly. Since devolution, the Scottish Parliament has gained significant tax powers.
For much of the last half-century, Scotland's energy story has been dominated by one industry. Oil and gas transformed Aberdeen from a regional city into an international energy centre.
There is an old saying that if you ask three people to organise something, you end up with a committee. In Scotland, we have perfected the idea.
When countries go through major political change, one question often matters more than almost any other. Will people choose to move in, or move away? For Scotland, population trends are already one of the biggest economic challenges.
The price of oil is climbing once again as tensions in the Middle East take another dangerous turn. After fresh exchanges of attacks involving the United States and Iran, financial markets have reacted quickly, with Brent crude moving back towards the $80 a barrel mark.
Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals fixed mortgage rates have recorded their biggest monthly reductions since October 2024. Product choice rose and the churn of mortgage deals was stable.
It is one of the questions many people ask every time their electricity bill arrives. Scotland regularly produces more electricity than it needs.
Scotland is often described as an energy-rich nation. We generate huge amounts of renewable electricity.
Drive across Caithness, Sutherland or the Highlands today and it is impossible to miss Scotland's energy revolution. Wind turbines dominate many skylines.
For most people, their home is their biggest financial asset. So whenever Scotland's constitutional future is debated, one question inevitably arises: What would independence mean for Scottish house prices? Would property values fall because of uncertainty? Would they rise because Scotland gained greater control over its economy? Or would the long-term impact depend on decisions made during the transition? The reality is that no one can know exactly what would happen.
For centuries, Scotland's economy has been shaped by energy. Coal powered the Industrial Revolution.
Another busy week has seen developments across local government, transport, community services and business. Here are ten of the biggest stories affecting Caithness and the wider Highland area.
Up to 85,000 jobs and £6.4 billion to national GDP supported by UKEF financing as part of the government’s Growth Mission. Today, ambitious plans will be announced to expand UKEF’s ability to back UK business to compete globally and strengthen the UK’s economic security.
New scheme will increase access to finance for thousands of smaller businesses so they can grow their exports. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has today (12 July 2026) announced a joint scheme between UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the British Business Bank which will help small and medium-sized businesses access the finance they need to expand their export potential and grow.
Every constitutional debate raises a question that rarely receives much attention until the discussion becomes serious. What do people actually do with their money, businesses and homes when uncertainty increases.? Most people would stay exactly where they are.
The biggest change to Self Assessment in a generation is no longer a future proposal. It is here.
The Scottish Government is collecting more income tax than ever before. At first sight, that appears to be good news for Scotland's public finances.
The biggest change is that Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) comes under full FCA regulation from 15 July 2026. Until now, many of the most popular "pay in 3" and short-term interest-free products have operated outside the normal consumer credit rules.
The arrival of new regulations for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) lending raises an interesting question. Is this simply a modern version of the hire purchase agreements that helped generations of families furnish their homes and buy essential goods? Or has technology made borrowing so easy that people are taking on debts they might otherwise have avoided? The answer may be a little of both.
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 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.
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.
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.
Barnardo's Highland Services is looking for dedicated, compassionate and motivated individuals to join our Springboard Outreach Service as As and When Outreach Workers, supporting care-experienced young people across the Highland area. This flexible role offers a unique opportunity to walk alongside young people as they transition into adulthood, providing tailored, relationship-based support within their homes, communities and local environments.
Are you ready to take the first step in your career and gain valuable hands-on experience with a supportive local business? Blargoans Limited is offering an exciting opportunity for a Business and Operations Apprentice to join our friendly and hardworking team. This varied role is ideal for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated, and keen to learn how our businesses operate, while gaining practical experience across both Blargoans Ltd and Northern Sands Hotel.
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’.
Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking to employ a full time or part time dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in supporting the kitchen staff by maintaining cleanliness, washing dishes and adhering to cleaning schedules.
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.
Job Title: Business Admin Modern Apprenticeship Location: Janetstown Term: Permanent Job Overview JGC are offering an exciting opportunity for a Modern Apprentice to join our Administration team. As a Modern Apprentice you will work towards a SCQF Level 5 or SCQF Level 6 depending on experience and qualifications.
We are looking for a housekeeper who will look after our accommodation with the same care we give our customers. A team player who will be responsible for cleaning guest rooms, public areas and hotel properties in a timely and thorough manner to ensure guest satisfaction.
Do you love great wine and whisky? Do you enjoy talking to people and sharing your enthusiasm? Bin Ends, Caithness's favourite independent wine and whisky retailer, is looking for a Retail Brand Ambassador to join our friendly team. The Role You'll be the welcoming face of Bin Ends — helping customers find the perfect bottle, keeping the shop looking its best, and making every visit a great experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Full time Domestic assistant (30 hours per week) Here at Riverside house care home we are looking for a dedicated and reliable domestic assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will work five shifts per week 8am-2pm ensuring areas throughout the home are maintained to the highest standard of cleanliness, this role is perfect for individuals who take pride in their work and enjoy creating a welcoming environment.
Projects supporting people most at risk of social isolation and loneliness have had their funding extended until March 2027. A total of £1.05 million will help 52 organisations provide group and community activities, warm spaces, and opportunities for people to come together for a meal or other activities, aimed at older people, carers, disabled people and young parents.
This large commercial building is situated on Bridge Street and is spread over three floors. The entire building extends to approximately 315 square meters in total.
This spacious three-bedroom first-floor flat occupies a superb coastal position, boasting impressive views across Thurso Beach, Thurso East, the Pentland Firth, Dunnet, Scrabster and Orkney. Formerly two separate one-bedroom flats, the property offers excellent potential for landlords or those exploring the Airbnb market.
cotland enters the second half of the decade with inflation finally stabilising, but the cost of living remains stubbornly high. Prices are no longer rising at crisis levels, yet they are not falling either — and for many households, especially renters and mortgaged families, the financial pressure is still intense.
The cost‑of‑living pressures coming toward 2027 — rising rents, mortgage resets, council tax increases, higher import prices, and energy costs that refuse to fall — are structural. You can’t control them, but you can control your exposure to them.
Kirsty MacPherson will join from East Renfrewshire Council. Former head teacher previously worked in Dumfries and Galloway and Shetland.
When the BBC announces another round of job cuts, it is easy to think of it as a single event. But the latest announcement is not an isolated decision.
This report is the final output of the Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review. It brings together the evidence collected during the project & provides options & practical recommendations for the roles and delivery of Community Led Local Development, Scottish Rural Network and Scottish Rural Action.
Each year, the Scottish Government distributes Community Led Local Development (CLLD) funding to Local Action Groups (LAG) to support local priorities. For 2026 to 2027, the LAG are investing in projects that strengthen communities in the Highlands and reduce inequality.
WE ARE HIRING Receptionist/Administrator - Thurso Office (Full-Time) Are you welcoming, highly organised, and confident in a fast-paced environment? This could be your next move. As the face and voice of out Thurso office, you'll be the first point of contact for our clients - creating a professional, friendly, and lasting first impression.
Wick Golf Club are looking for an enthusiastic and hard-working person to join their greenkeeping team for the summer months. You will need to enjoy working outside and preferably have some experience with relevant machinery.
Check out Wick Gala Facebook..
Click over to the Caithness show Facebook page for lots of details. You can now buy early tickets online to avoid queues etc.
In times of uncertainty, savers may want to keep cash close, but with over 200 easy-access accounts beating inflation, leaving money in low-paying accounts is costly. Time to move your money out of low interest accounts.
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.
Scaffolder required for approximately 6 weeks contract in Fair Isle commencing beginning of August.Send CVs to caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk for more infomation contact 07793102455. .
Postal vote packs for the Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton by-election were posted posted out last Friday. The Highland Council is advising postal voters to read the instructions carefully when completing their statement and ballot paper to ensure their vote counts.
The case against children’s access to social media isn’t just about online harms, argues Goldsmith’s Dr Veli Hillman, but about the steady narrowing of what childhood is allowed to become. Modern societies routinely restrict children’s access to activities where power, incentives and risks are radically unequal.
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