When most people think about the global economy, they picture stock markets, oil prices or inflation. Few would imagine that the value of the Japanese yen could become one of the biggest concerns for the United States.
The dollar remains king but the foundations of the global financial system may be starting to shift. For more than 80 years, the US dollar has been the world's dominant currency.
The UK government continues to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine as Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband unleashes his first major Russia sanctions package. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband steps up UK action against Russia, with new sanctions targeting the Kremlin’s military machine, oil and gas revenues and ageing shadow fleet.
Highland Council's financial pressures explained ahead of the by-election in East Caithness. When people hear that a council has rising debt, it can sometimes seem like a distant financial issue.
The hidden economy, unfair competition and organised crime links behind the Government's enforcement drive The Government's renewed crackdown on illegal working has placed the spotlight on an issue that sits at the crossroads of immigration, employment law, business competition and organised crime. But how big is the problem? How many businesses are involved? And does illegal working simply mean someone does not have permission to work, or can it be part of something much more serious? What is illegal working? Illegal working occurs when someone works in the UK without the legal right to do so.
Highlands and Islands fear global cost-cutting could have a very local impact. The world's biggest drinks companies may operate on a global scale, but when they start cutting costs the consequences can be felt very locally.
The famous British bicycle brand is facing administration revealing the hidden problems behind the cycling boom. For generations, the name Raleigh was almost synonymous with bicycles in Britain.
New Scottish Government report reveals a significant gap with the rest of Britain but also exposes how difficult the 2030 target will be. Scotland has a child poverty problem.
The Scottish Government has confirmed a £3 million fund to support businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire. The funding package was announced today by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Tourism, Stephen Flynn, during a visit to Glenmore.
New figures show Scottish agriculture enjoyed a much stronger year, but farmers know the good times can quickly change For several years Scottish farmers have faced a difficult combination of rising costs, uncertain markets, weather challenges and pressure from changing agricultural policies. But new Scottish Government figures suggest that 2025 brought a significant improvement.
The challenge for Highland businesses is finding enough workers while maintaining a fair and legal labour market. Across rural Scotland, many businesses face the same difficult question: Where will the workers come from? Tourism businesses need extra staff during busy seasons.
Scotland is bucking Britain's retail gloom, with Edinburgh leading the recovery. But the real test is whether millions of extra visitors will translate into lasting business growth.
For years, the UK’s student‑loan system has quietly shifted in a direction few taxpayers realise: a growing share of government‑backed loans now goes to foreign nationals living in the UK, while British students studying abroad almost never qualify for equivalent support from other countries. This imbalance is not accidental as it is the result of legal obligations, migration policy, and the financial pressures facing UK universities.
Every week, the headlines swing between economic doom and economic euphoria. One day Britain is “on the brink of recession”, the next day “growth is stronger than expected”.
Two Wars Threaten to End the Interest Rate Cuts: Why Borrowers Could Face a New Squeeze The wars may be thousands of miles away, but their economic consequences could reach directly into British mortgages, business loans and household finances For borrowers who had been hoping that the long-awaited return to lower interest rates was finally under way, the latest developments bring an uncomfortable warning. The direction of travel has changed.
Mortgage rates are rising again just as house-price growth is almost disappearing. For anyone hoping that the UK mortgage market was finally becoming easier, the latest figures bring an unwelcome warning.
A Highland Council by-election is being held for Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness following the resignation of Willie Mackay. The Notice of Election and timetable for this election will be published on the Council’s website on Friday 14 August 2026.
From the corner shop lemonade bottle to a £200 million industry PET packaging is now at the centre of a UK trade investigation For generations in Scotland, the phrase "ginger bottle" brought to mind something simple: a glass bottle of lemonade, ginger beer or juice sitting in the fridge or being returned to the shop for a small deposit. Today, the bottle may look very different.
Inverness to Wick by Train: Scotland's Hidden Scenic Journey Through the Highlands Four hours of breathtaking landscapes, dramatic coastlines and the wild beauty of Sutherland Many journeys are simply about getting from A to B. The train journey from Inverness to Wick is different.
Scotland's iconic wild Atlantic salmon continue to face significant challenges, with a new Scottish Government assessment showing that most salmon stocks remain in poor conservation status despite decades of conservation efforts. The latest Status of Salmon in Scotland report paints a mixed picture.