The Japanese yen has fallen to levels against the US dollar not seen for around 40 years. At first glance, that might sound like a problem only for Japan.
The latest business survey from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) provides a mixed picture of the UK economy. The good news is that most businesses are still operating.
When people hear that the US dollar has fallen in value, one question often follows: Does that mean oil – and therefore petrol – becomes cheaper? The answer is yes... but not always.
Geologically, rare‑earth elements (REEs) occur in several parts of the UK — notably in Scotland’s alkaline intrusions, Cornwall’s granites, and Northern Ireland’s basalts — but none are currently mined at commercial scale. The UK Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy confirms that Britain imports almost all rare earths, with domestic capability focused on midstream processing and recycling rather than mining.
Part 3 of the series: Scotland at the Crossroads – Money, Markets, and the Economics of Independence. Launching a new currency is less like flipping a switch and more like carefully rewiring an entire economy while everything is still running.
When unemployment rises, governments take notice and when factories close, headlines appear. But some of the most important warnings about the future of jobs appear much earlier — in places that receive far less attention.
Two new non-invasive diagnostic technologies can be used in the NHS while further evidence is generated to speed up the diagnosis of endometriosis in primary care. Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK, yet the average time to diagnosis is more than 9 years.
Politicians of every persuasion like to describe small businesses as "the backbone of the British economy." It is a phrase so overused that it risks becoming meaningless. Yet the latest figures suggest that backbone is beginning to weaken.
Opening today (Tuesday 7 July 2026) the six-week call for evidence will gather views on: modernising the earnings limit to reduce the impact of the current cliff edge, improving predictability for carers with varying incomes, and better supporting those with work and caring responsibilities. Carers, people with care needs and carers’ organisations encouraged to have their say on reforms to be made to the outdated system inherited from previous Government.
The potential new prime minister Andy Burnham has stated on a few occasions his commitment to the pensions triple lock. Is he already eyeing up the next general election?.
Scotland has long punched above its weight when it comes to live entertainment. From grassroots music venues and independent theatres to pubs hosting local bands and iconic nightclubs, these spaces have been central to the country's cultural life and local economies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often portrayed as something that exists in the cloud – invisible, intangible and somehow detached from the real world. The reality couldn't be more different.
Ahead of Secretary of State Peter Kyle’s appearance on Tuesday 7 July, the Business and Trade Committee has asked the Department to reconsider the Government’s “inadequate” response to proposals to improve UK plans for small business growth. In February of this year the Committee reported that small businesses across the UK were facing cost pressures comparable to the conditions of the pandemic, but without pandemic-style support packages.
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.
New rules include a cap on donations from those who've lived overseas and tougher checks on company donations. New safeguards to stop foreign money influencing UK elections, including a timebound cap on donations on those who move to the UK from overseas.
More than 300,000 residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation will no longer face a drop in income when increasing their working hours, under new rules laid in Parliament today [Monday 6 July 2026]. Residents in supported housing and temporary accommodation previously faced a “cliff edge” loss of income when increasing their working hours New changes to the welfare system which encourage work and ensure it always pays come into force in October.
NATO air policing conducted by F-35 jets from European aircraft carrier for first time in boost to High North security. Britain’s Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, is helping to defend Europe and the North Atlantic, with F-35 jets conducting NATO air policing operations from the deck for the first time.
Councillor resignations over taxi‑licence scandal Highland Council saw three resignations after the licensing committee allowed a convicted rapist to retain his taxi licence. The decision triggered widespread anger across Caithness and beyond, with residents questioning how such a ruling was possible.
Government steps up action to protect children with toy safety rules. Government launches Call for Evidence to ensure toy safety rules are fit for a modern age It will examine emerging risks including chemical safety and AI-enabled toys Part of wider action to crack down on unsafe products, strengthen consumer protections, and provide clarity to businesses to support trade and growth Children will be better protected from unsafe toys under new plans to ensure the UK’s toy safety framework is fit for the modern age, giving parents peace of mind that the products they buy are safe, whether purchased on the high street or online.
Part 2 of the series: Scotland at the Crossroads – Money, Markets, and the Economics of Independence. Few questions in the independence debate carry as much weight or as much confusion as the question of currency.
The winds that sweep across the Western Isles have shaped the region for centuries—sculpting its machair, powering its fishing fleets, and defining the rhythm of island life. Today, those same winds are at the centre of a debate that reaches far beyond Lewis: a debate about how Scotland should pursue its renewable‑energy future, and what communities must weigh when global climate goals meet local realities.
For decades, people in the UK tended to view air conditioning as something that belonged elsewhere. It was associated with office buildings, hotels and hotter countries rather than their own homes.
The Scottish Government's latest Economic Bulletin paints a picture of an economy that is continuing to grow—but only just. While Scotland has avoided recession, growth remains weak and businesses and households continue to face pressures from higher costs, global uncertainty and subdued consumer confidence.
The UK's savings system is dominated by ISAs and pensions. Together, they account for most personal savings.
Views are being sought on plans to introduce two new council tax bands for properties worth more than £1 million and £2 million respectively to help fund local public services across Scotland. A public consultation seeks responses on possible increases of around £720 and £3,600 above the current highest Band H council tax charges.
Aluminium may not be something most people think about every day, but it is one of the most important industrial metals in the modern economy. It is used in everything from cars and aircraft to food packaging, beverage cans, construction materials, electrical equipment and household appliances.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Thought last years show was amazing.... the wait is over and we are delighted to finally reveal that.....
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.
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.
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.
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.
When the BBC announces another round of job cuts, it is easy to think of it as a single event. But the latest announcement is not an isolated decision.
Each year, the Scottish Government distributes Community Led Local Development (CLLD) funding to Local Action Groups (LAG) to support local priorities. For 2026 to 2027, the LAG are investing in projects that strengthen communities in the Highlands and reduce inequality.
This report is the final output of the Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review. It brings together the evidence collected during the project & provides options & practical recommendations for the roles and delivery of Community Led Local Development, Scottish Rural Network and Scottish Rural Action.
Wick Golf Club are looking for an enthusiastic and hard-working person to join their greenkeeping team for the summer months. You will need to enjoy working outside and preferably have some experience with relevant machinery.
WE ARE HIRING Receptionist/Administrator - Thurso Office (Full-Time) Are you welcoming, highly organised, and confident in a fast-paced environment? This could be your next move. As the face and voice of out Thurso office, you'll be the first point of contact for our clients - creating a professional, friendly, and lasting first impression.
Check out Wick Gala Facebook..
Click over to the Caithness show Facebook page for lots of details. You can now buy early tickets online to avoid queues etc.
See poster..
In times of uncertainty, savers may want to keep cash close, but with over 200 easy-access accounts beating inflation, leaving money in low-paying accounts is costly. Time to move your money out of low interest accounts.
Position: We are seeking a proactive and detail‑driven Quality Officer to play a central role in upholding UHI North, West and Hebrides’ commitment to excellence. This position is critical to maintaining and enhancing the high-quality learning experience we deliver across the college and will be based at our UHI North, West and Hebrides campuses in Fort William or Thurso.
Scaffolder required for approximately 6 weeks contract in Fair Isle commencing beginning of August.Send CVs to caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk for more infomation contact 07793102455. .
Postal vote packs for the Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton by-election were posted posted out last Friday. The Highland Council is advising postal voters to read the instructions carefully when completing their statement and ballot paper to ensure their vote counts.
The case against children’s access to social media isn’t just about online harms, argues Goldsmith’s Dr Veli Hillman, but about the steady narrowing of what childhood is allowed to become. Modern societies routinely restrict children’s access to activities where power, incentives and risks are radically unequal.
Caithness Forums
What's On in Caithness
Property For Sale
Property For Rent
Sutherland Property
Planning Notices
Who Is Building?
Submit Your Details
Other Enquiries
