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24/8/2026 :: Business
Data Centres, Big Developments and the Planning Question: Should Communities Simply Say No?

Caithness is seeing the rundown of Dounreay so can the area say no to new big developemens thatmight help creae new jobs. There is a growing resistance to large data centres and other major developments across Scotland.

24/8/2026 :: Business
The Battery Race: Why the World Is Building Storage as Fast as It Builds Renewables

There is a remarkable change taking place in the world's electricity system, and it is easy to miss because it is happening in several different technologies at once. Solar power is expanding at record speed.

24/8/2026 :: Business
£2.1 Billion for Highland: Investment Plan or 20-Year Promise?

A £2.1 billion investment programme sounds impressive. But when the money is spread over 20 years, the real question is not how big the number looks today.

24/8/2026 :: Business
Is Britain's National Debt Really a Debt — or Is Richard Murphy Right?

Most of us have been brought up to think about debt in a very simple way. If you borrow money, you owe somebody that money.

24/8/2026 :: Business
Thurso Schools: Public Meeting and Statutory Consultation – Key Dates

Highland Council has now formally launched its statutory consultation on proposals to replace Thurso High School and reorganise primary school provision in the town. The consultation concerns the proposed relocation of Thurso High School, Pennyland Primary School and Miller Academy Primary School to a new education campus based around the existing Thurso High School site and the proposed Community Point of Delivery.

Today :: Business
Who Really Pays When Industry Gets a Cheaper Electricity Bill?

It seems energy prices get more complicated all the time so we take look a the latest issue addressed by the Scottish Government. There is a very simple question behind a surprisingly complicated Scottish Government energy policy.

Today :: Business
America and Canada: How a Trade Dispute Has Turned Into a Trade War

For decades, the United States and Canada have been among the world's closest trading partners. Goods have crossed their 5,500-mile border almost unnoticed, factories on either side have depended upon components from the other country and millions of consumers have taken the relationship for granted.

Today :: Business
Stronger growth fails to deliver public finances windfall

Strong growth in the first half of the year has failed to deliver a public finances windfall for the Chancellor as the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East takes its toll on borrowing costs, underlining the challenge he faces as he prepares for his first Budget, the Resolution Foundation said on Friday. With the Budget now less than ten weeks away, today’s release comes as the OBR begin preparations for their economic and fiscal forecast in earnest.

Today :: Business
FM outlines progress made in first 100 days of government in Scotland

Helping people with the cost of living, strengthening public services and growing the economy are the focus of policies delivered so far in the first 100 days of government, First Minister John Swinney has said. Since appointing the Cabinet on 20th May 2026, the Scottish Government’s action has included setting up the First Homes Fund to help first-time buyers with up to £10,000 support towards a deposit, investing in and expanding health and social care provision, and setting up initiatives to boost business.

Today :: Business
Does the low water level on the Rhine have any affect on businesses in the UK

The low water level on the Rhine can affect UK businesses, even though the Rhine is thousands of miles away and Britain is not directly dependent on it. The important connection is through European supply chains.

Yesterday :: Business
 
Inflation is rising. Will the Bank of England raise interest rates? - Richard Murphy

UK inflation is rising again, and the danger is that the Bank of England will respond in exactly the wrong way. Inflation is now 2.9%, household energy prices are expected to rise sharply this autumn, and disruption to energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz threatens further increases.

Yesterday :: Business
 
Russia Has Plenty of Oil — So Why Are Its Fuel Stations Running Short, and What Does It Mean for Caithness?

Russia is one of the world's great oil-producing nations. It has enormous reserves, produces vast quantities of crude and has an energy industry that has long been central to its economy.

Yesterday :: Business
 
The USA cannot go bust. But Wall Street can - Richard Murphy

There is speculation everywhere, including in the Financial Times, that the USA might go bust within ten years, and that the day of the dollar is over. That framing is wrong.

Yesterday :: Business
 
Why Can't a Highland Railway Station Become an Attraction? - What Caithness Could Learn from Singapore's £1.7 Billion Jewel

There is something rather strange about the way we think about transport infrastructure. We spend millions of pounds building railway stations, bus terminals, airports, ferry terminals and roads.

Yesterday :: Business
4,300 Migrants Stopped — But How Many Still Made It to Britain?

According to the Home Office, French police units prevented 185 small-boat crossing events between 27 April and 2 August, stopping more than 4,300 crossing attempts. The Government says that represents a prevention rate of 61% of all small-boat events during the period.

Yesterday :: Sutherland
Britain Is Embracing AI — But Are We Ready for What Comes Next?-

Britain is adopting artificial intelligence at remarkable speed. But there is an intriguing problem developing beneath the headline figures.

Yesterday :: Business
Britain Is Adopting AI Fast — But Is It Really Changing Business Yet?

There is a tendency whenever artificial intelligence is discussed to imagine that a revolution is already happening. Jobs are supposedly disappearing, businesses are being transformed and computers are increasingly doing the work that people once did.

Yesterday :: Business
The Mortgage Rate Trap: Is That Cheap Deal Really Cheaper?

When comparing mortgages, it is very easy to be drawn towards the lowest interest rate. A mortgage advertised at 4.25% immediately looks better than one at 4.49%.

Yesterday :: Business
Can Consumers Fight Back Against $100 Oil? The Things We Can and Can't Control

The oil price has become one of those numbers that seems to move relentlessly in one direction. Brent crude is now around $94 a barrel, having risen by more than 7% over the past five days.

Yesterday :: Business
Growth boost for food and drink firms - Funding to expand and modernise the industry

Food and drink businesses will be able to boost production, create jobs and grow their companies thanks to almost £6 million of support from the Scottish Government. The Food and Drink Processing Scheme Scotland will award almost £6 million of capital funding to 28 businesses.

Yesterday :: Business
Temporary Bluetongue Control Zone introduced - Animal movement restricted in an area around Dumfries and Galloway

The Scottish Government is strengthening bluetongue disease controls after a case was detected near Lockerbie. A Temporary Control Zone has been put in place in an area around Dumfries and Galloway as a precautionary measure while further investigations are conducted on the source and extent of the disease.

Yesterday :: Business
Organic Farming in Scotland is Expanding

In Scotland, the total organic land area (in-conversion and fully organic) was 168,200 hectares, a 28% increase compared with 2024, and a 62% increase compared with 2021. This represented 3.3% of the total agricultural area in Scotland in 2025.

Yesterday :: Business
The Highland Heart and Lung MOT: A Checklist You Can Do Yourself

The Highland Heart and Lung MOT: A Checklist You Can Do Yourself The Scottish Government has just launched what it describes as a new “MOT” for the heart and lungs, designed to identify health risks earlier and give people the chance to do something about them before they become serious. There is, however, a rather obvious problem for people living in the Highlands.

21/8/2026 :: Business
Britain Is Borrowing Less — So Why Does the Government Still Have So Little Room for Manoeuvre?

Britain's public finances are showing signs of improvement. But before anyone starts celebrating, there is a rather large qualification.

21/8/2026 :: Business
El Niño Is Coming — And It Could Put Food, Shipping and Prices Under Pressure in 2027

There are some stories which begin with something happening thousands of miles away and eventually arrive at the supermarket checkout. El Niño could become one of them.

21/8/2026 :: Business
Britain's Shoppers Are Still Spending But the July Figures Tell a More Complicated Story

Britain's shoppers appear to be in better shape than the latest monthly headline might suggest. Retail sales volumes fell by 0.5% in July, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures.

20/8/2026 :: Business
Vacancy: Part time bar staff

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.

19/8/2026 :: Coming Events
 
Mon, 14 Sep 2:00pm - Dunnet Sand Sculpture Creations

No booking required. Get ready to create..

19/8/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Waiting and bar staff, full time and part time

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.

19/8/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Chef De Parte

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.

18/8/2026 :: Business
For Sale: Lealands Cottage, Bilbster

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.

14/8/2026 :: Business
 
For Sale: Queens Hotel - NEWLY REDUCED , Wick

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.

14/8/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Lifting Engineer / Appointed Person

Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd. is the largest crane hire and heavy lifting services company based in Caithness.

14/8/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Care Assistant

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.

14/8/2026 :: Business
Vacancy: Domestic Assistant

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.

13/8/2026 :: Business
For Sale: Gingerbread Cottage, Mey

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.

13/8/2026 :: Business
Vacancy: Labourer

A&D Sutherland Ltd have vacancies for general labourers. The positions are based on the main Quarry site in Spittal.

12/8/2026 :: Community
 
The Shifting Sands of Dunnet Bay

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.

11/8/2026 :: Business
 
For Sale: 75 Upper Burnside Drive, Thurso

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.

9/8/2026 :: Community
Taking medication this summer? What you need to know about sun and heat exposure

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.

9/8/2026 :: Business
Vacancy: Cook

We are looking for a cook in our busy pub kitchen to cook pub grub. Hours are 4.30 to finish.

8/8/2026 :: Community
If You Know UnVaccinated Children You Should Read This

A story on BBC by Luke Mintz caught our attention. Read it and think hard if your children remain unvaccinated.

3/8/2026 :: Community
Effects of Clutter or Hoarding on people affected by it

Do you know someone affected by hoarding. An article by Barbara Potter, Kerry Musselbrook caught our attention.

3/8/2026 :: Business
 
Vacancy: Domestic Assistant

Here at Riverside house care home we are looking to employ a full time domestic assistant to join our team, hours to be worked are 8am-2pm over five days including some weekends. Duties include dusting, hoovering, mopping and sanitizing surfaces in all areas of the home including kitchen areas, bathrooms, living spaces and bedrooms.

2/8/2026 :: Community
Why Ticks Deserve Your 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).

29/7/2026 :: Sutherland
 
Protecting Assynt’s Oyster Plant

Andy Summers, Ranger describes the efforts he and local volunteers have taken recently to help save this species. Oyster plant is one of Scotland’s northern coastal specialists, a species more at home on the cold shores of the North Atlantic and Arctic than further south.

28/7/2026 :: Business
 
For Sale: Roadside Cottage, Milton, Wick

This charming two-bedroom detached cottage is offered for sale with a range of useful outbuildings and approximately 7.5 acres of adjoining land. Ideally situated just a short distance from Wick, the property benefits from uPVC double-glazed windows and doors, external insulation, and oil-fired central heating.

28/7/2026 :: Community
Highland Council Opens Third Round of Reuse and Repair Fund

Community groups invited to apply for funding to support projects that reduce waste and promote a circular economy The Highland Council is encouraging community organisations across the region to apply for the latest round of its successful Reuse and Repair Fund, which supports projects that help keep valuable materials and products in use for longer. Grants of between £2,000 and £50,000 are available to support a range of community‑led initiatives that will help people repair, reuse and upcycle materials - reducing waste and supporting a stronger circular economy.

25/7/2026 :: Community
How One Chicken Can Become Six Meals – And Why Traditional Cooking Could Help Beat the Food-Price Squeeze

For some of you out there this article is old hat so it is really aimed at people who may never have tried some of the old ways to save money and still make nutritious food When food prices are rising, the obvious response is to look for cheaper products. But there is another way to reduce the pressure on the household budget: Make the food you already buy go further.