Andy Burnham needs to remember - “If rebalancing doesn’t reach Caithness, it isn’t rebalancing — it’s just regional branding.” Where the UK’s Economic Debate Feels Most Real In Caithness, the idea of “economic rebalancing” isn’t an abstract policy discussion — it’s a lived reality. Here, at the northern edge of mainland Britain, the distance from London isn’t just geographical.
Scotland enters any conversation about economic rebalancing Burnham push or otherwise from a different starting point than England. It already has a devolved parliament, its own economic development agencies, and a long tradition of regional identity.
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.
n additional £2.5 million is being invested to expand free after school activity clubs for primary school children from low-income families, starting this August. The investment builds on the success of the Extra Time programme – delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) – which currently supports around 5,000 children every week across 50 clubs in 27 local authority areas.
Apparently None — But We’re All Experts Now. Before the Strait of Hormuz started making headlines, most of us thought potash was something you sprinkled on the garden once a year, and phosphates were either in dishwasher tablets or something your chemistry teacher mentioned right before you fell asleep.
For half a century, Britain’s economy has revolved around a single axis of London and the South East. From finance to media, from tech startups to infrastructure investment, the gravitational pull of the capital has shaped everything from wages to housing costs.
From Caithness to Nottingham, the Same Warning Signs Keep Appearing. Across Britain, maternity stories keep surfacing — and they share a troubling pattern.
New funding has been made available to support people impacted by gambling-related mental health problems in Scotland. From today, organisations will be able to bid for a share of £375,000 to support projects and research linked to gambling harms and mental health, including suicide prevention.
Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over fertilizer supplies in the United States and temporarily suspended import duties on phosphate fertilizer from Morocco to prevent a domestic food‑production crisis. This move is meant to stabilise U.S.
Imagine you've booked a café for lunch in Wick. Google says it's "in Wick", so you allow half an hour before your next destination.
Every summer, thousands of visitors arrive in Caithness to explore dramatic coastlines, ancient castles, beautiful harbours and some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. For most, Google Maps is an invaluable travelling companion.
Every year, millions of people dream of visiting the Scottish Highlands. They picture empty roads winding through spectacular mountains, pristine beaches, dramatic castles and unforgettable sunsets.
A major new report from the international delivery expert Parcelhero finds AI has moved from boardroom experiment to operational backbone across global supply chains – and the transformation is accelerating faster than anyone predicted. A new industry report, Putting the AI into Supply ChAIns, reveals there is a seismic shift under way in UK logistics.
A recent survey by Opinium has found that 34% of holidaymakers have noticed an increase in potential scams on social media platforms over the past year. Over 50% of holiday scams reported last year originated on social media, with many adverts fraudulently using logos from travel protection agencies such as ATOL, ABTA, or ABTOT to appear legitimate.
Young people born from the mid-1990s onwards are enjoying higher living standards than their millennial predecessors so far in their careers, in part by becoming the stay-at-home generation, according to new Resolution Foundation research published (26 June 2926). They’re coming home – supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded Centre for Population Change, as part of the Connecting Generations research programme – uncovers a mixed picture of the living standards of today’s under-30s, all in the context of the huge social change that is the shift to living with parents deep into adulthood.
Firms have a critical role to play in hiring Britain out of its NEETs crisis – but targeted subsidies, rather than expensive tax breaks, are the most cost-effective way of supporting employers to get young people into work, according to new Resolution Foundation analysis, published on Monday. Take a chance on me warns that Britain’s NEETs crisis – the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) passed one million earlier this year – risks scarring the living standards of a generation.
teachers in Scotland are generally still paid more than teachers in England, although the gap varies depending on experience and location. The UK Government has announced a two-year pay deal for teachers in England: 3.5% from September 2026 3.0% from September 2027 This is a cumulative increase of around 6.6% over two years.
The government is launching a 12-week call for evidence asking the public to help shape the future of National Lottery Good Cause funding. The government is launching a 12-week call for evidence asking the public to help shape the future of National Lottery Good Cause funding Since 1994, players of the National Lottery have generated over £53 billion for good causes across the UK, funding everything from Olympic and Paralympic champions and iconic institutions to local youth clubs and community halls For 12 weeks, anyone can take part in the ‘National Lottery Good Causes: Fund What Matters to You’ call for evidence.
Technical study on suitable areas in Scotland for new nuclear published. Scotland has areas with “high potential” for new nuclear development from a technical perspective, according to a new siting study by the government’s nuclear delivery body.
The media thinks government debt will cause the next financial crash. I think they’re looking in entirely the wrong place.
The Scottish Government’s intentions to reform post-school education and skills lack a clear delivery plan. Progress is slow.
In 2026, Kevin Warsh steps into the most powerful economic role on earth Federal Reserve Chairman inheriting America's staggering $39 trillion debt. World-renowned economist Steve Keen, who famously predicted the 2008 global financial crisis, delivers a sobering warning: Warsh is "cut from the same cloth" as every Fed chair before him.
If everything seems to be made in China these days, it’s probably because it is. China manufacturers roughly the same amount of goods as the US, Japan, and Germany combined.
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.
Britain has spent decades worrying about inflation, interest rates and economic growth. Yet the next great economic challenge may not be financial at all.
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.
For years, we assumed that most goods would become cheaper, deliveries would arrive on time and borrowing would remain relatively affordable. That world may be changing.
For much of the twentieth century, the world's great economic battles centred on one commodity—oil. Nations went to extraordinary lengths to secure it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thought last years show was amazing.... the wait is over and we are delighted to finally reveal that.....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Barnardo's Highland Services is looking for a dedicated and compassionate support worker to join our Springboard Outreach Service, supporting care leavers across the Highland Area. This role is predominately based in Caithness and Sutherland however you may need to travel to Inverness at times.
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.
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.
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.
Kirsty MacPherson will join from East Renfrewshire Council. Former head teacher previously worked in Dumfries and Galloway and Shetland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
See poster..
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.
About Us Norscot is a leading manufacturer of high-quality windows, doors, and timber frame kits, operating from our hi-tech facility in Bower, Caithness. With a strong reputation for quality workmanship and customer service, we are committed to continuous improvement across all areas of the business, including Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) standards.
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.
Serving customers for dinner and breakfast on our campsite with adjoining cafe and restaurant. Over 18 please as we are a licensed premises.
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso, is one of three hotels in The Caithness Collection, an established family hotel business, with over 35 years of hospitality experience. The hotel has 42 rooms, which caters for tour buses from April to October, we have a strong local client following allowing us to stay open all year round.
In rural Scotland, distance is not an abstract concept. It is the price of participation in modern life.
(As spoken by the Seer of Dunnet Head, on a windy day like any other). Hear now, O folk of the far north, And gather close against the breeze, For I shall speak the ancient words Passed down through budgets, cuts, and pleas.
(As sung by the Bards of Berriedale, whose patience is older than the rocks themselves). In the age before spreadsheets, when ministers still believed in timetables and the word “2025” sounded achievable, there came a mighty proclamation from the south: “We shall dual the A9,” they cried, “from Perth to Inverness — a road fit for heroes, tourists, and lorries alike!”.
The collapse of Orbex in February 2026 and the fate of its subsidiary Sutherland Spaceport Ltd (SSL) was not caused by a single event. It was a combination of funding failure, rising costs, and strategic setbacks that slowly removed its ability to continue operating.
Our School’s Out summer activity programme is now available to preview. You can save chosen activities ahead of the bookings going live for a faster checkout.
Caithness Forums
What's On in Caithness
Property For Sale
Property For Rent
Sutherland Property
Planning Notices
Who Is Building?
Submit Your Details
Other Enquiries
