News Archive

25/7/2023

 
Rent Control On Its Own Won't Solve The Housing Crisis

Rent control is frequently proposed as a solution to the housing crisis.  Advocates might not always be precise about what they mean by the term, but the idea of regulating, capping or stabilising rents tends to attract popular support.  

25/7/2023

 
Inflation May Be Coming Down But Its Unequal Effects Can Still Have A Big Impact On Wellbeing

Inflation is coming down across developed economies, although not as much as governments and central banks would like.  The latest figures tracking UK inflation show prices rose by 7.3% in the year to June 2023, down from 7.9% in May, but still well above the government's official target of 2%.  

25/7/2023

Funding To Support Scottish Rural Parliament

Rural and island communities will have a chance to have their voices heard in local and national decision-making as a result of Scottish Government funding.   Around £80,000 will help to deliver the next Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament - a grassroots democratic assembly ­- which will take place in the autumn.  

25/7/2023

Three Covid-era Lessons To Help Support Employee Wellbeing In Times Of Crisis

The workplace challenges encountered during COVID lockdowns seem like a distant memory.  People have since moved on to focus on more immediate crises such as the rising cost of living and the war in Ukraine.  

25/7/2023

 
Why Is The US Economy Doing So Much Better Than The UK Economy?

Since 2008, the US economy has grown at double the rate of the UK economy.  Since Covid, the UK is stagnating whilst the US has grown strongly.  

25/7/2023 : Auctioneers

Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd -Sales 25 July 2023

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (July 25th) sold 12 Prime Cattle.   Prime Bullocks (2) averaged 258.6p per kg (+4.2p) and sold to 261.0p per kg and £1,918.35 gross.  

24/7/2023

 
Wick Gala 2023 PHOTOS

Over 300 photos from Wick Gala 2023 on Saturday night.   See the link above to all the photos..  

24/7/2023

UK Announces £680m For New High-speed Electric Railway In Turkey

UK government backing enables completion of a 286km electric railway in southern Turkey, connecting major cities with a high-speed, lower-carbon route.   €781m support unlocked by UK Export Finance - equivalent to £680m - will enable Rönesans Holding to finish construction of a high-speed electrified railway connecting Mersin with the cities of Adana, Osmaniye and Gaziantep.  

24/7/2023

Single Malt Welsh Whisky To Be Protected

Single Malt Welsh Whisky was successfully registered under the UK Geographical Indication (UKGI) scheme today.   Single Malt Welsh Whisky was successfully registered under the UK Geographical Indication (UKGI) scheme today (24th July) - protecting its name, authenticity and characteristics.  

24/7/2023

 
England Takes Another Step As New steps to speed up construction work at Sizewell C

£170 million investment for Sizewell C comes days after launch of Great British Nuclear.   Ministers announce measures to speed up preparations for Sizewell C construction.  

24/7/2023

Innovation At Heart Of Plans To Strengthen Retail Energy Market

Government sets out vision for a future energy market, with better consumer choice and protections at its core.   industry invited to shape future of the market, focussing on innovation to unlock competition and usher in new low carbon technologies.  

23/7/2023

Vision For Sustainable Aquaculture

Actions to increase the productivity of Scotland's aquaculture sector and help reduce its impact on the environment have been set out in a new strategy.   The Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture includes measures that will: safeguard the natural environment support innovation across the sector ensure local communities receive lasting benefits from aquaculture promote new infrastructure and supply chain developments.  

23/7/2023

Smoother Travel For Families Through The Uk Border This Summer

From Monday 24 July, children aged 10 or over will be able to enter the UK using eGates across 15 air and rail ports, helping families travel more easily.   This summer more families arriving into the UK will benefit from quicker entry to the UK using eGates, thanks to an expansion of the service to 10 and 11 year olds.  

22/7/2023

 
Caithness County Show 2023 Photos

Hundreds of photos from the Caithness County Show 2023.   See the gallery link above..  

21/7/2023

Why Russia Pulled Out Of Its Grain Deal With Ukraine - And What That Means For The Global Food System

The Russia-Ukraine grain deal that has been critical to keeping global food prices stable and preventing famine is currently in tatters.  On July 17, 2023, Russia said it was pulling out of the year-old deal, which allowed shipments of grains and other foodstuffs to travel past the Russian naval blockade in the Black Sea.  

21/7/2023 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Caithness Voluntary Group Success With Loneliness Funding Award

Caithness Voluntary Group is one of 53 projects awarded a share of £3.2 million fund set up to tackle loneliness by Scottish Government.   Activities delivered by the organisations include community choirs, walking football, Men's Sheds and volunteering opportunities.  

21/7/2023

 
Essential Summer Health Tips For Travellers Going Abroad

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding summer travellers of simple steps to reduce their risk of common infections when travelling abroad.   Most travellers have a healthy and safe trip, however, we do see various infections in returning travellers such as: diarrhoeal illness measles malaria dengue other infections carried by mosquitoes.  

21/7/2023

 
Stronger Powers To Combat Illicit Tobacco Come Into Force

New sanctions come into effect for those found selling illicit tobacco products.   More than 27 million illicit cigarettes and 7,500kg of hand-rolling tobacco were seized under Operation CeCe in its first 2 years, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and National Trading Standards have revealed.  

21/7/2023

Strikes Bill Becomes Law - Minimum Service Levels During Industrial Action

Government Bill to introduce Minimum Service Levels during industrial action receives Royal Assent.   Minimum Service Levels balance the ability of workers to strike with the rights of the public, who expect essential services they pay for to be there when they need them.  

21/7/2023

Ministerial Code Updated To Improve Transparency

The Scottish Ministerial Code has been updated to further strengthen transparency and propriety.   Updates to the Code include: New text reflecting the updates to the procedure for handling complaints by civil servants about the behaviour of a Minister or former Minister, making clear that for future complaints certain information about concluded cases will be made public, including the Minister's name, the nature of the complaint and the outcome of the complaint, even after a Minister has left office, and setting out the obligation on Ministers to cooperate with the procedure.