Summer jobseekers urged to use the HMRC app to demystify tax and money matters. 40% of young people wish they had learnt the basics about tax when they were younger.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announces a new support package at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk. New UK support for Ukraine’s recovery and energy security in the face of Putin’s war.
Graduates earn on average around £100,000 more over their lifetime than non-graduate counterparts, but returns vary by degree subject. Students’ choice of degree subject has a hugely significant impact on their lifetime earnings, according to new research from the IFS.
Tax cut on meals and days out come into force. Every family across the UK will pay less tax on meals and days out as new VAT cut helps families enjoy trips to the seaside and making memories with loved ones.
A concerning 31.5% of transportation & storage sector firms have told the ONS they have no cash reserves this month. That’s a higher number of cash-strapped firms than any other sector, warns the home delivery expert Parcelhero.
More than £50m of additional public investment was attracted to the Highlands and Islands last year by the region’s development agency. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) almost doubled its £53m opening budget from the start of financial year 2025/26, delivering an annual spend of £105m to create hundreds of jobs and grow the regional economy.
Scotland's wildlife will be protected from an inhumane and indiscriminate pest control method when a comprehensive ban on glue traps comes into force next month Glue traps do not distinguish between target and non-target animals, and any creature that crosses their path can become trapped, meaning other species such as songbirds can suffer prolonged unintended distress or death. From 1 July 2026, under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, it will be a criminal offence to use, supply or possess a glue trap.
Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) has delivered the third and final return of high-level waste (HLW), in the form of vitrified residue, to Germany. This marks the completion of an international commitment between the UK and Germany, and a significant milestone in the UK’s nuclear clean-up mission.
Scotland’s onshore GDP grew by 0.1% in the three months to April 2026, compared with GDP remaining flat (0.0% growth) in the three months to January 2026, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician. In the three months to April, the sectors with the largest positive contribution to three month GDP were Retail, Wholesale & Motor Trades and Health & Social Work, which contributed around 0.1 percentage points of growth respectively towards the overall three month growth of 0.1%.
Around £160,000 has been lost so far this year to so-called "Hi Mum/Dad" scams on WhatsApp, where a scammer impersonates a family member and asks for money, usually to make an urgent payment. One man received a message from someone pretending to be his son, saying he had lost his phone and wallet while on holiday abroad and asking his Dad to transfer money that day to help him out.
O2 has warned customers to be wary of a new scam text message which appears to have been sent by them and says your SIM card will be deactivated unless you take urgent action. The message asks you to click a link to sign in to your O2 account and accept updated terms and conditions, supposedly to keep your SIM card active.
There have been reports of scam emails that appear to have been sent by internet providers such as BT or EE and offer customers the chance to win a Wifi booster by clicking on a link. One of the scam emails includes the BT logo and branding and says that, as a 'valued customer', you can claim a 'priority reward' to receive a discount on a booster.
Nine banks have been appointed to a framework that will advise and support on the delivery of the Scottish Government’s £1.5 billion bonds programme over the next five years. As part of this process, HSBC Bank Plc, Merrill Lynch International, NatWest Markets Plc and RBC Europe Limited have been selected to act as the joint bookrunners – lead managers for the bonds for the Scottish Government’s inaugural bond issuance.
If you are 16 to 19 years old, at school or college, and come from a low-income household you may be able to get financial help from an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). EMA is a weekly allowance of £30 per week, paid during term time.
Thought last years show was amazing.... the wait is over and we are delighted to finally reveal that.....
Looking for a bargain while supporting a great cause? Come along to our Charity Shop Jumble Rumble and fill a bag with amazing finds. Small Bag £5 Big Bag £10.
1. The “Value for Money” (VFM) rules begin rolling out.
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.
The UK’s care‑home sector is undergoing a transformation that many families, residents, and even investors haven’t fully noticed yet. Behind the scenes, American real‑estate giants are rapidly buying up the buildings that house Britain’s elderly population — and the biggest example is the £5.2 billion takeover of Barchester’s property portfolio by US‑based Welltower.
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.
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.
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.
Brake Brothers — one of the UK’s largest food‑service wholesalers is facing major industrial unrest in Scotland, with staff threatening strike action over pay, conditions, and treatment at work. The dispute has the potential to disrupt food supplies to schools, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and care homes across the country.
Despite the large cuts under President Trump, the United States is no longer the world's biggest aid donor by volume. According to the latest OECD figures for 2025.
A major part of the argument being made by the industry, many workers in Aberdeen, and opposition politicians is that we should allow more exploration and use the oil rather than importing it. However, it is not the whole story.
Even with the new Rachel Reeves ISA changes, ISAs remain one of the most powerful, flexible, and tax‑efficient ways for UK savers and investors to grow wealth, especially compared with holding money in normal bank accounts or taxable investment accounts. Why people without an ISA should still seriously consider opening one — and why the changes don’t remove their core advantages.
Amazon Prime Day 2026 is taking place from 23–26 June, making it a four-day event rather than the traditional two-day sale. Amazon moved it forward from its usual July slot this year.
The UK commercial property market is bracing for what could become one of the largest real‑estate takeovers in British history. Prologis, the world’s biggest industrial and logistics property company — and a US giant — is reportedly weighing a bid for British Land, the UK’s largest listed property company and the former Slough Estates.
The biggest Rachel Reeves–era ISA rule changes coming into force (mainly from April 2027) are as follows. A 22% tax on interest earned on cash held inside Stocks & Shares ISAs.
There is growing evidence that the market is already pricing in the prospect of more Iranian oil returning to world markets. That is one of the main reasons oil prices have fallen sharply over the past week.
In the five years since 2019, the period in which Britain formally left the EU, UK exports have tilted from goods towards services about three times faster than before. Worryingly, this reflects weakness in goods – with the UK experiencing the largest fall in goods exports in the G7 – rather than strength in services.
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.
Barnardo's Highland Services is looking for a dedicated and compassionate support worker to join our Springboard Outreach Service, supporting care leavers across the Highland Area. This role is predominately based in Caithness and Sutherland however you may need to travel to Inverness at times.
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.
Kirsty MacPherson will join from East Renfrewshire Council. Former head teacher previously worked in Dumfries and Galloway and Shetland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Us Norscot is a leading manufacturer of high-quality windows, doors, and timber frame kits, operating from our hi-tech facility in Bower, Caithness. With a strong reputation for quality workmanship and customer service, we are committed to continuous improvement across all areas of the business, including Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) standards.
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.
Serving customers for dinner and breakfast on our campsite with adjoining cafe and restaurant. Over 18 please as we are a licensed premises.
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso, is one of three hotels in The Caithness Collection, an established family hotel business, with over 35 years of hospitality experience. The hotel has 42 rooms, which caters for tour buses from April to October, we have a strong local client following allowing us to stay open all year round.
We are currently looking for bar staff. This is a part time position which will be permanent.
(As spoken by the Seer of Dunnet Head, on a windy day like any other). Hear now, O folk of the far north, And gather close against the breeze, For I shall speak the ancient words Passed down through budgets, cuts, and pleas.
In rural Scotland, distance is not an abstract concept. It is the price of participation in modern life.
(As sung by the Bards of Berriedale, whose patience is older than the rocks themselves). In the age before spreadsheets, when ministers still believed in timetables and the word “2025” sounded achievable, there came a mighty proclamation from the south: “We shall dual the A9,” they cried, “from Perth to Inverness — a road fit for heroes, tourists, and lorries alike!”.
Our School’s Out summer activity programme is now available to preview. You can save chosen activities ahead of the bookings going live for a faster checkout.
The collapse of Orbex in February 2026 and the fate of its subsidiary Sutherland Spaceport Ltd (SSL) was not caused by a single event. It was a combination of funding failure, rising costs, and strategic setbacks that slowly removed its ability to continue operating.
Position: We are seeking a Lecturer – Pathways (Maternity Cover) to be based at our Thurso campus. This role spans further and higher education provision and is currently structured across the following areas, therefore there is an opportunity for candidates to job share: Pathways to College and Employment and Pathways to Health, Education and Social Care These access-level programmes are designed for learners who have experienced barriers to engagement in mainstream education.
A number of projects have been supported by funding allocations agreed at today’s Sutherland County Committee. Community regeneration projects Members approved £95,000 of Community Regeneration Funding in support of two community projects in Sutherland.
At The Highland Council’s Economy & Infrastructure committee held on 28 May 2026, members agreed the distribution of Highland Coastal Communities Funding (HCCF) allocation across the local area committees. HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government.
This beautiful four-bedroom, terraced home, has a garage and a mature garden to the rear. Many of the original features have been retained including original doors, cornicing, dado rails and the staircase.
Polling will take place on Thursday 25 June 2026 to elect one candidate standing in the Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton by-election. Voters in this Ward are being reminded to make sure they are ready to cast their vote.
The Open Fund for Individuals supports the wide range of activity initiated by artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland. This fund is designed to support a range of creative activity, such as a specific project, production or a period of research and development.
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
