News Archive

12/10/2023

 
GDP monthly estimate UK - August 2023 - Growth of 0.2%

Monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have grown by 0.2% in August 2023, following a fall of 0.6% in July 2023, revised down from a 0.5% fall in our previous publication.   Looking at the broader picture, GDP increased by 0.3% in the three months to August 2023, with growth in all sectors.  

12/10/2023

Reassuring Cereals Harvest In Scotland Predicted Despite Challenges

The Chief Statistician has today released first estimates of the 2023 Scottish harvest.   The figures predict that cereal production will remain in line with the ten-year average despite significant challenges during the year, including high input costs and poor weather condition.  

11/10/2023 : Libraries, Museums & Galleries

 
Library Book Loan Payment Scheme Updated To Benefit Authors

Library book loan payment scheme updated to benefit authors enabling authors to earn up to £6,600 from loans of their books from libraries.   Scheme enables authors to earn up to £6,600 from loans of their books from libraries.  

11/10/2023 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Annual Report 22-23

Recently published the annual report of the National Decommissioning Authority (NDA) 2022-23.   For Caithness perhaps the most interest will be where Dounreay is mentioned.  

11/10/2023

Save Up To £2,000 A Year On Childcare Costs For Your Little Pumpkins

Autumn is here and as the October school holidays have started, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding working families to give their childcare budget a treat this Halloween by opening a Tax-Free Childcare account.   Parents can use Tax-Free Childcare to help with childcare costs for school holiday clubs, breakfast or after school clubs, childminders or nurseries.  

11/10/2023

The Role Of Labour Costs And Profits In UK Inflation - 2010 To 2023

Analysis of trends in unit labour costs and unit profits as contributions to domestic inflation using the national accounts and the income approach to GDP.   The change in the implied price of UK gross domestic product (GDP) is a measure of domestic inflation, which includes capturing the contributions of labour costs and profit margins in explaining movements in domestic inflation.  

10/10/2023 : Auctioneers

Dingwall And Highland Marts Ltd - Sale 10 October 2023

DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (October 10th) sold 12 Prime Cattle.   Prime Heifers (12) averaged 284.3p per kg and sold to 302.0p per kg and £1,866.75 gross.  

10/10/2023 : Local Authority

Community Council Elections 2023 - Postal Ballots To Take Place - Thurso And Watten Among Others - Bower Failed To Get Enough Candidates

Following the close of the withdrawal period today at 12 noon (Tuesday 10 October 2023), an election will be held for the 10 contested community councils across Highland.   The contested community councils are: Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Croy and Culloden Moor Dunvegan Glengarry Kiltearn Melvich Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry Thurso Watten Wester Loch Ewe Ballot papers are being posted out second class on Tuesday 31 October 2023.  

10/10/2023

 
Property - How Bubbles Burst - 7 Lessons From Past House Price Falls

A look at previous periods of falling house prices.  What caused them and whether we are facing similar or different situation now..  

10/10/2023

 
Scottish Economic Bulletin - Published 9 October 2023

The Scottish Economic Bulletin provides a summary of latest key economic statistics, forecasts and analysis on the Scottish economy.   This month's bulletin provides an update on economic indicators during the third quarter of 2023 in which inflationary pressures have continued to ease however the economy remains in a period of subdued growth, labour market conditions have softened and business and consumer sentiment have moderated.  

10/10/2023

 
Property - House Prices Are About To Shock Everyone! UK House Price Crash

The UK Housing Market CRASH is set to continue with house prices predicted to make a SHOCKING move that is going to catch out a LOT of unsuspecting BUYERS and SELLERS! The UK house price crash started just over a year ago and house prices in the UK have fallen by over £15,000 so far.  Things are expected to get worse with many house price forecasts predicting further falls for the remainder of 2023 and throughout 2024.  

10/10/2023

Warm Home Discount Scheme - If You're On A Low Income In Scotland

The Warm Home Discount Scheme for winter 2023 to 2024 opens on 16 October 2023.   You do not need to apply if you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.  

10/10/2023

Property - The Big Mortgage Squeeze - BBC Panorama

Millions of Britons are now facing hefty rises in their mortgage payments, on top of a cost of living crisis.  The BBC's cost of living correspondent Colletta Smith meets the homeowners feeling the squeeze as they come off cheaper fixed-rate mortgages and adjust to much higher bills.  

10/10/2023

Property - Fixed Mortgage Rates Cut Across The Spectrum

Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals fixed mortgage rates have fallen across the spectrum and overall product choice has grown month-on-month.   Average fixed mortgage rates across all LTV tiers on two- and five-year fixed rate deals fell for a second consecutive month.  

10/10/2023

Only The Well-off Buy New Cars So Using Tax Revenues To Help Them Isn't Fair

It's not a justifiable use of public money to incentivise electric car purchase because the people who are buying them generally don't need the financial help to do so.  Buying a new car is an activity of people heavily concentrated at the top of the income spectrum, and it's an entirely voluntary thing to do.  

9/10/2023

Highland Road Conditions Report - 09.10.23

Highland Council roads operatives have had a busy weekend following the torrential rain and flooding which affected large areas of Scotland.   Operatives are continuing to deal with the aftermath of a number of landslips and flooding incidents which have affected roads in Highland.  

9/10/2023

£89 Million Of Funding To Develop Cutting Edge New Electric Vehicle Technology

£89 million of funding has been awarded to 20 cutting edge net zero tech projects, reinforcing the UK as a world leader in zero emissions vehicle technology.   £89 million in joint government and industry funding to help the UK lead the way on cutting edge net zero tech, creating jobs and helping to grow the economy.  

9/10/2023

Is The UKs Go-it-alone Electronic Trade Documents Act Worth The Paper It's Written On?

Britain's pioneering Electronic Trade Documents Act was supposed to introduce international paper-free shipping - slashing time and costs by 75%.  On paper, it’s a great idea but, until the UK’s main trading partners also go electronic, it will have little impact, says ParcelHero.  

9/10/2023

Support For The Veterans And Armed Forces Community 2023

Minister for Veterans Foreword I am particularly delighted to present the Scottish Government's seventh annual update to Parliament on our support throughout the past year for the Veterans and Armed Forces community in Scotland, given my recent return to the role as the Minister responsible for this important area.   I am really pleased to note the progress that has been made across a number of aspects of support for our veterans and their families.  

9/10/2023

Buy-to-let Fixed Rates Drop And Product Choice Rises But Some Landlords Still Looking To Sell Up

The buy-to-let sector has seen fixed rates fall and product choice grow month-on-month, according to the latest analysis by Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.   Overall buy-to-let product availability (fixed and variable) has improved month-on-month by just over 100 deals.