For Greg MacLeod of Precision Plumbing in Thurso, support from Caithness Business Fund helped reduce the pressure of taking on and training an apprentice, giving the business a safety net while investing in future skills. “Support from Caithness Business Fund has been a huge benefit to our business.
Councillor resignations over taxi‑licence scandal Highland Council saw three resignations after the licensing committee allowed a convicted rapist to retain his taxi licence. The decision triggered widespread anger across Caithness and beyond, with residents questioning how such a ruling was possible.
"Local journalism, when rooted in community and willing to innovate, can survive—and even thrive." In a time when newspapers across the UK are seeing print sales decline, small local titles like the John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier might seem vulnerable. Falling circulation, shifting reader habits, and the rise of free online news have created real challenges.
Campaigners' Efforts Pay Off - Caithness Health Action Team's persistence on maternity services at Wick hospital finally prompts government review. Shoebox Gifts Initiative - Local volunteers highlight how shoebox donations will make a vital difference to families this winter.
"EXCLUSIVE: SNP ministers left red-faced by Scottish Government's ‘massive U-turn' on Caithness maternity" The Scottish Government, which in September rejected calls for an independent review of maternity services in Caithness, has now backed a motion to commission one — campaigners say this is a "massive U-turn". "Youth hospitalised after town-centre assault in Wick" A 17-year-old was taken to hospital after an assault in Market Square, Wick on the evening of 4 November.
‘Drunken bet' endurance athlete hits his target - Land's End to John O'Groats and back again — What started as a "drunken bet" became a 2,000-mile endurance journey raising funds for mental-health charities. ‘Zero tolerance' vow over concerns at 500-strong workers' camp beside Thurso estate — Local residents have voiced concerns about a proposed 500-bed workers' camp; the authority has pledged a zero-tolerance approach.
North Highland Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a decade of Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) North Highland, a significant milestone marking ten years of empowering young people across Caithness and Sutherland. DYW is a Scottish Government-supported initiative that operates across Scotland to help young people enhance their employability skills and become aware of the opportunities available to them.
Stephen Sutherland Chair, North Highland Chamber of Commerce and Director, JGC Engineering & Technical Services. As a Chamber, we are privileged to represent the North Highlands.
The latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator shows pressure mounting on Scottish firms, with rising costs, declining investment and faltering confidence undermining growth. The survey of 440 Scottish businesses, produced in partnership with the Fraser of Allander Institute, found labour costs and concern over tax continues to impact more than seven in ten firms.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, joined by his sleeping baby daughter, and Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron sign the deal in Edinburgh. A partnership agreement to launch a Brand Scotland overseas trade missions initiative was signed today (Friday) by the Scotland Office and Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC).
A new Graduate Placement Scheme is helping local SMEs in Caithness and North Sutherland bring graduate talent into the workforce. Support for up to 70% of salary costs Two-year placements Open to businesses across key growth sectors Find out more - limited places available! https://ow.ly/mVSO50VMQ4Y.
LionVolt, a leader in 3D metal anode architecture, is advancing energy storage solutions with groundbreaking technology that enhances battery energy density, accelerates charging speeds, and supports electrification across EVs, consumer wearables, and hybrid flight. Following a €15 million investment and the acquisition of a battery cell pilot production plant in Thurso, the company is expanding its production capacity and driving technological advancements in Scotland.
Forss Energy Storage Ltd propose to develop land to the west of the Forss Business & Energy Park as an energy storage facility. This will comprise of around 50 structures which would comprise of either battery units (see the example image above), substations or ancillary buildings.
The Caithness Business Fund offers grants for local businesses to take on apprentices. Another closing date is approaching for applications 1st August.
Ready to take your business to the next level. Caithness Chamber of Commerce is highlighting an opportunity for grants and loans.
The Caithness Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are here to celebrate your success. This prestigious event is your chance to enhance your business's visibility and receive well-deserved accolades.
Wick RNLI lifeboat the Roy Barker II was launched at 7:15pm on Sunday 14 April to go to the assistance of a round Britain rower. The rower had successfully passaged through the Pentland Firth and was making his way down the east coast towards Freswick when there was a change of wind direction which made getting around the headland against both wind and tide very difficult.
Seven businesses hailing from the north of Scotland and Orkney aiming to break into the multibillion-pound offshore renewables energy market have been selected for the first Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme in the region. The industry leading F4OR supply chain growth programme is delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, will be supported by £125,000 from West of Orkney Windfarm, and will take companies 12-18 months to complete.
The Caithness Business Fund is celebrating a substantial investment boost of £100,000 from Focus North partners NRS Dounreay and the NDA to support the launch of FutureSkills. The apprenticeship grant scheme is designed to tackle skills shortages and drive investment in new opportunities for both businesses and young people in the North Highlands.
The Chamber is looking to recruit a Talent Attraction/Recruitment Specialist for its Recruit North Highlands initiative. This is a new and exciting post which will see the successful candidate play a unique and pivotal role in attracting talent to the region.