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For months now, ministers have insisted that talk of “pension raids” is nothing more than online noise. They say the government is committed to protecting pensioners, that the triple lock is safe, that no one is coming for people’s retirement savings.

The Chancellor’s already‑tight fiscal headroom has been “seriously eroded”, according to senior economic analysts, prompting renewed speculation that the Treasury may turn to pension‑related tax measures to plug the gap. Independent forecasts suggest that between £12 billion and £16 billion of the Chancellor’s fiscal buffer has disappeared due to weaker‑than‑expected growth, higher borrowing costs, and the ongoing freeze in tax thresholds.

UK and Australia agree deeper ties to tackle AI risks. The UK and Australia agree deeper ties to tackle AI risks, with new partnership between the UK AI Security Institute and the Australian AI Safety Institute.

The IWSR (International Wine and Spirits Research) has been consistently reporting a structural slowdown in global alcohol consumption growth, but it’s not a simple story of “everyone drinking less”. It’s more about how, what, and why people drink changing.

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has now pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the Scottish National Party over a period stretching from 2010 to 2023. The case was part of the long-running Police Scotland investigation known as “Operation Branchform.” How much money was involved? Originally prosecutors alleged about: £459,046 had been embezzled.

Lena Petrova discusses the inflated valuations of many private equity companies. Will Private Equity shrink back and the cracks about to explode.

The World Bank report State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025/2026 says carbon trading and carbon taxes are becoming a major part of the global economy. Governments are increasingly using them both to cut emissions and raise money.

The main reason oil prices appear to have dropped today is growing market optimism that tensions between the United States and Iran may ease, reducing fears of a prolonged disruption to Middle East oil supplies. The question is whether the current talks lead to a solid agreement.

The World Bank Group’s fertilizer price index rose more than 12 percent in 2026Q1 (q/q), marking its sixth increase in seven quarters. By April 2026, the index had reached its highest level since October 2022, driven mainly by export disruptions related to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Grandparents have always been part of the background architecture of family life — steady, familiar, and often underestimated. But when you look closely at what they pass on, you realise they are teaching the most important lessons a child will ever learn.

Grandparents have always been part of the quiet architecture of family life — the school‑run helpers, the emergency babysitters, the keepers of stories and common sense. But new research published in early 2026 shows something bigger happening: grandparents are now structural pillars in the UK’s childcare, social care, and emotional support systems.

There is now fairly strong evidence behind the widely discussed prediction that the UK energy price cap could rise by around 13% from 1 July 2026. The main source is energy consultancy Cornwall Insight, whose forecasts are closely watched because they model Ofgem’s actual pricing formula.

The main change just announced in the UK tax system is a rise in the tax-free mileage allowance for people using their own vehicle for work journeys. From the 2026/27 tax year: The Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP) rate rises from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles.

Most households think saving money means cutting back on things they enjoy. But the truth is far simpler: the biggest, easiest savings come from questioning the things you do out of habit, not out of need.

NEWLY REDUCED PRICE A unique chance to acquire this B Listed former Granary, steeped in history and dating back to the 18th century. Planning permission was previously granted for conversion into a family home, highlighting the property's exciting residential potential.

Highland Council approves new engagement strategy to put communities at the heart of decision-making A new Participation and Engagement Strategy developed to encourage community involvement in service design and priority planning is set to be implemented by Highland Council following extensive public consultation. The strategy incorporates feedback from residents and community groups, focused on the importance of improving transparency, accessibility and feedback.

At today’s meeting of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, Members approved a long-term approach to weed control that will reduce reliance on chemical herbicides, while maintaining safe, accessible public spaces and protecting biodiversity. The new Integrated Weed Control Strategy and Action Plan builds on the Council’s partial ban on glyphosate-based products in playgrounds, schools and sports facilities, which was introduced in 2019.

Relief Support Worker – Caithness Mikeysline Mikeysline is a Highland, Islands and Moray–based mental health awareness and suicide prevention charity, established in 2015. We provide support to both adults and young people through evening text-based services and one-to-one sessions (face to face, telephone or online) within our ‘Hive’ support spaces.

Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC) AGM Monday 1st June 7pm in the Mowat Room at Wick Assembly Rooms. All Welcome..

Stores Person – Wick Factory imenco.com Imenco Future Technologies is an innovation-driven company specialising in high quality vision systems, subsea sensors and acoustic solutions. We collaborate closely with our customer partners in the offshore energy, defence, and maritime sectors to solve their unique operational challenges by applying core technical knowledge in optics, sound propagation and AI enabled electronic systems.

Even as the calendar insists it is May, the Highlands often disagree. A stiff northerly wind sweeps across Caithness, the haar rolls in from the sea, and the thermometer hovers stubbornly in the single digits.

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.

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.

The National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations is a funding programme for artistic, creative and cultural organisations based in Scotland. You can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 to support creative activity that runs for up to 18 months.

A spacious 4 bedroom semi-detached house with garage and off road parking, situated in the popular Mount Vernon area of Thurso. Within walking distance of the town centre, the property benefits from easy access to the amenities, services, and transport links expected of a bustling Highland town.

A date for your diaries - Sunday 14th June. Yarrows Heritage has been renovating the Yarrows Trail - new signage, information boards, leaflets, waymarker posts, etc.

A & D Sutherland Ltd have vacancies for General labourers. Please apply including your CV to: mark@caithnessflagstone.co.uk.

This immaculately presented four-bedroom semi-detached property is ideally situated in the heart of the town, offering generous living space and excellent convenience to local amenities and East Caithness Community Campus. A standout feature of the home is the stunning conservatory, providing a bright and relaxing space overlooking the beautifully maintained garden, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.

The UK is entering a new phase in its energy story—one defined not by choice, but by necessity. Across the country, more wind farms, battery storage sites, substations and power lines are being proposed, approved and built.

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The aviation industry is entering a period of renewed uncertainty. The collapse of Spirit Airlines has raised serious questions about the stability of low-cost air travel, especially as fuel prices and operating costs continue to rise globally.

A Highland Council by-election is being held for Ward 4 – East Sutherland and Edderton following the resignation of Councillor Jim McGillivray. The Notice of Election and timetable for this election will be published on the Council’s website on Thursday 14 May 2026.

An opportunity for rural communities to apply for funding to support their projects is now open. The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for grants up to £10,000.