News Archive

20/8/2026

If Sea Levels Are Rising, Why Can't I See It Around Caithness?

The view from the Caithness coast raises a perfectly reasonable question about one of the most discussed consequences of climate change Walk along almost any part of the Caithness coastline and there is something rather strange about the debate over rising sea levels.   We are repeatedly told that the world's oceans are rising.  

20/8/2026

The NC500 Isn't a Race: Why Stopping in Caithness Could Make the Journey Better

There is something slightly strange about the way we travel the North Coast 500.   Put a map of Scotland in front of someone who has never travelled the far north and watch what happens.  

20/8/2026

Plug-In Solar Is Coming: Could Britain's New Supermarket Solar Revolution Work in Caithness?

For years, solar panels have been something many people associated with large roofs, expensive installations and thousands of pounds of upfront cost.   That is about to change as from 27 August, new rules will allow compliant plug-in solar systems to be connected to household sockets in Great Britain.  

20/8/2026

Scotland's Household Income Is Rising But Are Scots Really Better Off?

There is a number in the latest economic statistics that looks encouraging for Scotland.   Household disposable income rose by 7.9% in Scotland during 2024, faster than the UK-wide increase of 7.4%.  

20/8/2026

Brent at $100 Again? Why This Oil Shock Could Be More Dangerous for Scotland Than the Last One

There was a time when seeing the price of a barrel of oil approach $100 would have been enough to make markets sit up.   Now it is becoming an increasingly realistic prospect.  

19/8/2026

Where Do Your Eggs Come From? What Lidl, Tesco and the British Lion Mark Tell Us About Salmonella

There is a very simple question that most of us probably never ask when buying a box of eggs.   Where did these eggs actually come from?.  

19/8/2026

 
Better WiFi on remote trains and access to cutting edge tech for British farmers through £13 million boost to drive next-gen satellite communications

More reliable broadband on remote Scottish railways and affordable sensors which help farmers grow more food.   Reliable broadband on remote Scottish railways and access to cutting-edge tech for British farmers among 16 new projects backed by £13 million.  

19/8/2026

Fife firm powering £12 million boost

Semiconductor company's expansion safeguarding skilled jobs and boosting exports.   A £1.9 million grant, part of a £12 million company investment, will support the growth of Scotland’s Critical Technologies supercluster, expanding a compound semiconductor wafer manufacturer and creating new opportunities for staff and apprentices.  

19/8/2026

 
Sellafield's SIXEP Continuity Plant has reached an important milestone

Latest crane lifts mark major progress on SIXEP Continuity Plant.   Sellafield's SIXEP Continuity Plant has reached an important milestone, with key equipment installed as the project reaches 75% completion.  

19/8/2026

Salmonella in Scotland: Six Cases, Imported Eggs and Why the Lion Mark Matters

There is something rather unsettling about the latest Salmonella outbreak in Britain.   A food that most of us regard as one of the simplest and safest staples in the kitchen has become the focus of a major public health investigation.  

19/8/2026

Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone secures £300 million investment as Dell establishes Scottish base

AI Growth Zone to support more than 3,400 jobs and attract major new investment to Lanarkshire – supporting the drive for good growth in every postcode.   AI Growth Zone to support more than 3,400 jobs and attract major new investment to Lanarkshire – supporting the drive for good growth in every postcode.  

19/8/2026

AI to slash 101 wait times and free vital police time

New AI call-routing system for 101 will get callers to the right service faster, while freeing up police to tackle crime and help victims.   New AI software will slash waiting times for reporting crimes to the police, helping to unclog the 101 service amid huge levels of misdirected, nuisance and prank calls.  

19/8/2026 : Local Authority

Demand for social housing remains high across Highland Butit is part of a biggr Scottish Problem

Demand for social housing across the Highlands remains high, with almost 8,826 households on the Highland Housing Register (HHR).   Housing and Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “The demand for social housing across Highland remains significant and continues to outstrip the number of homes available in many areas.  

19/8/2026

Are Scottish Charities Facing the Same Attacks As England? The Warning Signs We Shouldn't Ignore

A recent UK Government press release carried a stark warning.  The Charity Commission for England and Wales says charities are facing increasingly complex threats, ranging from cyber attacks and fraud to more sophisticated attempts to abuse charitable status for private gain.  

19/8/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council to consider Draft Visitor Levy Scheme at Special Meeting

A special meeting of The Highland Council will take place Tuesday 25 August 2026 to consider a draft Visitor Levy proposal.   No decision is being sought at this stage on whether a Visitor Levy should be introduced in the Highlands.  

19/8/2026

Inflation Turns Higher Again: Why Britain's Cost-of-Living Problem May Not Be Over

Britain's inflation problem has not gone away.  It has simply changed shape.  

19/8/2026

The World’s Rivers Are Sending Us a Warning: Are We Entering a New Age of Water Scarcity?

For much of human history, rivers have seemed almost indestructible.  They rise in mountains, flow through valleys, cross borders and eventually reach the sea.  

19/8/2026

Second registration window now open for tax advisers

HMRC has opened the second phase of mandatory tax adviser registration, with eligible advisers required to register by 18 November 2026.   Phase two of the new online registration requirement for tax advisers rolls out.  

19/8/2026

Oil, Hormuz and the Next Scottish Squeeze: Why $100 Crude Could Be Closer Than It Looks

There is a familiar feeling developing in the oil market.  It is not quite panic, and Brent crude has not yet returned to the extraordinary highs seen earlier in the year, but the direction of travel is becoming increasingly uncomfortable.  

19/8/2026

Warning as investors lose hundreds of thousands of pounds to “Ponzi-style” crypto scheme

Insolvency Service takes action to shut down unauthorised crypto investment firm.   Key Coin Assets Ltd promised returns up to 100%, but investors lost hundreds of thousands of pounds Insolvency Service investigations found no evidence of genuine trading.