News Archive

15/5/2026

 
North Falls Offshore Wind Farm Gets Go Ahead

The North Falls Offshore Wind Farm application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.   North Falls Offshore Wind Farm will generate around 1 GW of electricity — enough to power roughly 400,000 UK homes — and has now received planning consent.  

15/5/2026

 
Dstl backed robotics breakthrough transforms military manufacturing

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.   The robots have human‑like precision, which means they can deliver faster, cheaper and more reliable components.  

15/5/2026

Political turmoil is pushing up borrowing costs and rattling markets - All of us suffer the costs

The wall‑to‑wall media focus on Labour’s internal conflict and the question of who might replace the Prime Minister is already damaging confidence in UK financial markets, and there is clear evidence that investment decisions are being paused until the political situation stabilises.   This isn’t speculation — it’s exactly what the financial press and market analysts are reporting this week.  

15/5/2026

 
Millions to get faster, easier access to government support with new AI tool

GOV.UK Chat is now available in the GOV.UK app – a new AI tool that lets people ask questions in plain language and get clear, reliable answers instantly.   GOV.UK Chat – a new AI tool in the GOV.UK app – lets people ask questions in plain language and get clear, reliable answers instantly.  

15/5/2026

 
Tax advisers: check if you need to register under new rules

Registration for tax advisers opens next week.   From 18 May 2026, a new registration requirement for tax advisers will roll out.  

15/5/2026 : Banks & Finance

Government reviews access to face to face banking services

An independent review will look at how shifts in face-to-face banking services affect people and communities, with new powers enabling the Government to act on what it finds.   Lucy Rigby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, has commissioned independent review to protect access to face‑to‑face banking across the UK.  

14/5/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council enhances delivery on the Highland Housing Challenge

The Highland Council will meet on Thursday, 14 May and on the agenda for discussion is a report on the Highland Housing Challenge.   The Highland Housing Challenge was declared in June 2024, with a target of 24,000 new homes by 2034.  

14/5/2026

Bill that could nationalise British Steel takes first step through Parliament

The Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill will take its first step through Parliament today with its First Reading.   A Bill to grant the Government powers to nationalise steel companies such as British Steel, subject to a public interest being met, will be introduced to Parliament today (14 May), marking an important step towards safeguarding the long‑term future of the UK steel industry.  

14/5/2026

 
Seeing the Problem Isn’t Enough: Why Britain Needs a New Approach to Fixing Its Public Services

Britain’s public services are in a state that no one can ignore, yet the political system seems unable to confront the scale of the challenge.  That is the central argument of the Resolution Foundation’s latest report, which sets out a stark but measured assessment of where the country stands in 2026.  

14/5/2026

 
Trading Standards - Car Finance Compensation Scams

There have been more reports of scammers attempting to take advantage of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)'s car finance compensation scheme.   Under the scheme, those who used finance to buy a car, motorbike or van between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 may be owed compensation.  

14/5/2026

 
Why UK Borrowing Costs Are Exploding And Who’s Profiting

UK government borrowing costs are rising fast, and the official explanation does not make sense.  Britain is paying far more to borrow than France or Italy, despite having its own currency, a central bank, and no meaningful risk of default.  

14/5/2026

 
The UK’s Trade Deficit Widens: What March 2026 Tells Businesses About the Year Ahead

The latest ONS trade figures for March 2026 reveal a UK economy grappling with rising import costs, uneven export performance and a shifting global environment.   For businesses, the message is not one of crisis, but of tightening margins, volatile markets and a trade position that is becoming harder to stabilise.  

14/5/2026

 
June Prime Day forecast: $27.6bn US, £2.4bn UK BUT.......

Amazon is set for a bumper $27.6bn Prime Day in the US and £2.4bn in the UK alone, forecasts the home delivery expert Parcelhero.  However, Amazon is now facing increasing competition from the likes of Joybuy and Temu.  

14/5/2026

 
Next-generation remote controlled artillery systems to transform British Army

British soldiers will be equipped with modern guns capable of firing eight rounds per minute at targets up to 70km away – delivering the long-term close support artillery solution for the British Army, a landmark moment in UK defence modernisation.   Procurement of 72 Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) for the British Army will deliver a step change in artillery capability.  

14/5/2026

 
When the UK Grows but Caithness Stands Still: What the Latest GDP Figures Really Mean for the Far North

The latest GDP figures from the Office for National Statistics paint a picture of a UK economy that is moving — slowly, unevenly, and with more fragility than confidence.  March 2026 delivered a modest 0.3% rise in GDP, with a 0.6% increase over the three‑month period.  

13/5/2026 : Auctioneers

Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd - Bull Show and Sale 12 May 2026

DINGWALL, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (May 12th) sold 229 adult head of breeding cattle at their special sale.  The bull show was kindly sponsored by Sellars Agri, Invergordon and judged by Mr Blair Duffton, Huntly.  

13/5/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Highlands and Islands women seize chance to build skills through HIE Impact Women

Thirty women from across the region are starting out on a new leadership programme launched by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   The women, who come from a wide range of sectors, age groups and communities, are taking part in the 16-week HIE Impact Women programme.  

13/5/2026 : Auctioneers

Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd - Luing Cattle Sale 12 May 2026

DINGWALL, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., (May 12th) sold 71 Pedigree and commercial Luing cattle at their annual spring breeding sale.   Pedigree Bulling Heifers (63) averaged £3,396.67 and sold to 6,200gns (£6,510) for lots 25 & 26 from A l & A C McCall, Culmaily Farm, Golspie selling to Messrs Jardine, Fairgirth Farm, Dalbeattie.  

13/5/2026

 
Sustainable Screen website launched to support Scottish film & TV production

A new practical website, Sustainable Screen, has launched to help screen professionals reduce their environmental impact and embed greener practices across productions.   Scotland is already over halfway to its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045, placing it ahead of the wider UK.  

13/5/2026 : Local Authority

 
Glen Earrach Energy signs Social Value Charter, pledging Scotland's largest Community Wealth Fund

A pumped storage hydro project proposed near Loch Ness has committed to allocating 5 per cent of its annual gross margin to a Community Wealth Fund estimated to deliver over £20 million a year.   Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) has become the second company to sign the Highland Social Value Charter, marking a significant milestone in delivering long-term socio-economic benefits for communities across the Highlands.