Britain's jobs market continues to lose some momentum, with the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showing unemployment slightly higher than a year ago and the number of people on company payrolls continuing to fall. The unemployment rate was estimated at 4.9% in the three months to July 2026, up 0.2 percentage points on a year earlier.
Communities, businesses and residents are being given extra time to share ideas that will influence future development and land use across Highland. The Highland Council has an open Call for Ideas survey, which is inviting people to share ideas on future development and long-term land use in Highland.
Delivery and logistics firms have gone from being the least likely UK sector to embrace homeworking to one of the fastest-growing, new analysis of ONS data by the delivery expert Parcelhero shows. It says manufacturing’s flexible working has also surged while wholesale & retail has slipped back.
HMRC is encouraging people to check their State Pension forecast using the HMRC app during Pension Awareness Week. Research shows 45 to 54-year-olds are more likely than any other age group to have never checked their State Pension, despite it being a key time for retirement planning.
At the Toronto International Film Festival, Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray signs new treaty with his Canadian counterpart. Agreement will enable more collaboration in film and TV on both sides of the Atlantic.
The meeting in Cardiff on Monday is more significant than simply a discussion between the three nationalist parties. John Swinney (SNP), Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) and Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin), with Mary Lou McDonald also attending, are using the meeting to argue that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have a right to determine their own constitutional futures.
UKAEA and PPPL have joined forces to accelerate fusion energy’s development, linking UKAEA’s SUNRISE supercomputer with PPPL’s STELLAR-AI platform. Fusion energy development to be accelerated by advanced supercomputing and AI Federation strengthens UK-US leadership in science and innovation Creating world-leading transatlantic AI capability for fusion Investing in people and skills needed for future The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the United States Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have joined forces to link their advanced fusion supercomputing platforms, using artificial intelligence to accelerate fusion energy’s development.
Vehicle theft is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using electronic equipment to exploit weaknesses in modern vehicle security systems. New legislation is now set to give police and the courts additional powers to tackle the people who possess, manufacture, adapt, import or supply electronic devices intended to facilitate vehicle theft.
Britain's offshore energy industry continues to make a substantial contribution to the economy, supporting around 245,000 jobs and generating £36.7 billion in economic value each year, according to the 2026 Economic Report from Offshore Energies UK. But the report also delivers a warning.
Interest rate markets are in turmoil. Government bond yields are rising, inflation fears are growing, and financial markets are demanding higher returns.
It would obviously be different. Brexit involved the UK leaving a much larger political and economic union while remaining one country.
The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are meeting to discuss their constitutional futures and what they believe should be the right of their people to decide whether they remain part of the United Kingdom. For Scotland, that immediately raises a much bigger question.
The Scottish and Welsh Governments have agreed to improve how they work together on areas of shared interest to strengthen democracy and deliver better outcomes for people in Scotland and Wales. The Cardiff Agreement, which was signed by First Ministers John Swinney and Rhun ap Iorwerth, covers areas of common interest including: tackling child poverty and improving outcomes for children and families.
Bond yields have hit their highest levels in years. The US 10-year is near 5%, UK 30-year gilts are at their highest since 1998, and oil is back above $100.
More than 200 Brits are currently detained overseas in cannabis smuggling cases linked to Thailand alone, after being recruited with promises of free holidays, easy money and ‘low risk’ opportunities. Drug smuggling arrests involving British nationals abroad more than quadrupled between 2023 and 2025.
Passkeys are being rolled out across GOV.UK One Login, giving more than 23 million users a faster and more secure way to access government services. Passkeys are being rolled out across GOV.UK One Login, giving more than 23 million users a faster and more secure way to access government services, such as accessing childcare services or renewing their driver’s licence.
UK and US set to sign agreements at the Global Fusion Summit to combine expertise in AI, computing and fusion and to cooperate on regulating fusion energy. UK and US to sign a new agreement on fusion and AI to accelerate commercial fusion energy rollout and thousands of jobs in both countries.
Britain could be heading into another difficult period for household finances. Oil prices have risen sharply as the Middle East conflict disrupts energy supplies and shipping.
The rising oil price is beginning to show up where motorists notice it most: at the petrol pump. Average petrol prices across Scotland are now around 175p a litre in Highland, compared with a Scottish average of about 170p.
The Government's latest attempt to get Britain's economy moving faces a difficult test. The Prime Minister is bringing together business leaders through the Growth Panel to discuss how investment, productivity and economic growth can be increased.
For generations, people in Scotland have tended to think of water as something that simply comes out of the tap. It is certainly not free.
The important question is whether the Houthi attacks are creating a temporary market scare or the beginnings of a new inflation problem that could force the Bank of England to raise interest rates. There are three things in play right now.
Maternity services have been a continuing source of concern in parts of Scotland, particularly in rural and island communities where women can already face long journeys to reach specialist care. The latest exchange in the Scottish Parliament suggests that the arguments are still far from being settled.
There is a growing concern that children and adults are reading fewer books than previous generations. It is an issue worth taking seriously, particularly as Scotland is now reviewing its Curriculum for Excellence and looking at what children need to know and be able to do in the years ahead.
The latest escalation in the Middle East is beginning to look less like a temporary oil-price spike and more like a threat to the wider global economy. The Houthis in Yemen have expanded their attacks while gaining control of territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast and reaching the strategically important island of Perim near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
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..
We are excited to present this approximate 0.15 -acre plot located within a tranquil location in Keiss, Wick..
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..
CLEANER WANTED – LATHERON Cleaner wanted to service Airbnb. 2 bedrooms, lounge, kitchen/dining area and bathroom.
We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Front of House Staff to join our team. This role is crucial in ensuring that our customers receive exceptional service and a memorable experience.
An exciting opportunity to join a lovely team help support a young man in his own home in Wick. If you are someone who likes to make a difference in someone's life and is caring compassionate and reliable this could be for you.
Here at Riverside house care home we are looking to employ a domestic assistant to join our team working four shifts per week 8am-2pm to ensure all areas are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, in this role you will perform cleaning tasks including dusting, hoovering, mopping and sanitizing surfaces. Previous experience is an advantage but not essential as full training will be given.
Specsavers in Wick are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our store due to continued growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, hard-working team.
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.
The Highland Council’s Justice Service teams will be hosting open days in Inverness and Golspie this September. The public are invited to open day sessions on Wednesday 9 September at Inverness Justice Centre and Thursday 10 September at Golspie Justice Services.
Over a third of children talk or play online with people they have never met. 91% of parents use monitoring tools — but 41% of children have tried to get around them.
There is something rather odd about the way we treat sunscreen in Britain. We know that exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer.
Britain is adopting artificial intelligence at remarkable speed. But there is an intriguing problem developing beneath the headline figures.
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.
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.
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.
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