The footfall in Wick is already much reduced from earlier years will the last bank closing be he final nail in the coffin of Wick town centre. With several empty shops in the town centre from Bridge Street to High Street it would seem likely that footfall will reduce even further when Bank of Scotland closes the branch on Bridge Street - 25 June 2025.
A surge in Covid cases across the country has prompted the nation's health body to return to weekly updates on the spread of the virus. Data from Public Health Scotland shows the number of reported coronavirus cases stood at 1,040 in the week ending June 23, up from 441 at the start of the month.
The results of a new Ipsos UK KnowledgePanel survey tracked the voting intentions of the same group of over 15,000 British adults between January and June. Beneath the surface of the latest political polls, a new Ipsos survey on the Ipsos online random probability UK KnowledgePanel reveals a notable degree of voter volatility.
Survation MRP: Labour 99% Certain To Win More Seats Than in 1997. Yesterday - With two days until polls open, Survation predict that Labour will win the 2024 general election with 484 out of a total 650 seats.
Apart from missing postal voters a big number of people may not vote at all. So is it apathy or feeling it will not make a difference who is in power.
A shining example of partnership in action has enabled the reopening of a much-needed public convenience in Wick which was closed for two years due to significant vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The town of Wick has over 7,500 residents, is a community hub for the surrounding local rural area of East Caithness and has seen a considerable increase in the number of visitors due to the popularity of the NC500 and the increase in staycation visitors.
Highland Council's £2.1 billion twenty-year investment plan will add significant capital on top of existing and additional new commitments of £50 million for roads and transport infrastructure agreed as part of the 2024 budget setting process. £63.4m will be spent on roads and infrastructure improvements over the next 3 years.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is aware of false claims about upcoming deadlines to appeal the 2023 rating lists. These are not true.
With Labour heavily predicted to win the upcoming UK election, there has been much talk about future tax plans. Keir Starmer insists the party's priority is economic growth, but many believe it will have to raise taxes to shore up the public finances.
People across Scotland are being invited to have a say on how crofting is reformed. A programme of meetings will take place from 3 July to 15 August, stretching from Oban to Shetland - Thurso meeting Park Hotel 4 July 2024.
When reading this release from the British Retail Consortium remember even if inflation has gone down prices are still going up even if at a slower rate. The use of the word down in every paragraph may give the impression that thing are getting cheaper - they are NOT as anyone doing the weekly shopping knows full well.
Ready to take your business to the next level. Caithness Chamber of Commerce is highlighting an opportunity for grants and loans.
A new voluntary scheme is now open to all campervan and motorhome users travelling across Highland, with the principle aim of delivering sustainable and responsible tourism in the Highlands. Earlier this year, the public, partners, and the Highland Council's staff were invited to take part in a survey and share suggestions ahead of the Council's budget for 2024/25.
Much hay has been made in recent years about age becoming a stronger predictor of vote than class (we wrote about it here). So, the age distribution of voter registration is eyebrow raising.
If you have still to receive or return your postal vote for the Highland constituencies of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross; or Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire please note the following advice. On Monday 1 July, Tuesday 2 July and Wednesday 3 July you can drop off your postal pack in person or request a replacement pack between 10am and 4pm at the following locations.
The latest Nationwide housing report paints a somewhat gloomy picture with mortgages hard to get and transactions down. UK house prices up 1.5% in June compared with a year ago.
You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station. You will only need to show one form of photo ID.
The director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies answers i readers' questions on the election and what it means for your finances. Mortgages will remain high in the future but that could help first-time buyers, Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), has said.
The Caithness Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are here to celebrate your success. This prestigious event is your chance to enhance your business's visibility and receive well-deserved accolades.
Hannah White at the Institute for Government The gambling betting scandal is the latest reminder of the need to restore trust in politics. Ethical scandals, like the election betting furore, disrupt the ability of governments to deliver on their political priorities.