News Archive

26/12/2025

 
Scotland's Shifting Opposition - Why Reform's Rise Matters for Families and Budgets

Politics in Scotland has long been dominated by the gravitational pull of the SNP.   For years, the party has acted like the sun around which all other forces orbit, setting the rhythm of debate and defining the terms of opposition.  

26/12/2025

U.S. Weapons to Ukraine Have Not Stopped - Supplies Continue Through New Channels and Mechanisms

Despite headlines and occasional pauses in specific shipments, the flow of U.S.-produced weapons and military support to Ukraine has not ceased.  What has changed in 2025 is how that support is delivered — not whether it is being delivered.  

26/12/2025

 
Every economy runs on light - Richard Murphy on Boxng Day

Every economy runs on light.  That is not a metaphor - it is physics.  

25/12/2025

Delayed Discharge in NHS Scotland - Causes, Costs, and Political Context

The issue of delayed discharge—commonly referred to as "bed blocking"—has become a major challenge for NHS Scotland, both in terms of patient experience and public expenditure.   A delayed discharge occurs when a patient is medically ready to leave hospital but cannot do so because the appropriate support in the community or in a care setting is unavailable.  

25/12/2025

 
Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension near Dufftown in Moray Approved

Boralex inc.  ("Boralex" or the "Company") (TSX: BLX) welcomes Scottish Ministers' approval of its plans for Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension near Dufftown in Moray.  

25/12/2025

Flu cases fall as UKHSA urges festive precautions

This weekly bulletin brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viruses.   Latest The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its latest surveillance report.  

25/12/2025

 
Merry Christmas from Caithness.org

Wishing everyone across our towns, villages, and glens a joyful Christmas and a bright New Year.   Thank you to all who keep our communities going from those working through the festive season to the volunteers who give their time and energy so generously.  

25/12/2025

 
Deficit myths at Christmas - Richard Murphy and Steve Keen

A sensible chat between two experts on money and the economy..  

24/12/2025 : Air / Bus / Rail / Ferry Services

 
Successful Wick - Aberdeen air service operator announced

Following an emergency procurement process launched on 18 November, The Highland Council is pleased to announce that Air Charter Scotland has been successful in taking over the Wick - Aberdeen air service.  The contract will start on 12 January 2026 and run until 31 March 2026 with an option to be extended subject to funding.  

24/12/2025 : Local Authority

 
Highland Chief Social Work Officer elected as Convenor of Social Work Scotland

Fiona Duncan has been elected as Convenor of Social Work Scotland, the professional leadership body for the social work and social care professions.   Congratulating her on her appointment, Cllr David Fraser, Chair of Highland Council's Health Social Care and Wellbeing Committee said: "I am absolutely delighted to learn of Fiona's appointment as Chair of Social Work Scotland.  

24/12/2025

 
Gold, Silver, Copper - $4500 an ounce - Still Rising today

If you've glanced at financial news lately, you may have noticed something unusual.   Gold has risen for 11 of the last 12 days, taking its gains in 2025 to over 70%, its best year since 1979.  

24/12/2025

Government Finally Listens To Farmers Arguments - What are the changes to agricultural property relief?

Reforms announced at Autumn Budget 2024 will help raise money to fix the public finances while protecting small family farms from unfairly high inheritance tax.   What are the changes to agricultural property relief? Agricultural property relief and business property relief will be reformed from 6 April 2026.  

24/12/2025

 
AI Actor Tilly Norwood is dividing Hollywood - but real acting requires humanity

Tilly Norwood is the hottest actor in Hollywood right now.   Her career has been covered by Variety, the BBC and Forbes, to name just a few publications.  

24/12/2025

Global oil market fundamentals suggest calmer or lower crude prices

A key driver of pump prices in the UK is the global price of crude oil.  Analysts forecast that oil prices after rising in 2025 may pressurise downward or stay relatively subdued in 2026 due to oversupply concerns and slower demand growth.  

24/12/2025

How UK Retailers Fared in December in the Run-Up to Christmas

The December run-up to Christmas is traditionally the most important trading period for UK retailers, but early evidence from 2025 suggests a season marked more by caution than exuberance.   While it is still too early for definitive monthly figures, a combination of official data for November, retailer surveys, and payment-card indicators point to a mixed and uneven performance across sectors, shaped by pressure on household budgets and changing shopping behaviour.  

24/12/2025

 
Same Old Menu

Walk into too many restaurants and you'll find the same laminated menu you saw last year and the year before.  Familiarity can be comforting, but it can also be a trap.  

24/12/2025

The Loom Returns - AI Actors and the New Creative Displacement

In 2025, the casting call looks different.  Outside Studio 4, a glowing hologram named Tilly Norwood — the world's first AI actress is ushered inside while real actors queue in the rain, clutching headshots and hope.  

24/12/2025

The Careers Advice Gap - Preparing Students for the Jobs We Actually Need

Careers advice today is like a satnav that insists every road leads to university.  No matter where you start, the voice calmly repeats: "Turn left for higher education, continue straight for a degree." But what if the destination you actually need lies down a different road—toward skilled trades, healthcare support, digital infrastructure, or logistics? Too often, those routes are hidden from view, as if the map itself has been cropped.  

24/12/2025

The Teacher Gets Automated - Risks and Opportunities in AI Education

For centuries, classrooms have been defined by human presence — the teacher at the front, shaping minds and mentoring lives.  Now, AI tutors and programmes are entering schools and universities, promising personalised learning, faster feedback, and efficiency.  

24/12/2025

First developer signs contract for cladding remediation

Persimmon Homes is the first developer in Scotland to sign an agreement to fund and complete essential cladding work in buildings for which they are responsible.   In October, Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan invited nine developers with an average operating profit of more than £10 million to sign the Scottish Government's Developer Remediation Contract.