While I am conducting my own personal home experiment in cutting my energy use at home no amount of switching almost everything off can solve the energy crisis. Not using any of my oil heating cuts the bill to zero but means wearing extra clothes and only occasional quick blasts from a fan heater in one room at a time can reduce the electric bill but living in much less comfort.
When a government announces a cut to energy bills, the immediate reaction is usually positive. Lower bills are welcome.
The Edinburgh Festival and Fringe are about to begin, and the question many businesses — and residents — are asking is simple: will the economic boom continue even though accommodation prices have become eye‑watering? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is yes, but with consequences.
Profits soaring, debts exploding, supply tightening — and millions cutting back on basic heat and hot water. The UK is heading into one of the most punishing 12‑month periods for household energy costs in modern history.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, most people in Caithness were watching events unfold as a terrible human tragedy happening thousands of miles away. Few could have predicted how quickly the consequences would reach everyday life in northern Scotland.
Why the business impact doesn’t stop at August — and how it spreads far beyond the capital Edinburgh is not just a festival city — it is a festival powerhouse, running almost continuously from spring to winter. Beyond the world‑famous August festivals, the city hosts major events in books, film, food, science, storytelling, jazz, art, and culture.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are about to begin in Scotland, and the question many businesses are asking is simple: will this actually deliver an economic boost, or is it just political hype?. The 2026 Commonwealth Games are taking place in Glasgow, Scotland, running from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
Andy Burnham’s decision to scrap VAT on household electricity for the 2026–27 financial year is one of his first major fiscal moves. The government says the measure will cost £850 million this year and will be funded by scrapping the Digital Identity Scheme.
For many people in Caithness, the price of oil isn't just something reported on the business pages. It can determine how much it costs to heat a home, fill a tractor, run a fishing boat or transport goods across the Highlands.
The World Economy Has Lost Its Safety Margins – Why Small Crises Now Cause Bigger Price Shocks There was a time when the world economy seemed able to absorb almost anything. An oil-producing country could suffer disruption.
The Quiet Rise of Economic Insecurity – Why Millions Feel Worse Off Even When They're Working For much of the past few years, the economic headlines have been confusing. Inflation has fallen from its peak.
Thousands of households across rural Scotland depend on heating oil to keep warm. Unlike homes connected to the gas grid, they have little choice when oil prices rise sharply.
Every day brings another announcement of a new AI data centre, a vast offshore wind farm, a solar installation or a proposal for a new nuclear power station. Governments proudly speak of energy security, net zero and making their countries global leaders in artificial intelligence.
When many people cannot afford to heat their homes adequately, deaths and illness associated with cold weather tend to increase. The chain of events looks like this: Higher heating costs mean some households use less heating.
The headlines are full of billion-pound investments in AI data centres, offshore wind farms, solar parks and new nuclear power stations. Governments and technology companies are racing to secure enough electricity to power the next generation of artificial intelligence.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes immediate action to cut taxes on electricity bills to give millions of households breathing space this winter. This announcement was made at 6.00am today.
The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments as set up by Andy Burnham PM. The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.
For many years, politicians have spoken about creating a more balanced economy across the United Kingdom. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest there is still some way to go.
Every month we hear about unemployment figures, employment rates and the state of the UK jobs market. Yet anyone running a business in Caithness may be left wondering whether the statisticians are describing the same country.
One of the first tests for any new Prime Minister is how quickly they establish relationships with world leaders. Within hours of entering 10 Downing Street, Andy Burnham began a series of telephone conversations with some of Britain's most important international partners.