News Archive

Yesterday

Britain's New Political Map: Are Traditional Party Strongholds Disappearing?

Bev Craig's victory in Manchester to become the new mayor: a relief for Labour, but not a landslide.   Bev Craig, Labour's candidate and former leader of Manchester City Council, won the Greater Manchester mayoralty after Andy Burnham left the role to move into national politics.  

31/7/2026

Burnham drives defence to deliver security and growth in every postcode with £8.4bn nuclear submarine investment supporting 22,000 apprenticeships - 250 Jobs For Thurso

A major £8.4bn investment in the UK’s nuclear deterrent, delivering jobs and opportunity for young people for years to come, is set to be announced by the Prime Minister.   Prime Minister announces major £8.4 billion investment in next stage of UK’s Dreadnought nuclear deterrent submarine build programme during visit to Barrow-in-Furness.  

31/7/2026

Can you spot the sniper? MOD challenges public to see hidden danger in military training area

New MOD campaign demonstrates how military personnel can remain hidden during training.   The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has challenged the public to test their observation skills through a new, interactive “Spot the Sniper” campaign.  

31/7/2026

First-Time Buyers Face a Tougher Climb as Higher Mortgage Rates Tighten the Squeeze

For many aspiring homeowners, the dream of buying a first property has become increasingly difficult.  While headlines often focus on house prices, it is now the cost of borrowing that is proving to be one of the biggest barriers to getting onto the property ladder.  

31/7/2026

PM hands mayors share of income tax in England to make lives better in every postcode

The Prime Minister will today launch the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.   Biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation.  

31/7/2026

Major £8.4bn investment advances UK nuclear deterrent and backs British industry

The UK will continue to be kept safe for decades to come, as major investments will progress the next phase of the next generation nuclear deterrent submarines.   £8.4 billion government funding committed to drive forward construction of the Dreadnought Class submarines.  

31/7/2026

 
Millions reminded to get £150 off energy bills this winter

Households eligible for the Warm Home Discount must be named on their energy bill by 23 August to receive it automatically this winter.   People receiving means-tested benefits must be named on their energy bill by 23 August to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount.  

31/7/2026

 
Why young people are losing faith in our economy - Richard Murphy

Young people are beginning to realise something that previous generations rarely had to face.   the economic system no longer works for them.  

31/7/2026

Supporting families to thrive - Expanding access to “national front door” to family support

A charity support line providing a one-step gateway to cost of living and whole family support will be expanded by Scottish Government funding to help up to 7,500 families.   Children First’s service offers practical, emotional and financial help and advice to families across Scotland 365 days a year by phone, webchat, text, email, video and face to face.  

31/7/2026

Trading Standards - Insulation Scams: 'Mould / Damp'

There have been more reports of rogue traders offering to carry out 'free' loft surveys, supposedly on behalf of the government.  They then go on to provide misleading information about the existing insulation in the property.  

31/7/2026

Unlocking trade with India

Scotland and India’s trading partnership could be worth more than £3 billion a year by 2030 – up by more than a half on current levels - according to a new report.   It highlights four high-growth sectors where Scotland's specialist strengths can capitalise on the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement which came into force earlier this month.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council Launches Community Transport Grant Funding for 2027–2030

Community groups and organisations across the Highlands are being invited to apply for funding through The Highland Council's Community Transport Grant Scheme.   The scheme supports community-led transport services that help people access healthcare, employment, education, shopping and social activities.  

30/7/2026

Could Britain's Nuclear Submarine Boom Bring New Opportunities for Caithness?

The UK Government's announcement of £8.4 billion of additional investment in Britain's nuclear submarine programme has understandably focused on the major shipyards and manufacturing centres in England.   Yet there is another part of the country with a long and distinguished connection to the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine fleet – one that is often overlooked.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Council leader welcomed Wick Air Service Funding for 2026/27

The Leader of The Highland Council has welcomed confirmation from Transport Scotland of almost £1.8 million funding to support Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services from Wick for the year ahead.   Following an open tender exercise, the Council has awarded the contract to Air Charter Scotland, which will continue to operate services between Wick and Aberdeen and introduce scheduled flights between Wick and Glasgow from 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027.  

30/7/2026

Beyond the Challenges: Forget All The Gloomy News - Five Reasons Caithness Still Has Major Business Opportunities

Running a business in Caithness has never been easy.   The challenges facing firms today are very real: rising costs, energy uncertainty, staff shortages, higher taxes, transport difficulties and pressure on household incomes.  

30/7/2026

Drought declared in half of England

Seven areas of England now officially in drought after record low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures.   Half of England has been declared in drought by the Environment Agency.  

30/7/2026

New Wind Farm Near Thurso Approved as TagEnergy Expands UK Portfolio

A major renewable energy boost is coming to Caithness as TagEnergy secures approval for the Cairnmore Hill Wind Farm, located just west of Thurso.  The five‑turbine project will deliver 21.5 MW of clean electricity—enough to power around 28,000 homes—and marks one of the company’s first operational wind ventures in the UK.  

30/7/2026

 
Thurso's Hidden Strength: How UHI Helps Build Caithness's Future Economy

When people discuss the future of Caithness, the conversation often focuses on major industries such as energy, tourism, engineering and the legacy of Dounreay.   All of these are important.  

30/7/2026

Lottery funding worth millions to power community energy projects across Scotland

Community groups across Scotland are to receive further help to cut their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, thanks to a £10 million investment over five years from the largest community funder in the UK.   The National Lottery Community Fund investment will help to fund the installation of renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar panels, as well as energy efficiency measures through the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Community Buildings Fund.  

30/7/2026

Are Britain's Blackout Fears Being Exaggerated? What the Leaked NESO Report Really Says

Recent headlines have warned that Britain could face an increased risk of electricity blackouts as the country moves towards a cleaner energy system.   Some reports have suggested the National Energy System Operator (NESO) has been sitting on a confidential report warning that the UK's electricity grid is becoming more fragile.