When people hear reports that oil prices are rising, they naturally expect petrol and diesel prices to follow. But there is another possibility that receives far less attention.
First deliveries of British-made artillery barrels to Ukraine, under a £61 million contract supporting hundreds of UK jobs. British-made artillery barrels are being delivered to Ukraine, part of the UK’s enduring support.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the end of year report from its monthly Consumer Insights Tracker (CIT), summarising key findings between April 2025 and March 2026 and longer-term trends. When we asked respondents whether they had concerns about a range of food related topics, from a list of options, food prices has consistently been the most common concern.
New negotiating body to be set up as part of the first ever adult social care fair pay agreement, representing millions of care workers. Made up of trade unions and employers, the body will negotiate on pay, terms and conditions and wider employment matters, giving care workers a voice; The first ever fair pay agreement for care workers is backed by £500 million, part of the government’s landmark Employment Rights Act.
We love photo walks. What could be better than getting outside with your camera, exploring a beautiful location and meeting fellow photographers who share your enthusiasm? Our Inspired Photo Walks are relaxed, friendly meet-ups designed to combine fresh Highland air with creative encouragement.
The UK Government has announced plans to tackle what it describes as "baseless legal claims" that delay major housing and infrastructure projects. The aim is simple: get Britain building faster.
Many people across the political spectrum now raise a question. Should a departing Prime Minister have the power to create large numbers of new members of the House of Lords? There are two sides to the argument.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK is investing €300 million to help deliver advanced Swedish Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies from Russian attacks, while supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs across the UK. Major UK investment to help deliver full squadron of Swedish Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine as Prime Minister visits President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine.
When the UK Government announced plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s in England, many parents and communities may have wondered. "Will the same rules apply in Scotland?" The answer is no — at least not at present.
Political rhetoric is not just theatre. In global markets, it is treated as real‑time risk information, and this week investors might be given two very different signals from opposite sides of the Atlantic.
If you’ve been online lately, you’ve probably seen those ads shouting “Drink THIS every morning to melt belly fat!”. They always feature a mysterious fruit, a glowing mug, and a doctor who looks suspiciously like a stock photo model named Kevin.
Forward, the taxpayers marched, Into the fiscal fog — Where rules are written elsewhere By folk who’ve never slogged. Through A9 closures, Heating oil invoices, And winter bills that rise Like bureaucratic voices.
When governments face a financial squeeze, they eventually face the same difficult question. Where does the money come from? For any new Prime Minister, raising taxes is politically dangerous.
The UK government has made several mentions of reduction for summer to VAT for meals cinemas and days out. But do you know where to check out which places are showing offers and reductions.
Plans to move to the expenses-only volunteer model in September 2026 will not go ahead. Current arrangements for the Coastguard Rescue Service will remain in place.
If you stand on Dunnet Head on a windy day, it is easy to forget just how important Caithness has become. Electricity generated around Scotland flows south to millions of homes.
New common-sense proposals announced today will see the loudest fireworks restricted to professional displays. Action to crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect vulnerable people, pets and wildlife.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, many people assumed the biggest effects would be felt in Eastern Europe. Instead, households across Britain soon discovered that a war more than 1,500 miles away could affect everything from electricity bills to supermarket prices.
When people think about the war in Ukraine, they naturally think about the battlefield. But a second battle is taking place far behind the front lines.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) brought some welcome news for the Government. After a small decline in April, the UK economy returned to growth in May, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing by 0.1%.
Stand on the north coast of Scotland on a windy day and it is easy to believe we should have some of the cheapest electricity in Europe. Around us are expanding offshore wind projects.
The Office for National Statistics has released the latest UK trade figures for May 2026, and—as is often the case with trade data—the picture is mixed. Some sectors are showing real strength, others are softening, and the overall balance is still firmly in the red.
When the Government announces a tax cut, most people naturally expect one thing - Prices should fall. That is certainly the message politicians like to promote.
The announcement that the Cancer Research UK shop in Thurso is to close, following the earlier closure of its Wick branch, marks another sad chapter for Caithness High Streets. These are not ordinary retailers chasing profits.
Walk through Wick or Thurso today and you'll probably hear the same conversation. "There used to be a shop there" and "It's another empty building followed by "Everything's online now." For many people, the decline of the traditional High Street feels inevitable.
As a new UK Government forms under Andy Burnham, national media will be full of commentary from “experts” on tax, energy, climate policy, and public spending. Many of these voices come from London‑based think tanks — organisations that produce reports, media commentary, and political analysis.
This lovely large four-bedroom family home is situated on the main street and is a dream home for an interior design enthusiast, as it is dated throughout and in need of modernisation. The home benefits from Upvc double glazed doors and windows throughout and has an oil-fired central heating system.
One of Caithness's newest success stories is proving that location is no barrier to reaching customers around the world. 8 Doors Distillery in John O'Groats, Scotland's most northerly mainland whisky distillery, is expanding into international markets with support from Scottish Enterprise and Team Scotland, demonstrating how businesses from the far north can compete on the global stage.
For more than 30 years, China seemed unstoppable. Its economy grew at astonishing speed with new cities appeared almost overnight and millions of people moved from the countryside into better-paid jobs.
Every week there seems to be another story about China. Chinese electric cars are becoming cheaper.
Did Scotland's Iron Age brochs form a prehistoric long-distance warning system? In this history documentary, Ashley Cowie joins Iain MacLean of the Caithness Broch Project to investigate an archaeological mystery: four enigmatic Iron Age stone towers hidden across the rugged landscape of northern Scotland. Trekking through the remote Berriedale Strath, they conduct a viewshed analysis to test a compelling archaeological hypothesis: were these monumental brochs deliberately positioned to maintain line-of-sight with one another? Their expedition reveals remarkable evidence that these towering displays of Iron Age architecture may have formed an intentional signaling network, offering new insights into prehistoric engineering, landscape planning, and regional communication..
Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking to employ a part time Laundry Assistant working 20 hours per week worked over four days, hours are two shifts 9am-1pm and two shifts 7am-1pm, for more information or to request an application form email; lynnsmith@riversidehousecarehime.com or call 01955602314.
Care Planning Coordinator Laurandy Centre, Wick Hours: 28 hours per week over 4 days, Tuesday to Friday. We are readvertising this opportunity as we continue our search for the right person to join our friendly team.
Help Shape Highland's Future with Regeneration Funding The Scottish Government has announced plans to open the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) later this year, creating an exciting opportunity for projects that can make a lasting difference to communities across Highland. The RCGF is a competitive, Scotland-wide fund that supports locally developed regeneration projects.
The ONS report measures the natural capital of enclosed farmland meaning the economic value of the land, soils, habitats, and ecosystem services produced by fields, hedgerows, and managed agricultural landscapes across the UK. Key points from the report Enclosed farmland covers around a third of the UK’s land area, making it one of the country’s most significant land uses.
Millions of calls were likely mishandled over nearly a three-year period, preventing or delaying customers from switching away to a better deal. Investigation uncovers deliberate call-dropping tactics, excessive and unnecessary call transfers and putting customers repeatedly on hold for no reason.
The UK Government has announced that children aged 8 and 9 can now use eGates at major UK airports and at international rail terminals. Previously, only travellers aged 10 and over were allowed to use them.
Barnardo's Highland Services is looking for dedicated, compassionate and motivated individuals to join our Springboard Outreach Service as As and When Outreach Workers, supporting care-experienced young people across the Highland area. This flexible role offers a unique opportunity to walk alongside young people as they transition into adulthood, providing tailored, relationship-based support within their homes, communities and local environments.
Are you ready to take the first step in your career and gain valuable hands-on experience with a supportive local business? Blargoans Limited is offering an exciting opportunity for a Business and Operations Apprentice to join our friendly and hardworking team. This varied role is ideal for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated, and keen to learn how our businesses operate, while gaining practical experience across both Blargoans Ltd and Northern Sands Hotel.
Position: We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to be based at our Thurso campus. Responsibilities: The post holder will provide high quality laboratory technical support for Research & Knowledge Exchange and its commercial, research and teaching activities.
Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd. is the largest crane hire and heavy lifting services company based in Caithness.
Position: The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) is part of UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso, one of the academic partners of UHI. Our mission is to ‘provide dynamic leadership in research, innovation and education that advances understanding and informs management of our natural environment’.
Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking to employ a full time or part time dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in supporting the kitchen staff by maintaining cleanliness, washing dishes and adhering to cleaning schedules.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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