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The latest housing figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in October 2026 reveal an interesting contrast between Scotland's housing market and the experience of people living in the Highlands. Across Scotland, house prices are continuing to rise, although the rate of increase remains relatively modest.

A reported $50 million employment arrangement involving Alina Habba, a former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, has attracted attention following the presidential pardon of Venezuelan banker Julio Herrera Velutini. The timing of the contract and the pardon has prompted questions about political influence and access to the White House.

The Chancellor's announcement that Britain intends to increase defence spending to 3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030 sounds like a substantial commitment. It is also intended to demonstrate Britain's determination to strengthen its armed forces and meet its obligations to NATO.

Local communities across the UK are benefiting from Civil Service jobs coming closer to home, with four in five civil servants based outside London. Over two thirds (c 67%) of all new full-time Civil Service positions in key regional locations.

There was a time when governments, councils and public bodies made decisions, explained their reasoning and got on with the job. Today, it can sometimes seem that hardly anything happens without first launching a public consultation.

For decades, the United States has enjoyed an enormous financial advantage over the rest of the world. Governments, central banks, pension funds and international investors have been willing to lend America money by purchasing US government bonds, commonly known as Treasury securities.

Young people are increasingly finding themselves caught in a financial trap before they have had a proper opportunity to establish themselves in adult life. New research from debt charity StepChange suggests that borrowing is becoming an increasingly familiar part of growing up, with potentially serious consequences for financial habits, independence and future security.

Plans to make public procurement for lower-value contracts quicker, simpler and more proportionate have been announced. Subject to Parliament’s approval, the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 threshold for goods and services will be increased from £50,000 to £100,000 and the works threshold will increase from £2 million to £4 million.

The future of the North Sea energy industry is once again attracting considerable attention. With the UK Government facing difficult decisions about oil and gas production, energy security, investment and the transition towards renewable energy.

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances. The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.

The Budget Is Over, But Are Britain's Financial Problems Really Solved? The Big Decisions Still Awaiting the Government The Chancellor has delivered the Budget, set out his tax and spending plans and attempted to reassure financial markets that Britain is getting its public finances under control. But the Budget has not settled some of the most difficult questions facing the Government.

Households are already struggling with high energy costs, but the next three months could bring another substantial increase. European gas prices have climbed to levels not seen since the 2022 energy crisis, and the consequences are likely to appear in household bills just as winter reaches its coldest period.

The Chancellor has announced help with immediate pressures, but important decisions on welfare, public spending, housing support and the future tax burden remain unresolved. Is the government buying time to develop a long-term plan, or postponing choices that will become harder to make? The Chancellor's Budget on 28 October contained a long list of measures intended to help households and businesses cope with rising costs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.