Highland Council is stepping up its efforts to bring long-term empty properties back into residential use, but early results from its £1 million Empty Homes Challenge Fund suggest that turning the policy into actual homes may prove more difficult than anticipated. A report going before the Council's Housing and Property Committee on 4 November provides an update on the strategy introduced in November 2025.
The number of people presenting as homeless in the Highlands has reached its highest level in three years, highlighting the growing pressure on housing services despite some encouraging performance figures from Highland Council. A report covering the six months from April to September 2026 is being considered by the Council's Housing and Property Committee on 4 November.
Scotland could be heading for the biggest reorganisation of its public services in more than two decades. The Scottish Government is looking at reducing the number of NHS health boards from 14 to just two, while also proposing a major restructuring of local government.
The American midterm elections have produced another important development that has received relatively little attention outside the United States. While much of the international coverage has concentrated on Donald Trump's losses in Congress, the Democrats have also made substantial gains in elections for state governors.
Highland Council is making progress on a range of housing and property projects, but rising construction costs, shortages of contractors and uncertainty over future funding continue to threaten delivery. A progress report covering the second quarter of 2026/27 is being considered by the Housing and Property Committee on 4 November.
Highland Council is forecasting expenditure of almost £75 million on its housing capital programme during 2026/27, against an original budget of nearly £84 million, as rising building costs, project delays and the availability of additional government funding influence its investment plans. A Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital monitoring report, covering expenditure to 31 August 2026, is being considered by the Housing and Property Committee on 4 November.
Saudi Arabia has an important advantage over many other major oil-producing countries. It has an alternative route for exporting much of its oil without having to send tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
The American midterm elections have produced an interesting development that deserves attention beyond the immediate battle between Democrats and Republicans. Among the candidates attracting attention are medical professionals who have decided that treating patients is no longer enough.
The results of America's midterm elections have delivered a major setback for President Donald Trump. Democrats have taken control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, ending two years of Republican control of Congress.
Donald Trump may have another two years in the White House, but attention is already turning towards the next American presidential election in November 2028. The midterm elections have changed the political landscape and raised questions about the future direction of both major parties.
When Americans went to the polls for the November 2026 midterm elections, they were not simply choosing members of Congress and state governors. Across the country, voters were also deciding who should become judges, prosecutors, sheriffs, mayors and school-board members.
The Democrats' strong performance in the 2026 midterm elections could open the door to investigations into some of the most controversial aspects of Donald Trump's presidency. From immigration enforcement and family business interests to government contracts, political appointments and the use of presidential power, the next two years could bring a level of scrutiny that the White House has so far largely avoided.
America's midterm election results could usher in a new period of political confrontation. Donald Trump remains President and Commander-in-Chief, but a Democratic-controlled Congress could make it considerably harder for him to pursue his domestic and foreign policies without challenge.
The American midterm elections have delivered a major political setback for President Donald Trump, with the Democrats winning control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Although Trump remains President, the political landscape in Washington has changed considerably.
Saudi Arabia has spent billions of pounds trying to transform its economy and its international reputation. For decades, the kingdom was known primarily for its oil wealth.
Impeachment in the United States is not just a mechanism for dealing with an unpopular or controversial President. It can also be used against Cabinet secretaries, federal judges and other senior government officials.
The conflict in the Middle East is usually discussed in terms of oil, gas, shipping and military installations. But there is another vulnerability that could have even more immediate consequences for ordinary people - drinking water.
The American political landscape has changed dramatically following the midterm elections. The Democrats have won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, giving them control of Congress for the first time during Donald Trump's second presidency.
The American midterm elections have produced an uncomfortable question for the Republican Party and, indeed, for American democracy more widely. Can wealthy individuals effectively buy political influence by pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into election campaigns, or can ordinary voters still have the final say?.
Donald Trump’s Republican Party has received a stunning rebuke in the US midterm elections. Republicans went into the evening hoping that the polls might be wrong and that they could at least cling on to control of the Senate.
Donald Trump's trade policy was built around a simple promise: make foreign countries pay more to sell goods in America, encourage companies to manufacture at home and protect American jobs. But more than a year into the trade dispute, the economic consequences are becoming increasingly complicated.
Britain faces a growing problem in recruiting enough people to look after its elderly, disabled and vulnerable citizens. Care homes, home-care providers and local authorities all need a reliable workforce, yet recruitment and staff retention have become persistent difficulties.
Settlement will be earned through contribution and good character. The right to live in the UK forever will no longer be granted to migrants almost automatically after 5 years.
British supermarkets are increasingly replacing traditional paper price labels with electronic displays. The technology promises greater efficiency, fewer pricing mistakes and the ability to change thousands of prices within minutes.
The prospect of another difficult year for British businesses is beginning to influence decisions about wages, recruitment and employment. Ryanair is reportedly considering a pay freeze as it faces increasing operating costs, but it may not be alone.
Elections in USA take place on Tuesday and out of general interest we look he systems in USA and UK. Democracy is supposed to give every citizen an equal voice.
Sutherland faces some difficult questions about its future. The latest developments include a substantial financial challenge for Highland Council, proposals for a new Highland Growth Deal and the continuing debate over how to attract investment and employment to rural communities.
This beautiful five-bedroom, stone-built, large family home is C-Listed and situated in the sought-after Sinclair Terrace. The accommodation comprises a hallway, kitchen/diner, lounge, dining room, utility room and shower room on the ground floor.
This beautiful four-bedroom, mid-terraced home sits in walk-in condition having been finished to a high standard. There is Upvc double glazing throughout and the heating system is oil-fired.
Set in the countryside and facing directly onto the open sea, a lovely detached two-bedroom bungalow with two garages and a stone-built store, sitting on a large plot of garden grounds and surrounded by 3.5 acres of croft land which is available separately. A driveway leads up to the home which consists of vestibule, conservatory, hallway, kitchen/diner, utility room, lounge, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Artificial intelligence may transform customer service, reducing the need for large teams of telephone operators. For communities that once attracted call centres to replace lost industries, the consequences could be particularly significant.
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.
Private Client Paralegal – BBM Solicitors, Wick BBM Solicitors is recruiting a Private Client Paralegal for our Wick office. The role involves supporting our solicitors with executry administration, wills, powers of attorney, guardianship and trust matters.
We have a rare opportunity become available of a confectioner within the heart of our bustling bakehouse. This role entails all of the daily finishing details of our freshly baked pastries, doughnuts, scones etc.
UK retail sales fall 0.4% as cautious consumers rein in spending ahead of the crucial Christmas shopping period. Brent crude surges to $114 a barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions and mounting fears over energy supplies.
With Christmas approaching, households across Britain face an important question: should they be more cautious about borrowing, credit card spending and taking on new financial commitments? There are good reasons to think carefully before spending money that has not yet been earned. Inflation has risen again, energy prices are volatile and the Bank of England has warned that interest rates may need to rise if inflationary pressures persist.
International tensions are rising, oil prices are volatile and governments are increasingly concerned about security. Against this background, should British holidaymakers be thinking more carefully before booking a trip abroad? The answer is yes, but that does not mean cancelling every holiday or treating the world as too dangerous to visit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Early morning Cleaner required. Good attention to detail Driving licence Essential Contact Elizabeth 07999225288.
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.
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