Oil prices do not always move in the same direction. Recent figures published by OilPrice.com illustrate why looking at Brent crude alone can sometimes give an incomplete picture of what is happening in the international oil market.
Unfortunately, rising energy bills may not be the only financial headache facing households as winter approaches. The Bank of England is widely expected to raise interest rates in November, potentially increasing its base rate from 3.75% to 4%.
Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC is about more than an edited television programme. It raises important questions about journalistic responsibility, the cost of defending news organisations against powerful individuals and the meaning of press freedom in an age when accusations of “fake news” have become a regular feature of political debate.
Households are being warned to prepare for another substantial rise in energy bills in January, just as many families are facing the expense of Christmas. Forecasts suggest that the next increase in the energy price cap could add hundreds of pounds to annual bills, although the final figure will not be confirmed until November.
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.
The Government is asking households across the UK to prepare for at least three days of disruption by keeping essential supplies at home. It is a simple message, but one that has particular relevance in Scotland, where severe weather, long travel distances and the vulnerability of rural transport links can make an emergency more difficult to manage.
The Government's advice to keep at least three days of essential supplies at home has prompted a useful discussion about how well households are prepared for emergencies. But perhaps there is a bigger question to consider.
Scotland's public finances are under pressure, and the Scottish Government is looking for ways to reduce spending. Against that background, reports that around 800 public-sector employees are costing taxpayers £27.6 million a year while waiting for new jobs have raised questions about how efficiently public money is being used.
The approval of the Jackdaw gas field has brought Britain's North Sea resources back into the headlines. But it raises a wider question: are there other discoveries that could help supply the country with gas, support jobs and reduce dependence on imports? The answer is yes.
Millions of people could find it easier to keep track of their retirement savings when the Government's new Pensions Dashboard becomes available to the public. The service is designed to bring information about State Pensions, workplace pensions and private pension pots together in one place, potentially making it easier to understand what income people can expect in retirement.
The Scottish Government has announced more than £1.34 million in funding for nature restoration projects across Scotland, including work to repair damage caused by this summer’s wildfires in the Cairngorms. The funding package, announced on 24 October by Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin, will support wildlife recovery, river restoration, deer management and efforts to control invasive non-native species.
For many young people, buying a first home is a long-held ambition. Years of saving, help from family and careful budgeting may finally make it possible to get onto the property ladder.
When we discuss rising oil prices, we tend to concentrate on Brent crude because it is the familiar international benchmark. But Brent is only one part of a much larger market.
UK deepens nuclear defence ties with France in historic first joint air exercise as RAF Typhoon fighters join French Rafale jets in a French nuclear exercise. For the first time, RAF Typhoon fighters have taken part in a French nuclear air exercise, flying alongside French Rafale in a show of allied strength.
Backed by up to £300mn of government funding and company commitments, the AI Biosecurity Lab will use AI to strengthen UK resilience to biological threats. Advances in AI are creating unprecedented opportunities for scientific discovery, but they are also changing the biological risk landscape.
With Christmas still two months away, shoppers might be wise to start looking at phones, tablets and laptops sooner rather than later. The cost of memory chips is rising sharply, and there are growing concerns that higher manufacturing costs could feed through to the prices consumers pay for electronic goods.
Companies House will pause the introduction of small companies and micro-entities filing profit and loss accounts while the government considers alternative options to simplify filing processes. The government reconfirms its commitment to mandatory software filing of accounts and other planned reforms for April 2028.
Major package to unlock the opportunities of AI in every postcode, scale up home grown AI firms, and keep UK safe from threats announced by the Chancellor. A major package of investment to unlock the opportunities of AI in every postcode, scale up home grown AI firms, and keep the country safe from hostile threats will be announced by the Chancellor next week.
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.
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.
Self Assessment customers have just 100 days to file their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year and pay any tax owed. The Self Assessment tax return deadline for 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027.
Oil prices climbing above $116 a barrel are a warning that markets remain deeply nervous about the outlook. The question is whether investors are simply pricing in the risk of renewed conflict, or whether several international pressures are combining to push prices higher.
Audit Scotland warns that cuts to community services could deepen inequalities, while councils lack the evidence to measure the full consequences. Scotland’s councils are spending less on culture and leisure services while asking the public to pay more to use them, raising questions about the future of libraries, swimming pools, sports facilities, museums and other important parts of community life.
National Audit Office warns that older debts are becoming harder to collect, despite improvements in HMRC’s performance HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reduced tax debt as a proportion of tax receipts for three consecutive years, despite dealing with significantly more new debt than before the pandemic. However, around half of the outstanding balance is now more than a year old, making it harder and less likely to be recovered.
The headline of April 2026 promised an end to a terrifying chapter in modern history. Following a high-intensity, devastating military campaign in February that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and obliterated key segments of the country’s defense infrastructure, US President Donald Trump announced a formal ceasefire.
The Government is telling households to prepare for three days of disruption, while military chiefs warn that the public must face up to the possibility of war. Is Britain being given the full picture?.
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.
Hurry! Only two left! Fourteen people bought this in the last hour! Fifty people are looking at this item!. Anyone who shops online will be familiar with these kinds of messages popping up on their screen.
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.
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.
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.
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?.
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.
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