ScotRail has reached an important milestone in plans to introduce a new suburban train fleet, with the procurement now progressing to the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage. The move to ITN represents the next formal step in the structured procurement process.
The following article from David Mackay, Manager of the Hi-Scot Credit Union was first published in the Stornoway Gazette on 23 August 2026. Every so often, something changes that quietly reshapes everyday life.
Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election. There are 5 candidaes.
There is a rather good business lesson developing on the golf course. LIV Golf was created with billions of dollars behind it, attracted some of the world's biggest golfing names by offering enormous contracts and prize money, challenged the established PGA Tour and succeeded in changing the economics of professional golf.
With the harvesting period underway there is a danger that we think of a heatwave as something which affects us when we go outside. We complain about the temperature, struggle to sleep, perhaps enjoy a few days of sunshine and then hope that normal Scottish weather returns.
When Donald Trump launched his war against Iran, the underlying assumption appeared to be that overwhelming American military power would produce a relatively rapid result. Six months later, that assumption looks increasingly questionable.
Children with additional support needs will be supported wherever they are in Scotland through a new National Staged Intervention Model for additional support for learning that is being developed. Education Secretary Màiri McAllan made the commitment as she set out plans to provide a nationwide approach to identifying, planning, delivering and reviewing support for children and young people who experience barriers to learning in all council areas to ensure they receive the right support at the right time.
Highland Council’s strategy to raise attainment in the region is making good progress, with encouraging early data emerging from this year's examination results. Last week councillors on the education committee noted the work undertaken in Highland Council's Education and Learning Improvement Plan (ELIP) and the associated Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS).
More healthcare will be delivered at home and in the heart of communities with hospitals focusing on emergency, life-threatening and specialist care, under plans published by the Scottish Government today. The Health and Care Improving Flow Plan promises to make it easier and quicker for people to access the care they need to live healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives.
There was something almost nostalgic about the Ministry of Defence announcement this week that British troops are to trial a new powered paraglider which could give them an innovative way to strike from the sky. The machine, called Blakcro, can apparently be carried in a large rucksack, assembled in less than eight minutes and operated without a runway or conventional aircraft.
Britain’s charity shops are under pressure. Oxfam is reportedly considering closing up to 100 High Street stores, after other major charities have closed theirs.
The oil price qickly reacted to the latest attacks by both sidesin the conflict over the straitof Hormuz. US Central Command (Centcom) said it had taken "limited, precise action" against "minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz".
Twelve years ago, Scotland went to the polls and answered a very simple question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” The answer was No. By 55.3% to 44.7%, Scottish voters rejected independence, with a remarkable 84.6% turnout.
Local authorities will share £15 million to expand and enhance breakfast club provision from today, First Minister John Swinney has announced. The funding will help councils deliver free breakfast clubs for primary school pupils across Scotland from August 2027, giving children a healthy start to the school day and helping reduce costs for families.
There are weeks when local news seems to consist of a collection of unrelated announcements. A school report here, a council decision there, perhaps a sporting success or a community project.
Here at Riverside house care home we are looking to employ a domestic assistant to join our team working four shifts per week 8am-2pm to ensure all areas are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, in this role you will perform cleaning tasks including dusting, hoovering, mopping and sanitizing surfaces. Previous experience is an advantage but not essential as full training will be given.
An exciting opportunity to join a lovely team help support a young man in his own home in Wick. If you are someone who likes to make a difference in someone's life and is caring compassionate and reliable this could be for you.
If you live in Wick and have ever been told by an online retailer that your postcode is an "island" postcode, you could be forgiven for wondering whether somebody has looked at a map. Wick is on the Scottish mainland.
10.6 million Brits are planning an overnight holiday in the UK this bank holiday, bringing an estimated £4.3 billion boost to the economy. Tourism is forecast to contribute £161 billion to the UK economy annually by 2030, supporting jobs and growth across the country.
There is a fascinating and rather uncomfortable cultural battle taking place in Germany which deserves much more attention in Britain. It is not really about whether taxpayers should fund art.
Britain is preparing to spend substantially more on defence. Yet at almost the same time as the Government is announcing increased defence investment, one of the Royal Navy's major amphibious assault ships is being sold to Brazil.
Scotland has a population problem. The Scottish Government is increasingly clear about that as Birth rates are low, the population is ageing and some parts of the country are struggling to maintain the working-age population needed to support businesses, public services and local communities.
The British Embassy and Crown Agents Bank brought together financial sector leaders from Guatemala and Honduras to discuss trade, investment and economic growth. The British Embassy, together with Crown Agents Bank (CAB), hosted executive breakfast discussions with financial sector leaders from Guatemala and Honduras.
Politics runs on promises. Build more.
Nationalisation has become the word British politicians dare not say, and the reason they give is always the same: it is unaffordable. They claim that just taking water back into public ownership would cost over £100 billion, but that claim is outright nonsense, and it is worth understanding exactly why.
Rent is not just the money you pay a landlord. In economics, it means something far bigger, and far more significant.
There are some government programmes whose real value is difficult to measure simply by counting the money spent or the number of items distributed. Scotland's Bookbug programme is one of them.
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.
Volunteer with Children's Hearings Scotland (CHS) and make a lasting difference in your community. Children's Hearings Scotland (CHS) is currently recruiting volunteer Panel Members across Scotland, including the Western Isles.
Pupils, parents and teachers are among those being encouraged to share their views about restricting phones in schools with the launch of a public consultation today. The Scottish Government’s consultation will inform the development of legislation to restrict phone use in schools, given concerns about the harmful effect on pupils’ education and wellbeing.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has acquired the assets of Sutherland Spaceport Ltd (SSL) from the joint liquidators, Chad Griffin and Graham Smith of FRP Advisory. SSL was established in 2020 by Moray-based space launch company Orbital Express Ltd (Orbex), which entered administration in February this year.
The Highland Council’s Justice Service teams will be hosting open days in Inverness and Golspie this September. The public are invited to open day sessions on Wednesday 9 September at Inverness Justice Centre and Thursday 10 September at Golspie Justice Services.
There is something rather odd about the way we treat sunscreen in Britain. We know that exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer.
Over a third of children talk or play online with people they have never met. 91% of parents use monitoring tools — but 41% of children have tried to get around them.
Britain is adopting artificial intelligence at remarkable speed. But there is an intriguing problem developing beneath the headline figures.
We are looking for part-time / relief bar staff to join our team. * Casual, part time work as and when needed * Must be able to work evenings and weekends * Must be over 18 * Full bar training can be provided If you would like to join our team, and for more info on this post, please contact our Head Steward Donna by messaging our Facebook page or pop in to the Seaforth Club and see her.
No booking required. Get ready to create..
Chef de Partie – Full Time We’re looking for a passionate and reliable Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team. You’ll work alongside our Head Chef and wider kitchen team to deliver high-quality food across breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
Waiting Staff – Full & Part Time We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic and reliable Waiting Staff to join our team. We have full-time and part-time positions available, with shifts covering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A lovely two-bedroom cottage with two sun rooms, located on the roadside in Bilbster with enclosed mature garden grounds and views across the open countryside. Accommodation comprises vestibule, hallway, lounge, kitchen/diner, two double bedrooms, newly fitted modern shower room and two sun rooms, one to the rear and another to the side.
Set in a prominent location on the popular NC500 route is this well established 8-bedroom hotel (all ensuite), with public bar, lounge bar, dining room, owners’ accommodation, covered beer garden, detached garage and large commercial tarmacadam carpark. Originally a church manse, dating back to the 19th century, this impressive and substantial property boasts many original features throughout including a beautiful feature staircase, ornate cornicing, high skirtings and ceilings, and decorative internal archways.
Here at Riverside house care home we are looking to employ a dedicated and reliable domestic assistant to join our team. Hours to be worked are 8am-2pm covering four days including some weekends.
Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd. is the largest crane hire and heavy lifting services company based in Caithness.
Here at Riverside house care home in Wick we are looking to employ full or part time care assistants to join our team. SVQ level 2 in care would be an advantage but not essential full training will be provided.
Gingerbread House is a beautifully presented detached cottage situated in the peaceful village of Mey, close to the Castle of Mey and on the world-famous NC500 route. Currently operating as a highly successful Airbnb holiday let, the property offers an excellent opportunity as either a lifestyle business or a charming private home.
A&D Sutherland Ltd have vacancies for general labourers. The positions are based on the main Quarry site in Spittal.
Patti Bremner, the Countryside Ranger for East Caithness explains why dune systems need our protection and why recreational fires pose a real risk to these habitats. Working in an office alongside the Dunnet Bay sand dunes I have come to appreciate and respect them more and more each working day.
This 3 bedroom detached bungalow is situated in a popular residential area in Thurso. It is a few minutes walk from the coast and a short walk into town.
Some medicines can make you more sensitive to the sun or increase the risk of dehydration without you realising it. The MHRA is encouraging people to know the risks and stay protected this summer.
We are looking for a cook in our busy pub kitchen to cook pub grub. Hours are 4.30 to finish.
A story on BBC by Luke Mintz caught our attention. Read it and think hard if your children remain unvaccinated.
Do you know someone affected by hoarding. An article by Barbara Potter, Kerry Musselbrook caught our attention.
They are certainly not as exciting as dolphins, or as awe inspiring as eagles or even wonderful to watch like otters, but they are members of our Highland wildlife suite that are often talked about and they are both fascinating and worrying. They are ticks - animals that are part of the class of arachnids, along with spiders, scorpions, mites, harvestmen (see my blog about these harmless long-legged ones here).
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