When the UK Government announced plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s in England, many parents and communities may have wondered. "Will the same rules apply in Scotland?" The answer is no — at least not at present.
As a new UK Government forms under Andy Burnham, national media will be full of commentary from “experts” on tax, energy, climate policy, and public spending. Many of these voices come from London‑based think tanks — organisations that produce reports, media commentary, and political analysis.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) brought some welcome news for the Government. After a small decline in April, the UK economy returned to growth in May, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing by 0.1%.
The announcement that the Cancer Research UK shop in Thurso is to close, following the earlier closure of its Wick branch, marks another sad chapter for Caithness High Streets. These are not ordinary retailers chasing profits.
Walk through Wick or Thurso today and you'll probably hear the same conversation. "There used to be a shop there" and "It's another empty building followed by "Everything's online now." For many people, the decline of the traditional High Street feels inevitable.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK is investing €300 million to help deliver advanced Swedish Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies from Russian attacks, while supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs across the UK. Major UK investment to help deliver full squadron of Swedish Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine as Prime Minister visits President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine.
Many people across the political spectrum now raise a question. Should a departing Prime Minister have the power to create large numbers of new members of the House of Lords? There are two sides to the argument.
The UK government has made several mentions of reduction for summer to VAT for meals cinemas and days out. But do you know where to check out which places are showing offers and reductions.
New common-sense proposals announced today will see the loudest fireworks restricted to professional displays. Action to crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect vulnerable people, pets and wildlife.
The UK Government has announced plans to tackle what it describes as "baseless legal claims" that delay major housing and infrastructure projects. The aim is simple: get Britain building faster.
When the Government announces a tax cut, most people naturally expect one thing - Prices should fall. That is certainly the message politicians like to promote.
When governments face a financial squeeze, they eventually face the same difficult question. Where does the money come from? For any new Prime Minister, raising taxes is politically dangerous.
Forward, the taxpayers marched, Into the fiscal fog — Where rules are written elsewhere By folk who’ve never slogged. Through A9 closures, Heating oil invoices, And winter bills that rise Like bureaucratic voices.
Political rhetoric is not just theatre. In global markets, it is treated as real‑time risk information, and this week investors might be given two very different signals from opposite sides of the Atlantic.
Plans to move to the expenses-only volunteer model in September 2026 will not go ahead. Current arrangements for the Coastguard Rescue Service will remain in place.
One of Caithness's newest success stories is proving that location is no barrier to reaching customers around the world. 8 Doors Distillery in John O'Groats, Scotland's most northerly mainland whisky distillery, is expanding into international markets with support from Scottish Enterprise and Team Scotland, demonstrating how businesses from the far north can compete on the global stage.
The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding. Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.
From 15 July 2026, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) finally becomes a regulated financial product in the UK. After years of complaints about unclear terms, missed‑payment traps, and people accidentally building up hidden debts, the government and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have stepped in.
All flights between the Highlands and Islands and other Scottish airports will be exempt from Air Departure Tax (ADT) when the devolved levy comes into force next year. Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said extending the exemption to incoming flights to the Highlands and Islands from other locations in Scotland will improve national connectivity for people and businesses when ADT replaces the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty on 1 April 2027.
England and Scotland may now be out of the World Cup but, believe it or not, there are still reasons to be cheerful, as the home delivery expert Parcelhero is reminding saddened Brits. Many economic indicators show an encouraging uptick.