Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will meet next Monday (28 September 2026) to consider whether to progress proposals for new Short Term Let Control Areas across parts of Highland. At the special meeting, councillors will be asked to consider the findings of a public consultation on proposed control areas covering Inverness City and a wider Highland Rural area, before deciding whether the proposals should be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval.
Britain's energy costs have claimed another major industrial casualty, with chemicals giant INEOS announcing that it is suspending operations at three plants at its Saltend site near Hull. The decision affects facilities producing acetic acid, acetic anhydride and ethyl acetate.
NHS Highland and The Highland Council are pleased to announce the launch of a new bespoke year-round transport service for renal haemodialysis patients across Highland. Funded through a grant from NHS Highland, the service marks the first phase of a new approach to patient transport delivery, designed to support the long-term development of a more sustainable, flexible and community-focused transport model for Highland.
The UK housing market became considerably more active in 2025, but new figures from the Office for National Statistics show that buying a home is still requiring substantial borrowing, particularly for first-time buyers. There were 717,519 mortgage sales across the UK in 2025, up from 617,295 in 2024.
Artificial intelligence is already being used by millions of people and thousands of businesses, but there is a surprisingly basic question that statisticians cannot yet answer properly. How much is artificial intelligence actually contributing to the UK economy?.
There is a potentially positive development taking shape in the world oil market which could become increasingly important over the next five years. Venezuela has some of the world's largest oil reserves, but years of underinvestment and a badly run-down industry have left the country producing only a fraction of what it once did.
Pet owners are about to get greater protection when dealing with veterinary practices, following a major Competition and Markets Authority investigation into the way the UK's veterinary market operates. The new rules begin coming into force from today, 22 September 2026, although most of the changes will be introduced gradually over the next 12 months.
Britain's public finances have produced another warning sign ahead of next month's Budget, with government borrowing rising sharply in August and running considerably ahead of the official forecast. The Office for National Statistics says the public sector borrowed £18.3 billion in August 2026, £2.9 billion more than in August last year and the second-highest August figure on record, behind the exceptional figure recorded during the pandemic in 2020.
Ukraine has launched another series of attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, with a fire reported at the Kuibyshev oil refinery in Samara following an overnight drone attack. Russian regional authorities said dozens of drones were intercepted over the Samara region during the night of 21–22 September, while reports from Russian and Ukrainian sources said the Kuibyshev refinery was hit and caught fire.
A huge floating oil production vessel that has spent the past two years in Scapa Flow could soon be heading for Loch Kishorn on the west coast of Scotland. The Western Isles FPSO - Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading, operated by Dana Petroleum and jointly owned with NEO Energy, arrived in Orkney in July 2024 after being towed from its former location in the North Sea.
Donald Trump has been putting pressure on Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries, at a time when Russia continues to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure. At first glance, it is a difficult position to understand.
There is an interesting economic development project taking shape at Montrose which deserves attention in Caithness. It is called ZeroFour, a 123-acre former RAF airfield being developed by Crown Estate Scotland in partnership with Angus Council.
A cat or dog can bring years of companionship and pleasure to a household, but there is another side to pet ownership that is sometimes overlooked when people decide to bring an animal home. The purchase or adoption price is only the beginning.
It might seem an unlikely connection. A pensioner in Caithness looking at the level in their heating-oil tank has little obvious in common with somebody in Ukraine operating a drone thousands of miles away.
Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services. The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.
Businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands are being supported to explore the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI) through two new support initiatives launched today by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of AI Scotland. Applications are now open for the new AI Adoption Programme and AI Mentoring Support service, which are designed to help organisations understand, assess and implement AI technologies that can improve productivity, boost innovation and support growth.
Two new reports published in Scotland have put the spotlight on a question that is becoming increasingly important as government budgets come under pressure. Who actually benefits from the money spent on tackling poverty and reducing the cost of living? A new analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI), prepared for the Poverty and Inequality Commission, examines the distributional impact of Scotland's Cost of Living Guarantee.
Britain is becoming more directly involved in the latest Middle East crisis, although the Government is stressing that the role is defensive rather than an attempt to join the fighting in Yemen. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to a request from Saudi Arabia for British military assistance following renewed attacks by the Houthi movement in Yemen.
The Scottish Government is proposing a major reshaping of local government, with fewer regional authorities and many more community-level bodies making decisions closer to where people live. The language is about local democracy, stronger communities and bringing decisions closer to people.
Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities Scotland and Ireland are developing closer links between their Gaelic-speaking communities, with housing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, tourism and the marine economy among the areas being explored for future cooperation. The initiative was highlighted during a visit to Skye by Ireland's President Catherine Connolly, who met representatives of Highland organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highland Council.
Scotland's universities are facing a £200 million funding gap, but the figure may actually understate the scale of the problem. That is the conclusion of the first major report from a joint Scottish Government and Universities Scotland review into the long-term financial sustainability of higher education.
Personal Independence Payment has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the UK welfare system. Now the Institute for Fiscal Studies is asking a more fundamental question than simply whether spending should go up or down.
Scotland is building an electricity system for a very different future. Wind farms, solar projects, battery storage, substations, pylons and new transmission lines are appearing across the country as the drive towards cleaner electricity gathers pace.
Why Are British Electricity Prices So High? The IFS Looks Behind the Bill Britain has spent years trying to make its electricity system cleaner, but households and businesses are now paying some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world. A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) examines why electricity has become so expensive and asks whether the way Britain prices and taxes electricity needs to change.
Scotland's independence debate is moving back to the centre of Holyrood politics, with John Swinney's Scottish Government seeking parliamentary backing for Scotland's right to decide its constitutional future. The Scottish Parliament is due to debate a motion today, 22 September 2026, which states that “Scotland is a nation that has a right to decide its own future.” It was lodged by First Minister John Swinney on Monday 21 September.
This doer-upper was started and now looking for a new owner to finish it. Hidden away in Beaufoy Street, this lovely stone-built property has a new fitted kitchen, oak doors fitted throughout and now needs plumbing and electrics to be finished, along with decoration.
Sutherland has had another week in which several apparently separate stories point towards the same underlying question. How does a huge rural area attract investment and economic activity while maintaining the homes, services and communities needed to support it?.
Something rather important is happening around the United States, and it may be bigger than the individual tariff announcements, political arguments or daily movements in the oil price. America is changing the way it deals with the rest of the world.
Canada has spent generations building its economy around its huge neighbour to the south. Now it is looking across the Atlantic.
The Bank held interest rates as expected in its MPC meeting Thursday), with the real news coming from a welcome change in how it intends unwind Quantitative Easing (QE) and a gloomy outlook on the cost of living, the Resolution Foundation said today. James Smith, Chief Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said, “The Bank’s decision today to hold interest rates was welcome but expected.
The future of disability benefits is becoming one of the more difficult issues facing the UK government, with spending rising rapidly and increasing numbers of people receiving support. A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) examines what could be changed in Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the main working-age disability benefit in England and Wales.
Qualified Mechanic required for maintenance and repairs for various types of vehicles. MOT Experience would be advantageous but not essential.
NUVIA UK is looking for a technically minded and proactive Dounreay Beach Monitoring Project Technician to support the delivery of the Dounreay Beach Monitoring Project and related radiological monitoring activities. This varied role combines fieldwork, instrumentation, technical data analysis, GIS mapping, equipment calibration and report writing.
We’re looking for friendly, reliable and enthusiastic people aged 18 or over to join us as Part-Time Bar Staff Perfect for anyone looking to work a few shifts each week, with opportunities to cover midweek, evenings and weekends. To apply or find out more, please contact Vicky at thecaithnesscollection@hotmail.com .
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 highly organised and detail-oriented Registry and Admissions Officer, with a focus on Registry, to join our Student Records team in Fort William, Thurso or Stornoway.
We're Hiring | Experienced Chef The Pentland Hotel is looking for an experienced chef to join our kitchen team in Thurso on a Full-Time or Part-Time basis for the right candidate. We’re looking for individuals with previous experience working in a professional kitchen who are confident in a busy environment and take pride in maintaining consistently high standards.
Food & Beverage Supervisor Ideal for an experienced and confident individual looking to work a few shifts each week while taking on additional responsibility within our food and beverage team. Whether you’re looking for a few shifts alongside other commitments or you’re ready to take the next step in your hospitality career, we’d love to hear from you.
An entirely fictional account of what might happen if a Roman historian were suddenly transported to America in September 2026. When our Roman historian arrived in America, he was initially rather pleased.
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.
Set within generous grounds and enjoying wonderful open countryside and sea views, Kyleburn House is a substantial traditional stone-built property offering exceptionally spacious and versatile accommodation in a peaceful rural setting. Extending to approximately 357 sq m (3,841 sq ft) overall, the property provides an interesting and flexible layout that would lend itself to a variety of uses and lifestyles.
KR Properties are delighted to bring to the market this spacious two-bedroom townhouse, offering well-proportioned accommodation over two floors within an attractive traditional stone-built property. Access is via a shared main entrance door, which opens into a shared entrance hallway serving this property and one neighbouring home.
3 bedroom gas central heated double glazed property with kitchen bathroom and WC on 1st floor..
A&D Sutherland Ltd have a vacancy for a qualified second Plant Mechanic. This is based at our main quarry site in Spittal.
See poster for details..
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.
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