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.
For years, British politics has often appeared to be written with cities in mind. Transport policy, housing policy, economic development and even access to public services can look very different when the nearest town is several miles away, buses are infrequent and there may be no alternative to the car.
Some BBC radio listeners using Amazon Alexa may have noticed a change. Asking Alexa to "play Radio Scotland" may now result in a message saying that the station is no longer available.
Being a landlord in Scotland used to be relatively straightforward. Buy a property, find a tenant, collect the rent and, if house prices rose, benefit from the increase in the value of the property.
Scotland's falling birth rate is becoming difficult to ignore. The number of babies being born has reached record lows and the fertility rate is now well below the level needed to replace the population over the long term.
A Caithness mum whose work brings music, movement and families together has been recognised as one of the area's young business success stories. Jade Sinclair, founder of Zumbini with Jade, has won the George Bruce Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 2026 North Highland Chamber of Commerce awards.
China has stepped up its gold buying again, with the People's Bank of China adding 20.2 tonnes to its reserves in August. At current prices, that single month's purchase is worth roughly £2 billion.
Heating Oil or Electric? The Difficult Choice Facing Rural Scottish Households This Winter For many rural Scottish households, the question this winter will not simply be how much heating will cost. It will be which form of heating gives them the best chance of keeping warm without breaking the household budget.
Any candidatein the East Cithness bi-elections is invited to send in up to 1000 words in a statement giving their background and why they wish to represent people in he ward at Highland council. An outline of what they hope to do and which things they would support.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
There have been some alarming stories on the radio and in newspapers suggesting that artificial intelligence could soon “take over the internet”. That sounds rather like the beginning of a science-fiction film.
President Donald Trump has made tariffs one of the defining features of his economic policy. His argument is straightforward.
There is a new and increasingly worrying question surrounding the war between the United States and Iran. Not simply When will it end? But What happens if it doesn't? Some commentators are now discussing the possibility that the conflict could continue for many months, potentially even a year.
Scotland is becoming an electricity powerhouse. In 2025, Scotland generated a record 38.5 terawatt-hours of renewable electricity, with wind accounting for most of it.
There are moments in international affairs when a relatively small geographical development suddenly becomes important to almost everybody. The latest advance by Yemen's Houthi movement may be one of them.
The state pension has become one of the most politically sensitive subjects in Britain. For millions of pensioners it is the foundation of their income.
The Scottish Government is heading towards its next Budget with less room for manoeuvre than it had expected. The Scottish Fiscal Commission's latest update does not describe this as a conventional Government deficit but instead, it points to a combination of falling real-terms funding, higher spending pressures and a series of financial adjustments that are making the outlook for 2027-28 increasingly difficult.
Europe has built an enormous renewable-energy industry, but a new report from the European Court of Auditors raises a rather awkward question. How much of that energy revolution actually belongs to the communities living alongside it? The European Union has promoted the idea of “energy communities”, where citizens, small businesses and local authorities can collectively produce, store, share and sell renewable electricity.
The Bank of England goes into its next interest-rate decision on 17 September with a problem that has become increasingly difficult to read. On the face of it, there is little reason for the Bank to raise rates.
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..
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.
CLEANER WANTED – LATHERON Cleaner wanted to service Airbnb. 2 bedrooms, lounge, kitchen/dining area and bathroom.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No booking required. Get ready to create..
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.
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.
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