In the five years since 2019, the period in which Britain formally left the EU, UK exports have tilted from goods towards services about three times faster than before. Worryingly, this reflects weakness in goods – with the UK experiencing the largest fall in goods exports in the G7 – rather than strength in services.
A series of recommendations aimed at reducing poverty and inequality across the Highlands by 2030 will come before Highland Council this week. The independent Highland Poverty and Equality Commission’s final report, Essential Elements, draws on nine months of extensive engagement across the region - including 26 outreach visits across 14 communities, stakeholder sessions and evidence gathering from people with direct experience of financial hardship.
HMRC publishes the estimated tax gap for the 2024 to 2025 tax year. The estimated provisional UK tax gap for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 6.4% or £59.2 billion.
Scotland has three things that are becoming increasingly valuable in the AI era. Large renewable energy resources.
Moneyfacts UK Unsecured Lending Trends Treasury Report data reveals 0% introductory purchase and balance transfer terms are at a four-year high, yet credit card interest stands at a 20-year high. Loan pricing is stable, rates lower year-on-year.
This is becoming one of the most important economic questions of the next decade. A few years ago, people worried that Bitcoin would consume huge amounts of electricity.
The UK’s global share of goods exports has fallen by around £74 billion in the five years since 2019, with around half of that loss taking place in key sectors identified in the Government’s industrial strategy like cars and pharmaceuticals, according to major new Resolution Foundation research published (Monday22 June 2026). Ten years on from the EU referendum, the report Leaving EU behind? examines what lies behind the UK’s poor recent record on trade, and how it can avoid a similarly bad performance over the next decade.
On the gloriously sunny morning of July 5 2024, Keir Starmer walked into Downing Steet as prime minister for the first time, having won a stonking 174-strong majority in the general election the day before. On a similarly warm morning a little less than two years later, he has been forced to stand outside Number 10 and announce his resignation.
With the 10 years anniversary of BREXIT the Scottish Government is once again promoting the idea that an independent Scotland could rejoin the EU. How realistic is that with some major problems to be overcome not least the currency and border issues.
Why is oil falling despite Hormuz problems? Several things are happening at once. Traders increasingly believe the worst-case scenario of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz is becoming less likely.
“Santander has shot to the top of the market with its new Regular Saver paying 8% AER, incredibly eye-catching for those looking to gradually build their savings pot. The 8% AER does include a 5% bonus for 12 months.
Retail had a strong May with e-commerce leading the way, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero. New ONS figures reveal e-commerce sales values soared 12.2% YOY and by 9.8% YOY for the three months to May.
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.
The Highland Council has today (Monday 22 June) launched a new online engagement platform which will transform how residents, communities and visitors engage with consultations. The easy-to-use platform allows anyone to quickly see what projects and proposals are open for consultation and engagement.
A letter of support from Wes Streeting is politically significant because Streeting had been viewed as a potential rival. Reports today suggest he is backing Andy Burnham rather than mounting his own challenge, which strengthens Burnham's position considerably.
The financial markets are displaying classic symptoms of political whiplash as the news of Starmer’s exit hits the trading floors. While London's equity markets have largely remained in a cautious "wait-and-see" pattern, the currency markets have taken an immediate hit.
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.
UK industry is no longer waiting for energy prices to fall. Instead, businesses are adapting by using less energy, generating their own power, relocating investment, or in some cases closing altogether.
Households and businesses are set to benefit from stronger, more secure supply chains as the UK invests £50 million in critical minerals projects. Government backs critical minerals projects across the UK, strengthening Britain’s economic security by diversifying supply.
Sir Keir Starmer has officially resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, standing outside 10 Downing Street to announce an orderly exit timetable. Following a bruising weekend of reflection at Chequers and a massive cabinet mutiny, Starmer choked back tears as he confirmed he will step down as Labour leader, with a successor expected to be in place by September 2026.
The short answer is that oil traders are looking beyond today's headlines and trying to price what happens next. At first glance it seems illogical.
When Moray Council officially shelved plans for a new Buckie High School, it sent a shockwave through communities across the north of Scotland. The message was clear: in the current economic climate, even the most desperate promises of new school builds can vanish overnight when balanced against a massive budget deficit.
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.
At the moment, both sides are technically telling part of the story. Iran has announced that it considers the Strait of Hormuz "closed" and has warned shipping against using it.
To save or not to save oto spend or not to spend. There is a balance, and this is one of the central dilemmas in economics.
governments still have some levers, but they are much weaker than many people imagine. Oil and gas are traded in global markets, so no single government—especially one the size of the UK—can simply order prices lower.
There is a growing debate across both the UK and the EU about whether more protection is needed for domestic industries as Chinese exports increase. The issue is not simply that China exports a lot.
Third sector organisations across Scotland are being invited to apply for a grant as part of a new £15 million Childcare Support Fund to help low-income families manage the cost of childcare. The fund will provide short-term, flexible childcare through registered childcare providers, supporting families living in, or at risk of, poverty.
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.
Kirsty MacPherson will join from East Renfrewshire Council. Former head teacher previously worked in Dumfries and Galloway and Shetland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We are currently looking for bar staff. This is a part time position which will be permanent.
(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!”.
In rural Scotland, distance is not an abstract concept. It is the price of participation in modern life.
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.
Position: We are seeking a Lecturer – Pathways (Maternity Cover) to be based at our Thurso campus. This role spans further and higher education provision and is currently structured across the following areas, therefore there is an opportunity for candidates to job share: Pathways to College and Employment and Pathways to Health, Education and Social Care These access-level programmes are designed for learners who have experienced barriers to engagement in mainstream education.
At The Highland Council’s Economy & Infrastructure committee held on 28 May 2026, members agreed the distribution of Highland Coastal Communities Funding (HCCF) allocation across the local area committees. HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government.
A number of projects have been supported by funding allocations agreed at today’s Sutherland County Committee. Community regeneration projects Members approved £95,000 of Community Regeneration Funding in support of two community projects in Sutherland.
This beautiful four-bedroom, terraced home, has a garage and a mature garden to the rear. Many of the original features have been retained including original doors, cornicing, dado rails and the staircase.
Polling will take place on Thursday 25 June 2026 to elect one candidate standing in the Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton by-election. Voters in this Ward are being reminded to make sure they are ready to cast their vote.
The Open Fund for Individuals supports the wide range of activity initiated by artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland. This fund is designed to support a range of creative activity, such as a specific project, production or a period of research and development.
The Richmond Project’s Spotlight on Financial Literacy 2026 lands differently when read from Caithness, Sutherland, or the wider Highlands. The UK‑wide findings are stark enough with low financial literacy, deep numeracy problems, and widening inequality but in the Highlands the implications are sharper, more structural, and more personal.
Caithness and Sutherland have always been counties where people make the most of what they have. Long distances to shops, higher food prices, and a climate that rewards resilience mean that regrowing vegetables from scraps isn’t just thrifty it’s tradition.
Sutherland is a place of extraordinary beauty and extraordinary resilience. But when the Richmond Project’s Spotlight on Financial Literacy 2026 is read through a Sutherland lens, the findings take on a sharper edge.
REDUCED £15,000 below Valuation. This beautiful large end-terraced five-bedroom family home is laid across four floors.
This beautiful three-bedroom, semi-detached bungalow, was built only ten years ago and is located in a sought-after residential area of the town. It benefits from having solar panels to the roof and has an oil-fired central heating system, the oil tank has just been filled.
This latest development will offer flexible and affordable business premises that lend themselves to different commercial requirements. Businesses in Sutherland are being invited to register their interest in new flexible units currently being developed at Golspie Business Park.
A £20 million Scottish Government investment will give young people the chance to get involved in different sporting activities on their doorstep. Highland Council, working in partnership with sportscotland, has secured funding to provide free and low-cost opportunities for young people as part of the national agency’s 2026 Summer of Sport.
Encouraging children and young people to get active. A nationwide summer programme of free and low-cost sporting activities - including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics - has been launched by Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth.
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