Every constitutional debate raises a question that rarely receives much attention until the discussion becomes serious. What do people actually do with their money, businesses and homes when uncertainty increases.? Most people would stay exactly where they are.
The Scottish Government is collecting more income tax than ever before. At first sight, that appears to be good news for Scotland's public finances.
The biggest change to Self Assessment in a generation is no longer a future proposal. It is here.
When people talk about Scotland's great beaches, attention often goes to the islands — Harris, Lewis, Skye and the Western Isles. Yet mainland Caithness has a coastline that can surprise even the most experienced traveller.
The biggest change is that Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) comes under full FCA regulation from 15 July 2026. Until now, many of the most popular "pay in 3" and short-term interest-free products have operated outside the normal consumer credit rules.
The arrival of new regulations for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) lending raises an interesting question. Is this simply a modern version of the hire purchase agreements that helped generations of families furnish their homes and buy essential goods? Or has technology made borrowing so easy that people are taking on debts they might otherwise have avoided? The answer may be a little of both.
Another busy week has seen developments across local government, transport, community services and business. Here are ten of the biggest stories affecting Caithness and the wider Highland area.
New scheme will increase access to finance for thousands of smaller businesses so they can grow their exports. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has today (12 July 2026) announced a joint scheme between UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the British Business Bank which will help small and medium-sized businesses access the finance they need to expand their export potential and grow.
Russia's oil industry has become another battlefield — but could the effects reach British households? When people think about the war in Ukraine, they often think about the fighting on the front line, missiles, drones and territory. However, another battle has been developing hundreds of miles away from the battlefield — a battle over energy.
Up to 85,000 jobs and £6.4 billion to national GDP supported by UKEF financing as part of the government’s Growth Mission. Today, ambitious plans will be announced to expand UKEF’s ability to back UK business to compete globally and strengthen the UK’s economic security.
For many people, especially those who have spent a lifetime working and saving, cash feels like the safest place for their money. You can see it.
I recently volunteered to teach some lessons in finance to pupils at a primary school. Over six sessions, I spoke to a group of ten and eleven-year-olds about things like value, savings, cost and risk.
Ask ten people what makes a fair financial system and you are likely to receive ten different answers. Some will say low taxes.
For many people, choosing a savings account comes down to one question. "Which bank is paying the highest interest rate?" That is understandable.
For years, most of us did our banking in one place. Our wages went into one current account, our savings sat in the same bank, the mortgage was arranged there and, if we were lucky, we even had a friendly branch manager who knew our name.
For generations, buying a first home was seen as one of the great milestones of adult life. A young person found a job, saved a deposit, took out a mortgage and eventually became a homeowner.
When people talk about wealth in Britain today, the conversation often focuses on property. A home bought decades ago may now be worth many times what was originally paid.
For many people approaching retirement, one question matters more than almost any other: "Will I have enough money to live on?" The answer varies enormously. Some retirees have a secure income, a paid-off home and savings built up over many years.
For generations, many people banked with the same institution for life. You opened your first account there, arranged your mortgage there and perhaps even knew the branch manager by name.
Britain's housing debate today often appears to be about house prices, mortgages and affordability. But behind the headlines is a much bigger story.