News Archive

19/5/2026

Tesco, Aldi, and the Illusion of the “Price Match”

Tesco’s advertising campaign around Aldi Price Match is designed to reassure customers that they no longer need to leave mainstream supermarkets to find discount prices.   The message is simple and psychologically effective: why shop at Aldi if Tesco offers the same prices? However, a closer examination of the scheme reveals a more complicated reality.  

19/5/2026

 
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19/5/2026

Life courses and pension saving patterns

This report explores how labour market histories and life events are associated with pension saving in the UK, and how different labour market patterns translate into differences in retirement outcomes in later life.   Under the current private pension system, certain groups are at risk of accumulating little or no private pensions over their working-age life, especially those with long spells of non-employment or self-employment, and to a lesser extent those mostly in part-time work.  

18/5/2026

China’s Giant New Solar Farms at Sea Are Also Becoming Fish Farms

China has just opened what is widely described as the world’s largest open-sea solar power project.  A huge offshore installation off the coast of Dongying in Shandong province developed by CHN Energy.  

18/5/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council showcases Invest Highland at UKREiiF 2026

The Highland Council is showcasing the region’s ambitious Invest Highland programme at a national event this week at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2026 in Leeds.   The Leader of the Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner, alongside Council Officers and Calum MacPherson of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport will attend this year’s UKREiiF which exists to connect people, places, and businesses to accelerate investment, foster development, and drive sustainable regeneration across the UK.  

18/5/2026

 
When Drilling Slows, Scotland Feels It: What North East Rig Out’s Collapse Tells Us About the Energy Downturn

North East Rig Out (NERO), a long‑established Aberdeen workwear and PPE supplier, has gone into liquidation after more than four decades in business.  Eight jobs have been lost, and the liquidators were blunt about the cause: a prolonged downturn in the energy market and a sharp reduction in orders from oil and gas clients.  

18/5/2026

 
Caithness flood risk for properties after 2039 - Insurance Premiums May See Big Rises

After 2039 Flood insurance will no longer be subsidised.  Prices will reflect real flood risk.  

18/5/2026

Oil Price Is Up But Heating Oil Is Slightly Down Partly Due To Customer Resistance

Why are heating oil prices going down slightly when the oil price is going up?.   It is probably a mixture of both seasonal effects and demand resistance from consumers and right now the second factor may actually be becoming more important.  

18/5/2026

 
The world’s most powerful armies can't win wars now, so what happens next? - Richard Murphy

Three of the world's most powerful militaries are simultaneously stuck in conflicts they cannot win.   Russia has not defeated Ukraine after four years.  

18/5/2026

UK deploys new low-cost anti-drone system in the Middle East

British citizens and regional partners will be better protected against drone attacks as the Royal Air Force deploys a new low-cost anti-drone weapon on operations in the Middle East.   UK deploys new low-cost missile system to defend UK citizens and partners in the Middle East from drone attacks.  

18/5/2026

Cost of living Hits Age Groups In Different Ways

The April 2026 ONS bulletin reveals how cost of living pressures are felt differently across age groups, and when woven together, the picture is one of a society grappling with shared challenges but experiencing them in distinct ways.   For younger adults, particularly those aged 16 to 29, the cost of living crisis is most sharply defined by the struggle to afford housing and secure stable employment.  

18/5/2026

The Winner Of The Oil Price Issue Is China As USA And Iran Stand-Off Continues

there is evidence that China is helping Iran economically and diplomatically, but there is much less clear public evidence of direct Chinese military intervention in the war itself.   The strongest and clearest evidence involves oil.  

18/5/2026

IMF Upgraded the UK Growth Forecast Today

The IMF raised its UK growth forecast mainly because the economy has recently shown more strength than expected, despite global shocks.  The Fund now expects 1% growth instead of 0.8% for 2026, and it attributes this upgrade to several concrete factors.  

18/5/2026

Middle East Peace Talk Fade Pushing Oil Price Up towards $111

The latest jump towards $111 a barrel is mainly being driven by renewed fears that the Middle East oil crisis is not easing after all.  Traders had briefly hoped the situation around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz might calm down, but those hopes have faded sharply over the last few days.  

18/5/2026

Consumer Credit Act reformed to protect consumers and support modern finance

The government will modernise the Consumer Credit Act for the first time in over 50 years, giving consumers clearer information and firms the flexibility to innovate.   Landmark legislation, first passed over 50 years ago, modernised to reflect how people use credit today.  

17/5/2026

 
23 UK Shops Hiding a Secret Pensioner Discount (You Just Have to Ask)

We may not have many of the outlets mentioned in this video but worth thinking about especially if you go to bigger towns or cities.   Are there any secret discounts around in Caithness - just ask.  

17/5/2026

Can SNP Government Really Force Food Prices Down Or Would It Backfire?

The idea of governments controlling the prices of basic groceries is politically attractive during periods of high inflation because it gives the impression of immediate action against rising living costs.   The Scottish National Party and politicians elsewhere in Europe have periodically discussed versions of price intervention on staple goods such as bread, milk, pasta, eggs or vegetables.  

17/5/2026

 
The Hidden Tax Economy: How Everyday Life, Lifestyle Choices, and Fuel Prices Shape What We Really Pay

When most people think about tax, they picture a simple list: income tax on wages, National Insurance, VAT on purchases, and perhaps council tax.  But in reality, modern taxation is far more layered, more indirect, and increasingly embedded into the way people live rather than just what they earn.  

17/5/2026

Who Can Save Money On Fuel Prices - Mainly Business Related but Not always

Fuel cards exist, but in the UK they are mostly aimed at businesses, and that’s the key point.   However, there are exceptions and a few “workarounds” depending on how you use them.  

17/5/2026

 
Running out of Oil and Hidden Shortages

Oil markets appear 'relatively' calm, but beneath the surface, a dangerous shift is taking place.  Strategic reserves, oil inventories and spare capacity are being stretched to the limit.