The Chancellor may have managed to satisfy the Government's fiscal rules, but the latest report from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) raises uncomfortable questions about Britain's economic future. Published shortly after the Budget on 28 October, the independent watchdog's assessment provides a sobering backdrop to the Chancellor's announcements.
Rising benefit costs, growing disability claims and an ageing population mean welfare reform is far from finished. The question is who will bear the cost.
Frozen personal allowances mean millions of taxpayers face rising bills even when the Chancellor announces no increase in income tax rates. There was no increase in the personal allowance in this week's Budget.
Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East are attacking energy infrastructure while the prospect of renewed US strikes on Iran adds another layer of uncertainty. The danger is that expensive oil and scarce diesel become a prolonged problem for households and businesses worldwide.
Scotland is being asked to invest in carbon capture and storage, a technology that could help reduce industrial emissions and create new opportunities for the North Sea economy. But there is a difficult question that deserves much more attention: are governments backing an industry that can become commercially viable, or are they committing taxpayers to decades of subsidies for projects that may never pay their way? Carbon capture and storage, usually known as CCS, involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes or power stations, transporting it through pipelines and storing it deep underground.
The UK Government is moving towards tighter restrictions on children's use of social media, including a proposed ban for under-16s. The aim is to protect young people from cyberbullying, harmful content and the pressures created by platforms designed to keep users online for as long as possible.
The Chancellor's Budget promises investment, support for businesses and a renewed effort to spread economic opportunity across Britain. But for communities such as Wick and Thurso, the important question is not how many billions of pounds are announced in Westminster.
The Chancellor's latest Budget contains an important assumption about the future of North Sea oil and gas. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the independent watchdog responsible for checking the Government's economic and financial forecasts, has included expected production from the controversial Rosebank oilfield when estimating future tax revenues.
The UK Government says Scotland is receiving hundreds of millions of pounds in additional funding following the Chancellor's Budget. The Scottish Government, meanwhile, warns that its budget is facing a substantial real-terms cut.
The Budget brings some welcome relief, but a projected January increase could swallow the help and leave households paying considerably more. The Government has announced measures intended to ease pressure on household energy bills.
The Chancellor's decision to reduce departmental capital budgets by 1% could have consequences well beyond Westminster. Scotland faces a reduction in capital funding, while Highland Council is embarking on a £2.1 billion investment programme that includes a proposed £100 million education campus in Thurso.
From garages and shops to family businesses built up over a lifetime, a change to Capital Gains Tax relief could leave some owners with less money when they sell up or retire. For many small business owners, selling a business is not simply a commercial transaction.
The Chancellor has reversed plans to cut the annual Cash ISA allowance for people under 65, keeping the £20,000 limit for savers of all ages. The decision will be welcomed by people who value the security of cash savings, although it leaves the Government looking for another way to encourage more investment in British companies.
The Chancellor has promised families “breathing space for today” and hope for the future. His Budget includes measures on energy bills, fuel duty, wages and housing, but the crucial question for households is how much difference they will make to their finances, and when.
The Chancellor has presented his Budget as a way of helping households through a difficult period while keeping control of public finances. But the money for energy support, investment and other commitments has to come from somewhere.
New research reveals the scale of renewable energy’s contribution to Scotland’s economy, but the challenge is turning that national success into lasting jobs and prosperity for local communities. Scotland’s renewable energy industry supports almost 50,000 full-time equivalent jobs and generates nearly £15 billion in economic output, according to a new report published on 28 October by the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde.
OBR forecasts reveal the pressure of higher energy prices, weak household income growth and the rising cost of government debt. The latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) paint a mixed picture of the British economy.
For years, the private rented sector has provided homes for people who cannot afford to buy, need somewhere to live while working away from home, or want the flexibility of renting. But owning a rental property is becoming a more complicated financial calculation, with landlords facing a combination of tax changes, higher running costs, tighter regulation and growing uncertainty about future returns.
While the headline debates of the Autumn Budget 2026 focused on major tax reforms and infrastructure financing. A series of quieter announcements, early policy leaks, and strategic "everyday fixes" will ultimately dictate the immediate financial health of millions of British households.
This beautiful five-bedroom, stone-built, large family home is C-Listed and situated in the sought-after Sinclair Terrace. The accommodation comprises a hallway, kitchen/diner, lounge, dining room, utility room and shower room on the ground floor.
This beautiful four-bedroom, mid-terraced home sits in walk-in condition having been finished to a high standard. There is Upvc double glazing throughout and the heating system is oil-fired.
Set in the countryside and facing directly onto the open sea, a lovely detached two-bedroom bungalow with two garages and a stone-built store, sitting on a large plot of garden grounds and surrounded by 3.5 acres of croft land which is available separately. A driveway leads up to the home which consists of vestibule, conservatory, hallway, kitchen/diner, utility room, lounge, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Artificial intelligence may transform customer service, reducing the need for large teams of telephone operators. For communities that once attracted call centres to replace lost industries, the consequences could be particularly significant.
Renewed fears of war in the Middle East are pushing oil prices higher, with motorists, businesses and households facing the prospect of another expensive winter. The American elections may offer little reassurance.
The UK Government is expected to announce a cut to gas standing charges in its Budget on Wednesday, offering some relief to households connected to the mains gas network. But for many people in the Highlands and other rural areas, the measure will do nothing to reduce their heating bills.
The landscape of commercial media is shifting beneath our feet. For decades, the photography licensing industry was dominated by corporate giants and a steady, highly profitable subscription model.
From civil servants and council employees to offshore oil workers, the pressure for better pay is spreading. But employers face rising costs, tight budgets and difficult decisions about the future.
Councils, the NHS and other public bodies face a difficult choice when rising diesel and energy costs threaten the contractors they depend on. School transport in rural Scotland illustrates the problem.
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.
Private Client Paralegal – BBM Solicitors, Wick BBM Solicitors is recruiting a Private Client Paralegal for our Wick office. The role involves supporting our solicitors with executry administration, wills, powers of attorney, guardianship and trust matters.
We have a rare opportunity become available of a confectioner within the heart of our bustling bakehouse. This role entails all of the daily finishing details of our freshly baked pastries, doughnuts, scones etc.
UK retail sales fall 0.4% as cautious consumers rein in spending ahead of the crucial Christmas shopping period. Brent crude surges to $114 a barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions and mounting fears over energy supplies.
With Christmas approaching, households across Britain face an important question: should they be more cautious about borrowing, credit card spending and taking on new financial commitments? There are good reasons to think carefully before spending money that has not yet been earned. Inflation has risen again, energy prices are volatile and the Bank of England has warned that interest rates may need to rise if inflationary pressures persist.
Scottish Government puts environmental protection ahead of promised jobs and tourism investment near Dornoch. The Scottish Government has rejected plans for a new championship golf course at Coul Links, near Embo and Dornoch, bringing another chapter to a long-running dispute over the future of one of Sutherland's most environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
International tensions are rising, oil prices are volatile and governments are increasingly concerned about security. Against this background, should British holidaymakers be thinking more carefully before booking a trip abroad? The answer is yes, but that does not mean cancelling every holiday or treating the world as too dangerous to visit.
Position: We are seeking a Laboratory Technician, to be based at our Thurso campus. Responsibilities: The post holder will be responsible for providing high-quality laboratory technical support for Research and Knowledge Exchange and its commercial, research and teaching activities.
Port Strategy Manager Wick Harbour Authority · Wick, Caithness Salary £60,000–£65,000 Applications and enquiries recruitment@wickharbour.co.uk Benefits 6% employer pension contribution, 34 days' annual leave including public holidays, and company sick pay. What the job involves The successful candidate will work with the harbour's board and team to: - Lead the harbour's masterplan and long-term development strategy.
There are some plants that stop you in your tracks because they’re beautiful. Others because they’re unusual, and then there’s giant hogweed.
This beautiful, detached, stone-built, three-bedroom, two reception room, family home is situated somewhat hidden away on Louisburgh Street, in Wick and is situated not far up from the High Street. With large rooms throughout, the home retains some of the original features.
RDI Renewables is a local renewables installer at Ormlie Industrial Estate in Thurso. We fit heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage in homes, businesses and community buildings across Caithness and Sutherland, and we look after those systems for years afterwards.
Early morning Cleaner required. Good attention to detail Driving licence Essential Contact Elizabeth 07999225288.
The Highland Council has today 15 October 2026 launched a statutory Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 consultation. Dornoch residents have until 10 December 2026 to respond to a proposal affecting Common Good land.
WE ARE HIRING! Closing date extended to 9pm Wednesday, 21st October. Looking for a wee temporary, part time job after Christmas? Our Community Session Facilitator vacancy may be the one! Join the team delivering this fantastic project, now in it's 5th year, for the Sinclair's Bay community.
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 Work Based Assessor in Aquaculture, to be based at any of our NWH campuses.
Scapa Flow Museum has announced the official launch of ‘Voices from Scapa Flow’, an ambitious new audio project revealing what life was really like for the residents, service personnel and workers stationed at one of the world’s greatest natural harbours during the First and Second World Wars. The project is a Highlands and Islands Digital Heritage Network initiative, delivered in partnership with The Space, a not-for-profit digital agency for the arts, heritage and culture sector, and Museums and Heritage Highland.
The Highland Council’s Environmental Health team is advising members of the public to exercise caution following the identification of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Loch Migdale, Sutherland. The situation is being investigated by Highland Council’s Environmental Health team in partnership with NHS Highland Public Health Department and wider colleagues.
This one-bedroom flat is situated in the sought-after Bignold Court. It is in need of renovation, after being empty for a duration of time, and is looking for a buyer to restore it to its former glory.
Morven Fancey, Head of housing, skills and population with Highland and Islands Enerprise looks a Childcare. Investing in childcare is an investment in people, in communities and in the long-term success of the Highlands and Islands and the region’s contribution to Scotland’s economy.
Trading Standards regularly issues warning about scams. Now they have provided a very useful advice list.
The Scottish Government has appointed another trade and investment envoy, this time to the United Arab Emirates. Ronnie Graham, managing partner of Winston Taylor's Dubai office, has been appointed to promote Scotland's interests in the UAE and help Scottish companies build relationships in the market.
Britain is being encouraged to become better prepared for emergencies, with households advised to keep supplies of food and water that could see them through several days. That sounds sensible enough.
RG SetSquare has a requirement for multiple HGV Drivers required for an ongoing assignment with our client. 6 month contract.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join QS, supporting UHI North, West & Hebrides with examinations. QS are looking to recruit a Depute Chief Invigilator to be responsible for supporting the Chief Invigilator (CI) with the organisation and supervision of invigilation for National Qualifications, in accordance with QS policy and procedures.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join QS, supporting UHI North, West & Hebrides with examinations. QS are looking to recruit an Invigilator to undertake the duties of invigilation for National Qualifications, in accordance with QS policy and procedures.
Women going through the menopause are being offered an ever-growing range of supplements promising to help with hot flushes, poor sleep, mood changes, brain fog, tiredness and a host of other symptoms. But new research raises an uncomfortable question: are some women paying hundreds of pounds a year for products that offer little more than a much cheaper ordinary multivitamin? The answer is not that all menopause supplements are useless.
Bacon has suddenly become a rather more complicated item on the shopping list. Should we worry about nitrates and nitrites? Is nitrate-free bacon healthier? And if supermarkets are now selling bacon without added nitrites, is it worth paying extra for it?.
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