Latest News

Today

Update - As Donald Trump Changes His Mind No Fees - Protection Fee or Modern-Day Toll? Trump's 20% Hormuz Charge Raises Questions About Who Controls the World's Trade Routes

Update Today as Donald Trump changes his mind to remove threat of tolls.   The latest development is actually a rapid policy reversal.  

Today

Why Oil Prices Rise Before the Oil Runs Out: How Fear, Insurance and Speculation Drive Energy Markets

When people hear that oil prices are rising, one of the first questions they often ask is: "But has the world actually run out of oil?".   Usually, the answer is no.  

Today

If Andy Burnham Needs Another £4.7 Billion, Where Could It Come From?

Whenever a new political party prepares for government, one question always follows close behind.   "How will it pay for its promises?".  

Today

Scottish Government Gives Final Approval to Major Battery Storage Project in Caithness

A major new battery energy storage project in Caithness has been given the final go-ahead by the Scottish Government, despite attracting significant objections during the planning process.   The decision highlights the growing importance of electricity storage as Scotland continues to expand renewable energy generation, particularly in the north of the country, where vast amounts of wind power are already produced.  

Today

Oil Tops $84 Again: Five Things That Will Decide Whether It Heads for $100 – or Falls Back

Just a few weeks ago, many analysts thought oil prices would remain relatively stable through the summer.  Instead, Brent crude has climbed back above $84 a barrel, raising fresh concerns about what might happen next.  

Today

The ONS Dashboard Reveals Britain's Economy Isn't Booming – It's Simply Ticking Over

When politicians argue about whether the economy is growing or shrinking, they usually point to GDP figures, inflation or unemployment rates.  Those are important, but they are also backward-looking.  

Today

Insecure Shift: Why Millions of Workers Still Lack the Protection They Need

For many people, having a job is seen as the route to financial security.   But what happens when the job itself is uncertain?.  

Today : Other Services

 
Does Your Business Need Help To Take On An Apprentice?

For Greg MacLeod of Precision Plumbing in Thurso, support from Caithness Business Fund helped reduce the pressure of taking on and training an apprentice, giving the business a safety net while investing in future skills.   “Support from Caithness Business Fund has been a huge benefit to our business.  

Today

Rebuilding Living Standards: Why Many UK Households Still Feel Worse Off Despite Economic Recovery

For many people, the biggest question about the economy is not whether GDP is growing or whether inflation has fallen.   It is much simpler: "Am I better off than I was a few years ago?" A new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) argues that, for millions of households, the answer is still no.  

Today : Local Authority

 
Do you want a say in the future development of Highland?

Share your ideas and help shape the places, spaces and communities of tomorrow.   The Highland Council is inviting people to share their ideas relating to the development or long-term land use in Highland.  

Today

When Is a Planning Decision Really a Decision? The Bigger Picture Behind Caithness' Energy Projects

If you've tried to follow the stream of major energy projects proposed for Caithness over the past few years, you could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed.   There are wind farms, battery storage facilities, substations, transmission lines, converter stations, worker accommodation, harbour improvements and new electricity infrastructure.  

Today

UK heatwaves hitting manufacturers hardest – but transport firms slowest to act

A new ONS Business Insights survey reveals a sharp year-on-year rise in heat-related disruption to manufacturers.  With retail businesses close behind and concerningly, far fewer transport & storage firms have taken action to adapt to temperature increases than manufacturers or retailers, warns the home delivery expert Parcelhero.  

Yesterday

Scotland's Budget Squeeze: If Spending Keeps Rising Faster Than Tax Revenue, What Choices Does the Government Have?

Every government faces difficult financial decisions, but Scotland's choices are becoming increasingly complex.   On one hand, tax revenues have been rising.  

Yesterday

Why Does Scotland Still Pay World Prices for Energy When We Produce So Much of It?

Scotland is often described as an energy-rich nation.   We generate huge amounts of renewable electricity.  

Yesterday

Scotland's Energy Paradox: We Produce the Power, But Who Gets the Benefit?

Drive across Caithness, Sutherland or the Highlands today and it is impossible to miss Scotland's energy revolution.   Wind turbines dominate many skylines.  

Yesterday

If Scotland Exports Electricity, Why Are Our Electricity Bills Still So High?

It is one of the questions many people ask every time their electricity bill arrives.   Scotland regularly produces more electricity than it needs.  

Yesterday

Why Does Scotland Have Different Benefits From England — And What Does Social Security Devolution Really Mean?

A family in Scotland and a family in England can sometimes receive different levels of financial support, even though they live in the same country system.   That can seem surprising.  

Yesterday

Mortgage rates fall at fastest pace in almost two years

Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals fixed mortgage rates have recorded their biggest monthly reductions since October 2024.  Product choice rose and the churn of mortgage deals was stable.  

Yesterday

Oil Back Towards $80 Again: Could the Latest Gulf Escalation Mean Dearer Heating Oil For Caithness and Rural Scotland?

The price of oil is climbing once again as tensions in the Middle East take another dangerous turn.  After fresh exchanges of attacks involving the United States and Iran, financial markets have reacted quickly, with Brent crude moving back towards the $80 a barrel mark.  

Yesterday

How Independence Could Affect Scottish Property Values: Risk, Opportunity and Uncertainty - Article 8

For most people, their home is their biggest financial asset.   So whenever Scotland's constitutional future is debated, one question inevitably arises: What would independence mean for Scottish house prices? Would property values fall because of uncertainty? Would they rise because Scotland gained greater control over its economy? Or would the long-term impact depend on decisions made during the transition? The reality is that no one can know exactly what would happen.