As a new UK Government forms under Andy Burnham, national media will be full of commentary from “experts” on tax, energy, climate policy, and public spending. Many of these voices come from London‑based think tanks — organisations that produce reports, media commentary, and political analysis.
When people think about the war in Ukraine, they naturally think about the battlefield. But a second battle is taking place far behind the front lines.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) brought some welcome news for the Government. After a small decline in April, the UK economy returned to growth in May, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing by 0.1%.
The Office for National Statistics has released the latest UK trade figures for May 2026, and—as is often the case with trade data—the picture is mixed. Some sectors are showing real strength, others are softening, and the overall balance is still firmly in the red.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, many people assumed the biggest effects would be felt in Eastern Europe. Instead, households across Britain soon discovered that a war more than 1,500 miles away could affect everything from electricity bills to supermarket prices.
If you stand on Dunnet Head on a windy day, it is easy to forget just how important Caithness has become. Electricity generated around Scotland flows south to millions of homes.
Stand on the north coast of Scotland on a windy day and it is easy to believe we should have some of the cheapest electricity in Europe. Around us are expanding offshore wind projects.
Much of the debate about Britain's ageing population takes place in terms of pensions and healthcare. But in places like Caithness, it is about much more than that.
Whenever economists debate the future of the State Pension Triple Lock, it can sound like a discussion taking place in Westminster offices and London think tanks. But if governments eventually decide the system is too expensive, the effects would be felt in places like Caithness perhaps more than almost anywhere else.
When tax owed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) becomes overdue for payment, it is classified as tax debt. In 2023, HMRC published its tax debt strategy, with an update in 2025.
Every year, another group of young people leaves Caithness. This is not just a Caithness story as similar challenges exist in Orkney, Shetland, Argyll, the Borders, Cumbria, Wales and many rural parts of Europe.
For more than 30 years, China seemed unstoppable. Its economy grew at astonishing speed with new cities appeared almost overnight and millions of people moved from the countryside into better-paid jobs.
The UK Pubic Accounts Committee has commenced an inquiry into the energy transmission network that points up the issues for energy supplies not least for alternative sources. Around twice as much new energy transmission network infrastructure will be needed by 2030 as was built in the past decade to move electricity from generation sites to consumer distribution networks.
England and Scotland may now be out of the World Cup but, believe it or not, there are still reasons to be cheerful, as the home delivery expert Parcelhero is reminding saddened Brits. Many economic indicators show an encouraging uptick.
Leaving Caithness is nothing new as people have been doing it for centuries. Some left to fish and others joined the armed forces while many found work in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or further south.
The State Pension Triple Lock has become one of the most politically sensitive policies in Britain. Over the past year, a growing number of respected economic organisations have questioned whether it can continue unchanged.
All flights between the Highlands and Islands and other Scottish airports will be exempt from Air Departure Tax (ADT) when the devolved levy comes into force next year. Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said extending the exemption to incoming flights to the Highlands and Islands from other locations in Scotland will improve national connectivity for people and businesses when ADT replaces the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty on 1 April 2027.
From 15 July 2026, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) finally becomes a regulated financial product in the UK. After years of complaints about unclear terms, missed‑payment traps, and people accidentally building up hidden debts, the government and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have stepped in.
One of Caithness's newest success stories is proving that location is no barrier to reaching customers around the world. 8 Doors Distillery in John O'Groats, Scotland's most northerly mainland whisky distillery, is expanding into international markets with support from Scottish Enterprise and Team Scotland, demonstrating how businesses from the far north can compete on the global stage.
The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding. Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.
Moneyfacts UK Savings Trends Treasury Report data shows savings choice hits a sixth consecutive record high as competition among providers remains fierce. Overall product choice has beaten all-time highs for a sixth consecutive month, rising to 2,583 savings deals (including ISAs).
The international nature of large businesses presents high risks to the UK’s tax revenues. In a new report on large business tax compliance, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) warns that, while HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) approach to collecting tax from large businesses is generally working well, the scale of risks posed by large multinationals diverting profits across borders remains significantly high - even with a new international minimum tax rate being implemented.
A triple whammy of weak growth, an ageing population and rising ill-health since 2007 are costing Britain around £330 billion a year today which is being offset by an unholy trinity of higher taxes, lower public services spending and more borrowing. The new residents of Downing Street need a bold new fiscal strategy to break Britain out of its funk, or else the policy trade-offs will get even more painful, according to major new Resolution Foundation research published today (Thursday 16 July 2026).
The UK government continues not to have a grip on managing the strategy to pool back-office functions between Departments. In a new report on the Government Shared Services strategy, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlights a string of issues with the scheme including unexplained delays and a lack of oversight, and warns that government must now urgently revisit all aspects of its strategy to avoid it becoming a costly failure.
Every week there seems to be another story about China. Chinese electric cars are becoming cheaper.
Today marks an important milestone for both Britain and India as the long-awaited UK-India Free Trade Agreement officially comes into force. After years of negotiations, businesses on both sides can now begin taking advantage of lower tariffs, easier market access and simpler trading rules.
The BBC's latest annual report reveals that more than 539,000 households stopped paying the TV licence over the past year, leaving around 23.3 million licence holders – the lowest figure for many years. The BBC says this is the sharpest annual fall since the Covid pandemic and warns that its current funding model is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
Did Scotland's Iron Age brochs form a prehistoric long-distance warning system? In this history documentary, Ashley Cowie joins Iain MacLean of the Caithness Broch Project to investigate an archaeological mystery: four enigmatic Iron Age stone towers hidden across the rugged landscape of northern Scotland. Trekking through the remote Berriedale Strath, they conduct a viewshed analysis to test a compelling archaeological hypothesis: were these monumental brochs deliberately positioned to maintain line-of-sight with one another? Their expedition reveals remarkable evidence that these towering displays of Iron Age architecture may have formed an intentional signaling network, offering new insights into prehistoric engineering, landscape planning, and regional communication..
Here at Riverside house care home we are seeking to employ a part time Laundry Assistant working 20 hours per week worked over four days, hours are two shifts 9am-1pm and two shifts 7am-1pm, for more information or to request an application form email; lynnsmith@riversidehousecarehime.com or call 01955602314.
Care Planning Coordinator Laurandy Centre, Wick Hours: 28 hours per week over 4 days, Tuesday to Friday. We are readvertising this opportunity as we continue our search for the right person to join our friendly team.
Help Shape Highland's Future with Regeneration Funding The Scottish Government has announced plans to open the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) later this year, creating an exciting opportunity for projects that can make a lasting difference to communities across Highland. The RCGF is a competitive, Scotland-wide fund that supports locally developed regeneration projects.
The UK Government has announced that children aged 8 and 9 can now use eGates at major UK airports and at international rail terminals. Previously, only travellers aged 10 and over were allowed to use them.
Millions of calls were likely mishandled over nearly a three-year period, preventing or delaying customers from switching away to a better deal. Investigation uncovers deliberate call-dropping tactics, excessive and unnecessary call transfers and putting customers repeatedly on hold for no reason.
The ONS report measures the natural capital of enclosed farmland meaning the economic value of the land, soils, habitats, and ecosystem services produced by fields, hedgerows, and managed agricultural landscapes across the UK. Key points from the report Enclosed farmland covers around a third of the UK’s land area, making it one of the country’s most significant land uses.
Barnardo's Highland Services is looking for dedicated, compassionate and motivated individuals to join our Springboard Outreach Service as As and When Outreach Workers, supporting care-experienced young people across the Highland area. This flexible role offers a unique opportunity to walk alongside young people as they transition into adulthood, providing tailored, relationship-based support within their homes, communities and local environments.
Are you ready to take the first step in your career and gain valuable hands-on experience with a supportive local business? Blargoans Limited is offering an exciting opportunity for a Business and Operations Apprentice to join our friendly and hardworking team. This varied role is ideal for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated, and keen to learn how our businesses operate, while gaining practical experience across both Blargoans Ltd and Northern Sands Hotel.
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.
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.
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’.
Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd. is the largest crane hire and heavy lifting services company based in Caithness.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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