Latest News

18/7/2026

First British-made artillery barrels delivered to Ukraine

First deliveries of British-made artillery barrels to Ukraine, under a £61 million contract supporting hundreds of UK jobs.   British-made artillery barrels are being delivered to Ukraine, part of the UK’s enduring support.  

18/7/2026

Concerns about food prices remain high in latest annual consumer tracking data

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the end of year report from its monthly Consumer Insights Tracker (CIT), summarising key findings between April 2025 and March 2026 and longer-term trends.   When we asked respondents whether they had concerns about a range of food related topics, from a list of options, food prices has consistently been the most common concern.  

18/7/2026

Care workers to be represented in fair pay agreements

New negotiating body to be set up as part of the first ever adult social care fair pay agreement, representing millions of care workers.   Made up of trade unions and employers, the body will negotiate on pay, terms and conditions and wider employment matters, giving care workers a voice; The first ever fair pay agreement for care workers is backed by £500 million, part of the government’s landmark Employment Rights Act.  

Today

UK Trade Figures: May 2026 – What They Mean for the Highlands and the Wider UK

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.  

Today

Ukraine's War on Russian Oil: Could the Fallout Reach Your Fuel Tank?

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.  

Today

Caithness: The County That Helps Power Britain – But Who Powers Caithness?

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.  

Today

If Scotland Is an Energy Powerhouse, Why Aren't Scots Paying Europe's Lowest Electricity Bills?

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.  

Today

Could Britain Become More Energy Secure – Or Are We Still Vulnerable to Events Thousands of Miles Away?

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.  

Today

UK Economy Returns to Growth in May – But Is Britain Really Turning the Corner?

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%.  

Today

How National Think‑Tank Narratives Reach Rural Scotland

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.  

Today

From Westminster to Wick: Should Scotland Ban Energy Drinks for Under-16s?

When the UK Government announced plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s in England, many parents and communities may have wondered.   "Will the same rules apply in Scotland?" The answer is no — at least not at present.  

Today

What Should Wick and Thurso Look Like in 2045?

Walk through Wick or Thurso today and you'll probably hear the same conversation.   "There used to be a shop there" and "It's another empty building followed by "Everything's online now." For many people, the decline of the traditional High Street feels inevitable.  

Today

When Even Charity Shops Can't Make the Numbers Work – What Does It Say About Our High Streets?

The announcement that the Cancer Research UK shop in Thurso is to close, following the earlier closure of its Wick branch, marks another sad chapter for Caithness High Streets.   These are not ordinary retailers chasing profits.  

Today

From Prime Minister to Peer Maker: Should Outgoing Leaders Still Control the House of Lords?

Many people across the political spectrum now raise a question.  Should a departing Prime Minister have the power to create large numbers of new members of the House of Lords? There are two sides to the argument.  

Today

Prime Minister commits €300 million to fund fighter jets for Ukraine - backing British jobs and bolstering Ukraine’s defence

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK is investing €300 million to help deliver advanced Swedish Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies from Russian attacks, while supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs across the UK.   Major UK investment to help deliver full squadron of Swedish Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine as Prime Minister visits President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine.  

Today

Why Westminster's Planning Reforms May Not Help Scotland — But Could the Caithness and Highlands Need Them Too?

The UK Government has announced plans to tackle what it describes as "baseless legal claims" that delay major housing and infrastructure projects.   The aim is simple: get Britain building faster.  

Today

Which Businesses Are Signed Up To Pass on VAT Reduction for Kids - We Checked

The UK government has made several mentions of reduction for summer to VAT for meals cinemas and days out.   But do you know where to check out which places are showing offers and reductions.  

Today

VAT Cuts and Empty High Streets: Why Lower Taxes Do Not Always Mean Lower Prices

When the Government announces a tax cut, most people naturally expect one thing - Prices should fall.   That is certainly the message politicians like to promote.  

Today

Crackdown on the loudest fireworks to protect families, pets and wildlife

New common-sense proposals announced today will see the loudest fireworks restricted to professional displays.   Action to crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect vulnerable people, pets and wildlife.  

Today

VAT: The Tax That Raises Billions — But Who Really Pays the Price?

When governments face a financial squeeze, they eventually face the same difficult question.   Where does the money come from? For any new Prime Minister, raising taxes is politically dangerous.