The UK is entering a new phase in its energy story—one defined not by choice, but by necessity. Across the country, more wind farms, battery storage sites, substations and power lines are being proposed, approved and built.
As the energy crisis continues to reshape policy across the UK, a key question keeps coming up. Will national governments override local councils that refuse planning permission for renewable energy projects like wind farms and battery storage sites? The short answer is this is already happening and it’s likely to increase.
When global headlines focus on oil trading around $114 per barrel, it is easy to assume that oil is the main driver of household energy costs. In reality, that is only part of the picture and for UK consumers, gas prices are just as important—if not more important than oil when it comes to determining electricity bills, heating costs, and the overall direction of inflation.
As oil prices sit around elevated levels and global energy markets remain volatile, one of the less visible but highly significant impacts is playing out across Scotland’s public sector. Local councils, health boards, police forces, schools, and other public bodies collectively manage thousands of buildings and large vehicle fleets, all of which depend heavily on electricity, gas, and fuel.
As people living in Highland prepare to go to the poll for the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday 7 May, voters are being reminded to be ready to make sure their vote count. All polling stations will open at 7am on Thursday 7 May and will remain open until 10pm.
Something very strange is happening in global markets right now. Every week brings another headline involving billions or tens of billions being thrown at companies, funds, and infrastructure bets tied to AI, energy, or automation.
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Job Description As a Catering Assistant, you'll be part of a dynamic, fast-paced team, contributing to a positive and friendly work environment. The role offers numerous opportunities for growth within a company that values individuality and invests in its employees.
For months there have been many stories about what happens if oil prices go even higher but many analyst are now saying the end of May is crunch time. For decades, $200 oil was the stuff of doomsday forecasts just a theoretical ceiling invoked by analysts to illustrate the fragility of global energy markets.
When Donald Trump announced that the United States would begin escorting stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, he framed it as a humanitarian mission to “free up” vessels trapped for weeks. But behind the rhetoric lies a hard economic truth.
When Britain launched the “Dig for Victory” campaign in 1939, it wasn’t nostalgia or whimsy it was survival. The country imported 70% of its food, U‑boats were sinking merchant ships, and the government needed every garden, verge, and allotment to produce calories.
By late 2026, UK households are expected to face food prices that are dramatically higher than just a few years ago. Research from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) suggests that by November, grocery costs could be around 50% higher than they were at the start of the cost-of-living crisis in 2021.
As the cost of living continues to rise, a common assumption emerges. If prices go up enough, people will simply cut back on food, cigarettes, alcohol, and especially unhealthy treats.
The ECIU analysis argues that the UK’s electricity system is becoming increasingly self-reliant, even as North Sea oil and gas production continues its long-term decline. The key shift is the rapid growth of domestic renewable energy—especially wind and solar—which is reducing dependence on imported fuels.
Global oil markets have been thrown into renewed uncertainty following a fresh escalation around the Strait of Hormuz one of the most strategically vital chokepoints in the world. Recent comments from Donald Trump, outlining a potential US role in guiding ships through the strait, have added a new layer of complexity to an already tense situation.
This beautiful bright and modern two-bedroom property is an ideal purchase for a first-time-buyer. Sitting in a really quiet area of the town and somewhat hidden, with being set back from the street, with a view onto the beautiful Central Church building.
Four crises are converging on the world's food supply. War has closed the Strait of Hormuz.
There are no immediate supply issues, but government is preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption. summer holidays to be better protected as government consults on relaxing flight take-off/landing rules, providing certainty for passengers and businesses.
The aviation industry is entering a period of renewed uncertainty. The collapse of Spirit Airlines has raised serious questions about the stability of low-cost air travel, especially as fuel prices and operating costs continue to rise globally.
The question of whether the world’s food supply is under serious threat has become increasingly urgent. With war in key agricultural regions, rising geopolitical tensions, climate volatility, and shifting trade policies, it’s easy to assume that a global food crisis is imminent.
In recent months, the Bank of Japan has spent tens of billions of dollars intervening in currency markets to support the Japanese yen. At first glance, this may look like a technical financial issue.
In an era defined by climate volatility, geopolitical tension, and economic uncertainty, the resilience of the global food system has become a central concern. A new report, the Resilient Food Systems Index: Global Report, published by Economist Impact in March 2026, offers one of the most comprehensive attempts yet to measure how well countries can withstand and adapt to these pressures.
Oil prices have surged—but the real crisis isn’t what you see on the surface. In this video, we break down why global oil markets still appear calm despite a major supply shock, and how hidden factors like falling inventories, limited spare capacity, and disrupted supply routes are masking a much deeper problem.
The Bank of England has held interest rates, but the real story is what happens next. Beneath its decision, pressure is building to raise rates again, and that could prove disastrous.
The recent collapse of Spirit Airlines in USA has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, raising an urgent question. Could other low-cost airlines face the same fate? Spirit was long known as a pioneer of the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model offering extremely cheap base fares while charging extra for almost everything else.
When discussing global oil prices, it’s easy to assume that all regions are affected equally. After all, crude oil is traded on global markets with widely referenced benchmarks such as Brent.
ECMWF and WMO report highlights impacts of climate change on people and biodiversity across the fastest-warming continent. Rapid warming in Europe is reducing snow and ice cover, while dangerously high air temperatures, drought, heatwaves and record ocean temperatures are affecting regions from the Arctic to the Mediterranean.
Why write 25,000 blog posts? Why make a video every single day? In this video, I explain what drives my work, why I have spent decades challenging mainstream economics, and why I believe much of what we are told about the economy is simply wrong. This is not about academic debate for its own sake.
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For the first time in modern history, Britain’s life expectancy curve has flattened. The Office for National Statistics confirms that the average Briton is living longer in years but shorter in health.
The recent wave of headlines about fuel shortages, grounded fishing fleets, and rising costs can feel like disconnected problems. In reality, they are all symptoms of the same underlying issue: a fragile and tightly interconnected energy system under strain.
Police Scotland continue to see a rise in fuel thefts across all areas of the country. This can largely be attributed to recent fuel prices and speculation about fuel shortages. All types of fuel are being targeted from domestic heating oil to commercial fuels stored on farms and construction sites.
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 Lecturer – Higher Physics SCQF 6 , to be based at any of our NWH college campuses.
Senior Support Worker 16 hrs per week £15:50 ph. Key Responsibilities * Work Closely With Management team to ensure smooth running of service.
A Highland Council by-election is being held for Ward 4 – East Sutherland and Edderton following the resignation of Councillor Jim McGillivray. The Notice of Election and timetable for this election will be published on the Council’s website on Thursday 14 May 2026.
An excellent opportunity to acquire this two-bedroom end-terraced home, offering generous living space and outstanding potential in a convenient and well-connected location. Requiring full renovation throughout, the property presents a blank canvas for buyers looking to create a bespoke home tailored to their own style and needs.
About Us BBM Solicitors Ltd is a boutique Scottish law firm committed to delivering exceptional legal services, guided by our core values of Quality, Service, and Trust. The Role We are seeking a confident, organised, and proactive Administration Assistant to join our team in Wick.
We are looking for a cook for our busy bakery café. Executing our light menu that showcases all of our homemade traditionally baked goods with fresh products.
RDI Renewables Ltd is looking for an organised, proactive Administrator to join our friendly team in Thurso. We’re a dynamic, forward-thinking company specialising in renewable energy solutions across Caithness and Sutherland – and we’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to quality work and excellent customer service.
Two bedrooms Kitchen/Dining Utility Living room Bathroom and downstairs WC Front garden laid to lawn with established borders Enclosed rear garden laid to patio with raised beds and shed Gas central heating, hive controlled with TRV Energy efficiency rating band C Council tax band A Off street location with off set parking No chain. Home report available.
An opportunity for rural communities to apply for funding to support their projects is now open. The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for grants up to £10,000.
Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd. is the largest crane hire and heavy lifting services company based in Caithness.
Specsavers in Wick are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our store due to continued growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, hard-working team.
New closing date: Tuesday 19th May 2026 | Vacancy: | Graduate Electronics Engineer | Duration: | Permanent | Location: | Thurso Salary: TBA Candidate dependant At Denchi, we offer an environment where your talents will be nurtured, and your ideas will have a real impact. Denchi has 20 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing batteries from our base in Thurso, Scotland, we proudly serve blue chip customers in defence, security, aerospace, oil and gas, and renewables markets.
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: Are you passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment? We’re looking fora compassionate and proactive Learning Support Worker to be based at our Thurso campus to play a key role in empowering students to thrive—academically, personally, and emotionally.
| Vacancy: | Production Operative | Duration: | Permanent | Location: | Thurso Salary: £26,227.50 per annum At Denchi, we offer an environment where your talents will be nurtured, and your ideas will have a real impact. We are seeking Production Operatives to join our dynamic team.
This two-bedroom semi-detached home is located within a quiet cul-de-sac and enjoys an elevated position with front and rear garden. Offered with no onward chain, the property is conveniently located just a short walk from the town centre, local school, and convenience store.
Charity & Business Administrator role (Part-time) The role North Highland Initiative is seeking to appoint a Charity and Business Administrator to support the effective delivery of NHI’s programmes and governance activities. This is a part time position (16-20 hours per week) on an 18-month fixed term contract, mostly based in our Wick office, with flexible working arrangements available.
Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking a compassionate and dedicated full time nightshift care assistant working a rolling rota of four nights on and four nights off to join our team. Rate of pay paid weekly is £13.45 per hour plus £1.00 (£14.45) in addition to your normal rate of pay.
The BBC has announced Sutherland, an original new sci-fi thriller set in Scotland and Space, made by World Productions Scotland (Vigil), part of ITV Studios, and written and created by James Smythe (All Her Fault) for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland. The six-part drama will star Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Fuze, Loki), Stuart Martin (Army of Thieves, In Flight) and Iain De Caestecker (Roadkill, The Winter King).
Pet ownership costs in the UK are rising sharply—especially for vet bills and food, while insurance is becoming more competitive but still shaped by rising claims costs. Prospective owners should budget carefully and expect higher, less predictable expenses.
This beautiful large end-terraced five-bedroom family home is laid across four floors and is currently run as a four-bedroom Airbnb with a self-contained flat on the basement floor. The property has the potential for a family to keep renting out the self-contained flat to generate an income or, alternatively, a couple could live in the basement and continue running the four-bedroom Airbnb above.
Recruitment is now underway for a Neighbourhood Board Chair in Sutherland to support almost £20 million of funding awarded by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme. The Pride in Place Programme aims to build stronger communities and put power into the hands of local people, supporting them to decide how to regenerate their local area.
Here at Riverside house care home in Wick we are seeking to employ full or part time kitchen assistants to join our team. Duties include washing of dishes, setting up trolleys and keeping the kitchen clean and tidy, this position will be a mix of shifts 9am-3pm or 3.30pm-7pm, hours can be discussed.
Imenco Future Technologies is an innovation-driven company specialising in high-quality vision systems, subsea sensors and acoustic solutions. We collaborate closely with our customer partners in the offshore energy, defence, and maritime sectors to solve their unique operational challenges by applying core technical knowledge in optics, sound propagation and AI enabled electronic systems.
There once was a voter in Kent, Whose wages were already spent, With eggs and with oil. And Mandelson’s toil, And wars that came highly event.
Johnstons of Thurso is hiring Shop assistant & kitchen support Job requirements -Early mornings -Friendly manner -Excellent customer service skills Experience is preferred but not essential as training will be provided. Please send your CV to johnstonsbakery@gmail.com.
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As a researcher investigating how electric brain stimulation can improve people’s powers of recollection, I’m often asked how memory works – and what we can do to use it more effectively. Happily, decades of research have given us some clear answers to both questions.
Community groups and organisations across rural Highland are invited to apply to the fund, which is now open for Expressions of Interest for grants of up to £25,000 until 24 April. Following this deadline, a small grants pot will open on 28 April, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Next Session - Special Reminiscence and Collection Afternoon The next session of the Dounreay Reminiscence Group will take place at Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives, Wick on Thursday 7th May 2026 from 1300-1500. For this session we would like to invite you to bring along your own archives to share with the group and get conversation flowing.
Scaffolders/helpers required, please contact Caithness scaffolding at caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk for more information..
| Vacancy: | Electronics Engineer | Duration: | Permanent | Location: | Thurso Salary: TBA Candidate dependant At Denchi, we offer an environment where your talents will be nurtured, and your ideas will have a real impact. Denchi has 20 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing batteries from our base in Thurso, Scotland, we proudly serve blue chip customers in defence, security, aerospace, oil and gas, and renewables markets.
App scaffolders required for long term contracts, please send CVs to caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk.
New research published by Ofcom reveals how people in the UK use, understand and feel about the media and online services they interact with in their daily lives. In line with our duty to promote and research media literacy, Ofcom’s annual Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes and Adults’ Media Lives research reports tracked trends in the nation’s media habits and online behaviours over the last year.[1] The research reveals, among other things, more circumspect relationships with social media; rapid adoption of AI tools; a continuation of online enterprising; and mixed views when it comes to trust in news sources.
For decades, nightlife has been defined by darkness, alcohol, and the slow drift toward closing time. But a new cultural experiment is emerging in cities from London to New York: the early‑morning “coffee rave.” These events are part fitness class, part club night, part wellness ritual and start at 6am, run on caffeine rather than alcohol, and send people into their working day energised rather than hungover.
Rural communities across Highland are set to benefit from more than £1 million in funding to support community asset improvements and to help tackle inequalities affecting children, young people and families. The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) are inviting organisations to apply for funding to finance revenue and capital projects to address two main priorities.
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