When people think about the war in Ukraine, they naturally think about the battlefield. But a second battle is taking place far behind the front lines.
Stand on the north coast of Scotland on a windy day and it is easy to believe we should have some of the cheapest electricity in Europe. Around us are expanding offshore wind projects.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, many people assumed the biggest effects would be felt in Eastern Europe. Instead, households across Britain soon discovered that a war more than 1,500 miles away could affect everything from electricity bills to supermarket prices.
The Office for National Statistics has released the latest UK trade figures for May 2026, and—as is often the case with trade data—the picture is mixed. Some sectors are showing real strength, others are softening, and the overall balance is still firmly in the red.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) brought some welcome news for the Government. After a small decline in April, the UK economy returned to growth in May, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing by 0.1%.
If you stand on Dunnet Head on a windy day, it is easy to forget just how important Caithness has become. Electricity generated around Scotland flows south to millions of homes.
As a new UK Government forms under Andy Burnham, national media will be full of commentary from “experts” on tax, energy, climate policy, and public spending. Many of these voices come from London‑based think tanks — organisations that produce reports, media commentary, and political analysis.
One of Caithness's newest success stories is proving that location is no barrier to reaching customers around the world. 8 Doors Distillery in John O'Groats, Scotland's most northerly mainland whisky distillery, is expanding into international markets with support from Scottish Enterprise and Team Scotland, demonstrating how businesses from the far north can compete on the global stage.
From 15 July 2026, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) finally becomes a regulated financial product in the UK. After years of complaints about unclear terms, missed‑payment traps, and people accidentally building up hidden debts, the government and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have stepped in.
The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding. Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.
All flights between the Highlands and Islands and other Scottish airports will be exempt from Air Departure Tax (ADT) when the devolved levy comes into force next year. Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said extending the exemption to incoming flights to the Highlands and Islands from other locations in Scotland will improve national connectivity for people and businesses when ADT replaces the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty on 1 April 2027.
England and Scotland may now be out of the World Cup but, believe it or not, there are still reasons to be cheerful, as the home delivery expert Parcelhero is reminding saddened Brits. Many economic indicators show an encouraging uptick.
When tax owed to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) becomes overdue for payment, it is classified as tax debt. In 2023, HMRC published its tax debt strategy, with an update in 2025.
The State Pension Triple Lock has become one of the most politically sensitive policies in Britain. Over the past year, a growing number of respected economic organisations have questioned whether it can continue unchanged.
Whenever economists debate the future of the State Pension Triple Lock, it can sound like a discussion taking place in Westminster offices and London think tanks. But if governments eventually decide the system is too expensive, the effects would be felt in places like Caithness perhaps more than almost anywhere else.
Moneyfacts UK Savings Trends Treasury Report data shows savings choice hits a sixth consecutive record high as competition among providers remains fierce. Overall product choice has beaten all-time highs for a sixth consecutive month, rising to 2,583 savings deals (including ISAs).
Much of the debate about Britain's ageing population takes place in terms of pensions and healthcare. But in places like Caithness, it is about much more than that.
A triple whammy of weak growth, an ageing population and rising ill-health since 2007 are costing Britain around £330 billion a year today which is being offset by an unholy trinity of higher taxes, lower public services spending and more borrowing. The new residents of Downing Street need a bold new fiscal strategy to break Britain out of its funk, or else the policy trade-offs will get even more painful, according to major new Resolution Foundation research published today (Thursday 16 July 2026).
The UK Pubic Accounts Committee has commenced an inquiry into the energy transmission network that points up the issues for energy supplies not least for alternative sources. Around twice as much new energy transmission network infrastructure will be needed by 2030 as was built in the past decade to move electricity from generation sites to consumer distribution networks.
The UK government continues not to have a grip on managing the strategy to pool back-office functions between Departments. In a new report on the Government Shared Services strategy, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlights a string of issues with the scheme including unexplained delays and a lack of oversight, and warns that government must now urgently revisit all aspects of its strategy to avoid it becoming a costly failure.