There is something rather puzzling happening in the international oil market. Despite growing evidence that the world is producing more oil than it consumes, prices have been rising again, with Brent crude briefly moving above $100 a barrel on Friday, 6 November.
The American stock market suffered one of its most dramatic falls in recent years on Thursday, 5 November, with approximately $3 trillion wiped from the combined market value of companies in the S&P 500. Technology shares bore the brunt of the selling, raising fresh questions about whether the enormous investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres can deliver the profits investors have been expecting.
A scheme helping low-income households avoid homelessness will receive an additional £2 million this year. The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme provides direct financial support to low-income households struggling with housing costs and helps people to retain their tenancy in the rented sector.
Scotland’s business community will continue to benefit from the expertise and support of Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart as she continues in her role until September 2027. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn confirmed the extension of her contract at a Scottish Government-supported event celebrating the inaugural Sunday Times Scotland Fast 50.
A new defence agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan could have important consequences for the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond. The agreement, known as the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, brings together three countries with significant military capabilities, regional influence and different strategic interests.
Andy Burnham’s announcement of the creation of a “National Centre for Information Defence” at the UN last month highlighted Russia’s well-funded campaign of information manipulation and its methods. But a mere defensive approach will not be enough, argues Oliver Gill.
At its meeting ending on 4 November 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 8–1 to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 4%. One member voted to increase Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points, to 4.25%.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has been presented as one of the biggest economic opportunities of the coming decade. Governments want to attract technology companies, investors are committing billions of pounds and countries are competing to become centres of the new AI industry.
The Government has announced the increases to State Pensions and most benefits that will come into effect from April 2027. For pensioners, the headline news is a 3.9% increase in the State Pension, while most other benefits will rise by 3.5%, reflecting inflation.
A landmark transport policy designed to make travel cheaper is threatening to push Scotland’s nationalised railway into a financial crisis. The Scottish Government’s £2 bus fare cap has "punched a significant hole" into ScotRail's balance sheets, threatening millions of pounds in losses.
The war between Russia and Ukraine is increasingly becoming a battle over energy infrastructure, with both countries stepping up attacks on facilities that keep their economies and military operations running. The latest developments are particularly concerning as Europe approaches another winter.
Members of The Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee have approved a new Policy on Abandoned Vehicles that will provide a framework for investigating, assessing and enforcement against abandoned vehicles across the region. Chair of Communities and Place, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “I welcome this new policy which will help to make a difference in communities where the nuisance of abandoned vehicles arises.
Climate Change Committee Members have welcomed news that The Highland Council has successfully secured external funding in the region of £5.4 million for 2026/27. This grant funding will support retrofit and decarbonisation programmes for eligible owner occupier, private rented and Council owned houses across the Highlands.
‘Dissatisfaction drain’ as job satisfaction falls to record low and workers become less willing to go the extra mile, new British Social Attitudes research shows. People’s job satisfaction has dropped to the lowest ever level recorded by the British Social Attitudes survey.
Members of The Highland Council have today approved the commissioning of an independent external review of the Council’s licensing arrangements following a Council motion approved on 17 September 2026. The review will consider governance, decision-making processes and opportunities for improvement.
D&E Coaches has recorded a £700,000 profit after tax in its first full year under Highland Council ownership. The Council purchased the coach and bus operator in March 2025 to support the ongoing provision of sustainable and reliable transport services across the Highlands.
Members of the Communities and Place Committee have made key decisions that will improve affordability and choice within Highland bereavement services at Inverness Crematorium; and introduce stronger governance and transparency for charitable funding applications through the crematorium metal recycling scheme. Members also approved the adoption of a standardised burial management plan across Highland which will ensure compliance with new national burial management legislation.
A storm is brewing behind closed doors at Glenurquhart Road. Recent private discussions have revealed plans for Highland Council to potentially abandon its historic headquarters and relocate to Great Glen House, the current £13 million base of NatureScot.
People in NHS Highland can now access rapid physiotherapy support for bone, muscle and joint conditions, commonly known as musculoskeletal (MSK), through Phio, a clinically supported digital assessment and self-management service. Phio works alongside our First Contact Physiotherapy service and offers immediate access to expert advice and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Workers rather than mortgagors have the most to fear from the Bank’s announcements today (Thursday), with higher inflation forecast in its latest economic outlook dealing a £670 blow to the average private-sector salary next year, says the Foundation. With markets having already priced in today’s decision to raise interest rates, the 90 per cent of mortgagors who are on fixed rather than variable rate mortgages are unlikely to be affected by today’s news.
Imagine a dedicated employee logs into their bank account on payday, only to find it completely empty. When they contact HR, the records show their salary was successfully processed but sent to an entirely different bank account.
A US space company is exploring the potential to establish regular launch operations from Sutherland Spaceport in the north Highlands. Colorado-based LEAP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to explore opportunities at the site.
Savers are urged to review their pots regardless of changes to the Base Rate, as they risk paying a “loyalty tax”, according to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk analysis. The Bank of England Base Rate is widely expected to rise by 0.25%, to 4%, the first hike in three years (August 2023).
Oil prices have dropped below $95 per barrel primarily due to the sweeping results of the U.S. midterm elections, which have triggered aggressive speculation that the Trump administration will be forced to find a diplomatic resolution to the eight-month war with Iran.
The Highland Council’s newly unveiled Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2027–2032 paints a glossy, optimistic picture of the region's future. It promises a steady pipeline of 700 affordable homes a year, framed alongside a booming £10–£16 billion "Growth Deal" linked to green freeports and renewable energy expansion.
The US Dollar has slid sharply to a one-month low following the sweeping Democratic victories in the US midterm elections. As results confirmed a Democratic block in both the House and Senate, global currency markets experienced swift shifts driven by expectations of a legislative gridlock during the remainder of Donald Trump's final term.
Imenco Future Technologies is an innovation led company specialising in high-quality vision systems, subsea sensors and acoustic solutions. Working in partnership with customers across the offshore energy, defence and maritime industries, we deliver innovative, engineered solutions designed to enhance safety, protect asset integrity and maximise operational efficiency.
Scotland could be heading for the biggest reorganisation of its public services in more than two decades. The Scottish Government is looking at reducing the number of NHS health boards from 14 to just two, while also proposing a major restructuring of local government.
Sutherland faces some difficult questions about its future. The latest developments include a substantial financial challenge for Highland Council, proposals for a new Highland Growth Deal and the continuing debate over how to attract investment and employment to rural communities.
This beautiful five-bedroom, stone-built, large family home is C-Listed and situated in the sought-after Sinclair Terrace. The accommodation comprises a hallway, kitchen/diner, lounge, dining room, utility room and shower room on the ground floor.
This beautiful four-bedroom, mid-terraced home sits in walk-in condition having been finished to a high standard. There is Upvc double glazing throughout and the heating system is oil-fired.
Set in the countryside and facing directly onto the open sea, a lovely detached two-bedroom bungalow with two garages and a stone-built store, sitting on a large plot of garden grounds and surrounded by 3.5 acres of croft land which is available separately. A driveway leads up to the home which consists of vestibule, conservatory, hallway, kitchen/diner, utility room, lounge, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Artificial intelligence may transform customer service, reducing the need for large teams of telephone operators. For communities that once attracted call centres to replace lost industries, the consequences could be particularly significant.
A college + university like no other With 19 campuses and centres across the North and West Highlands, Skye, and Outer Hebrides, we cover a geographic area larger than Wales, comprising 40% of Scotland’s coastline. Our campuses and centres are located within historic towns and villages, set amongst the shorelines, mountains, and moors, with local staff working across our region to support our students and communities.
Private Client Paralegal – BBM Solicitors, Wick BBM Solicitors is recruiting a Private Client Paralegal for our Wick office. The role involves supporting our solicitors with executry administration, wills, powers of attorney, guardianship and trust matters.
We have a rare opportunity become available of a confectioner within the heart of our bustling bakehouse. This role entails all of the daily finishing details of our freshly baked pastries, doughnuts, scones etc.
With Christmas approaching, households across Britain face an important question: should they be more cautious about borrowing, credit card spending and taking on new financial commitments? There are good reasons to think carefully before spending money that has not yet been earned. Inflation has risen again, energy prices are volatile and the Bank of England has warned that interest rates may need to rise if inflationary pressures persist.
UK retail sales fall 0.4% as cautious consumers rein in spending ahead of the crucial Christmas shopping period. Brent crude surges to $114 a barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions and mounting fears over energy supplies.
International tensions are rising, oil prices are volatile and governments are increasingly concerned about security. Against this background, should British holidaymakers be thinking more carefully before booking a trip abroad? The answer is yes, but that does not mean cancelling every holiday or treating the world as too dangerous to visit.
Scottish Government puts environmental protection ahead of promised jobs and tourism investment near Dornoch. The Scottish Government has rejected plans for a new championship golf course at Coul Links, near Embo and Dornoch, bringing another chapter to a long-running dispute over the future of one of Sutherland's most environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
Port Strategy Manager Wick Harbour Authority · Wick, Caithness Salary £60,000–£65,000 Applications and enquiries recruitment@wickharbour.co.uk Benefits 6% employer pension contribution, 34 days' annual leave including public holidays, and company sick pay. What the job involves The successful candidate will work with the harbour's board and team to: - Lead the harbour's masterplan and long-term development strategy.
Position: We are seeking a Laboratory Technician, to be based at our Thurso campus. Responsibilities: The post holder will be responsible for providing high-quality laboratory technical support for Research and Knowledge Exchange and its commercial, research and teaching activities.
There are some plants that stop you in your tracks because they’re beautiful. Others because they’re unusual, and then there’s giant hogweed.
This beautiful, detached, stone-built, three-bedroom, two reception room, family home is situated somewhat hidden away on Louisburgh Street, in Wick and is situated not far up from the High Street. With large rooms throughout, the home retains some of the original features.
RDI Renewables is a local renewables installer at Ormlie Industrial Estate in Thurso. We fit heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage in homes, businesses and community buildings across Caithness and Sutherland, and we look after those systems for years afterwards.
Early morning Cleaner required. Good attention to detail Driving licence Essential Contact Elizabeth 07999225288.
The Highland Council has today 15 October 2026 launched a statutory Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 consultation. Dornoch residents have until 10 December 2026 to respond to a proposal affecting Common Good land.
WE ARE HIRING! Closing date extended to 9pm Wednesday, 21st October. Looking for a wee temporary, part time job after Christmas? Our Community Session Facilitator vacancy may be the one! Join the team delivering this fantastic project, now in it's 5th year, for the Sinclair's Bay community.
A college + university like no other With 19 campuses and centres across the North and West Highlands, Skye, and Outer Hebrides, we cover a geographic area larger than Wales, comprising 40% of Scotland’s coastline. Our campuses and centres are located within historic towns and villages, set amongst the shorelines, mountains, and moors, with local staff working across our region to support our students and communities. Position: We are seeking a Work Based Assessor in Aquaculture, to be based at any of our NWH campuses.
Scapa Flow Museum has announced the official launch of ‘Voices from Scapa Flow’, an ambitious new audio project revealing what life was really like for the residents, service personnel and workers stationed at one of the world’s greatest natural harbours during the First and Second World Wars. The project is a Highlands and Islands Digital Heritage Network initiative, delivered in partnership with The Space, a not-for-profit digital agency for the arts, heritage and culture sector, and Museums and Heritage Highland.
The Highland Council’s Environmental Health team is advising members of the public to exercise caution following the identification of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Loch Migdale, Sutherland. The situation is being investigated by Highland Council’s Environmental Health team in partnership with NHS Highland Public Health Department and wider colleagues.
This one-bedroom flat is situated in the sought-after Bignold Court. It is in need of renovation, after being empty for a duration of time, and is looking for a buyer to restore it to its former glory.
Trading Standards regularly issues warning about scams. Now they have provided a very useful advice list.
Morven Fancey, Head of housing, skills and population with Highland and Islands Enerprise looks a Childcare. Investing in childcare is an investment in people, in communities and in the long-term success of the Highlands and Islands and the region’s contribution to Scotland’s economy.
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