Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election. There are 5 candidaes.
ScotRail has reached an important milestone in plans to introduce a new suburban train fleet, with the procurement now progressing to the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) stage. The move to ITN represents the next formal step in the structured procurement process.
The following article from David Mackay, Manager of the Hi-Scot Credit Union was first published in the Stornoway Gazette on 23 August 2026. Every so often, something changes that quietly reshapes everyday life.
Britain’s charity shops are under pressure. Oxfam is reportedly considering closing up to 100 High Street stores, after other major charities have closed theirs.
Highland Council’s strategy to raise attainment in the region is making good progress, with encouraging early data emerging from this year's examination results. Last week councillors on the education committee noted the work undertaken in Highland Council's Education and Learning Improvement Plan (ELIP) and the associated Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS).
There are weeks when local news seems to consist of a collection of unrelated announcements. A school report here, a council decision there, perhaps a sporting success or a community project.
Twelve years ago, Scotland went to the polls and answered a very simple question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” The answer was No. By 55.3% to 44.7%, Scottish voters rejected independence, with a remarkable 84.6% turnout.
The oil price qickly reacted to the latest attacks by both sidesin the conflict over the straitof Hormuz. US Central Command (Centcom) said it had taken "limited, precise action" against "minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz".
Local authorities will share £15 million to expand and enhance breakfast club provision from today, First Minister John Swinney has announced. The funding will help councils deliver free breakfast clubs for primary school pupils across Scotland from August 2027, giving children a healthy start to the school day and helping reduce costs for families.
There was something almost nostalgic about the Ministry of Defence announcement this week that British troops are to trial a new powered paraglider which could give them an innovative way to strike from the sky. The machine, called Blakcro, can apparently be carried in a large rucksack, assembled in less than eight minutes and operated without a runway or conventional aircraft.
With the harvesting period underway there is a danger that we think of a heatwave as something which affects us when we go outside. We complain about the temperature, struggle to sleep, perhaps enjoy a few days of sunshine and then hope that normal Scottish weather returns.
There is a rather good business lesson developing on the golf course. LIV Golf was created with billions of dollars behind it, attracted some of the world's biggest golfing names by offering enormous contracts and prize money, challenged the established PGA Tour and succeeded in changing the economics of professional golf.
More healthcare will be delivered at home and in the heart of communities with hospitals focusing on emergency, life-threatening and specialist care, under plans published by the Scottish Government today. The Health and Care Improving Flow Plan promises to make it easier and quicker for people to access the care they need to live healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives.
Children with additional support needs will be supported wherever they are in Scotland through a new National Staged Intervention Model for additional support for learning that is being developed. Education Secretary Màiri McAllan made the commitment as she set out plans to provide a nationwide approach to identifying, planning, delivering and reviewing support for children and young people who experience barriers to learning in all council areas to ensure they receive the right support at the right time.
When Donald Trump launched his war against Iran, the underlying assumption appeared to be that overwhelming American military power would produce a relatively rapid result. Six months later, that assumption looks increasingly questionable.
There is a fascinating and rather uncomfortable cultural battle taking place in Germany which deserves much more attention in Britain. It is not really about whether taxpayers should fund art.
If you live in Wick and have ever been told by an online retailer that your postcode is an "island" postcode, you could be forgiven for wondering whether somebody has looked at a map. Wick is on the Scottish mainland.
Britain is preparing to spend substantially more on defence. Yet at almost the same time as the Government is announcing increased defence investment, one of the Royal Navy's major amphibious assault ships is being sold to Brazil.
Scotland has a population problem. The Scottish Government is increasingly clear about that as Birth rates are low, the population is ageing and some parts of the country are struggling to maintain the working-age population needed to support businesses, public services and local communities.
10.6 million Brits are planning an overnight holiday in the UK this bank holiday, bringing an estimated £4.3 billion boost to the economy. Tourism is forecast to contribute £161 billion to the UK economy annually by 2030, supporting jobs and growth across the country.