https://caithness-business.co.uk/ Business news stories for the county of Caithness, Scotland en-gb PHP Business Index by Niall Fernie Copyright 1998-2026 Caithness.Org niall.fernie@gmail.com (Niall Fernie) 720 https://caithness-business.co.uk/images/logo_rss.gifhttps://caithness-business.co.uk/ https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30867 The Scottish craft beer company Innis & Gunn has gone into administration in March 2026, with its brand sold to C&C Group. They are the drinks company behind Tennent's Lager, Magners, and Bulmers) for about £4.5 million. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30867 Caithness Business Index Sun, 8 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30868 The Cancer charity shop in Wick closed because it was part of a nationwide restructuring by Cancer Research UK and not because of a specific local issue. What happened The shop at 36 Bridge Street was included in a list of over 80 stores scheduled to close by May 2026 as the charity reduces its high-street shop network. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30868 Caithness Business Index Sun, 8 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30869 The conflict in the Middle East is not just a military crisis. It is rapidly becoming a global economic shock. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30869 Caithness Business Index Sun, 8 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30870 The UK is set for a decent but one-off increase in living standards this year, and a bumper rise for lower-income families. But a fresh energy price shock risks ruining this good news, while the medium-term picture for living standards remains bleak, according to the Resolution Foundation's overnight analysis of Spring Forecast 2026. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30870 Caithness Business Index Sun, 8 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30871 The Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) latest economic outlook has delivered a mixed picture for the Chancellor and the country. The borrowing forecast has improved, but with unemployment higher and the brand new forecast for lower inflation and interest rates already out of date, bold policy action cannot wait until the Autumn Budget, the Resolution Foundation said on(Tuesday in response to the Spring Forecast. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30871 Caithness Business Index Sun, 8 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30857 Several UK lenders have already raised mortgage rates, and inflation fears linked to the Middle East conflict are a major part of the story. The pattern is clear: when markets expect inflation to stay higher for longer, the cost of funding mortgages rises, and lenders pass that on through higher fixed‑rate deals. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30857 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30858 Essential industrial products like aluminium, sulphur, fertilisers, and several dry‑bulk commodities are already being hit hard by Gulf refinery and processing shutdowns. The Strait of Hormuz disruption has choked shipping, forced major plants offline, and triggered sharp price spikes and supply shortages. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30858 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30859 A clear picture of how long the price rises might last, which items will rise the most, how households can prepare, and how this compares to past global shocks. How long the price rises might last This depends almost entirely on how long the Gulf disruption continues. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30859 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30860 The UK has revealed for the first time its maintenance, repair and overhaul systems (MRO) facilities in Ukraine, with four operational and a fifth planned. The UK has revealed for the first time its maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in Ukraine. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30860 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30861 New terrestrial timing signal will ease reliance on satellite systems for digital infrastructure, like mobile phone networks and online banking. A new cutting-edge timing network for the UK will help keep critical services like phone networks and bank transactions up and running. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30861 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30862 Your questions answered on the impact of recent conflict in the Middle East. UK gas supply The UK's gas supply will not be disrupted. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30862 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30863 GBE‑N has secured its Electricity Generation Licence from Ofgem, marking a key step toward delivering new nuclear power for the UK. Great British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N) has successfully obtained an Electricity Generation Licence from the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), representing a landmark moment in its mission to deliver Europe's first Small Modular Reactors. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30863 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30864 Rachel Hunter reflects on the Highland Women Growth Summit, highlighting the challenges facing women in business, celebrating progress, and marking the launch of HIE Impact Women. I had an absolutely energising day at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness last Friday where over 100 women business leaders and policy makers gathered at the first ever Highland Women Growth Summit. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30864 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30865 The conflict in the Middle East is not just a military crisis. It is rapidly becoming a global economic shock. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30865 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30866 The Bank of England meets on 19 March to decide on interest rates. Many commentators now say rates cannot fall because war in the Middle East could push up oil and gas prices and increase inflation. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30866 Caithness Business Index Sat, 7 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30840 My Highland Future showcases ambitious plans for employment and apprenticeship growth. My Highland Future's ambitious plans to boost employment, apprenticeships and skills development across The Highland Council are being highlighted throughout Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 (2-6 March) with a commitment to expand the Council's in-house apprenticeship and career development pathways, while encouraging and supporting Highland businesses to get involved. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30840 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30842 The Highland Council has agreed its budget for 2026-27, setting out plans for new investment in key services, actions to support sustainable growth across the region, and targeted support for those who need it most. The budget includes: A 7% increase in Council Tax - 5% to support the delivery of core services like education, roads, housing and social care, and 2% of ring-fenced funding for The Highland Investment Plan, the Council's £2.1 billion, 20-year programme of capital investment in schools, infrastructure, and community facilities. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30842 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30843 Despite 73 new charities registering in The Highlands during 2025, 83 closures reveal growing pressure on third sector organisations. Charities across The Highlands entered the new year facing a complex operating environment, as Scottish Charity Register data reveals more organisations were removed from the register last year than were newly established. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30843 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30844 The US Iran war causing huge tanker problems has meant the home heating prices to rocket. In Two days the price has gone from 72 pence litre to around £1. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30844 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30845 Strength of tech ecosystem highlighted as FM opens new Dundee hub. Scottish tech founders raised £257 million in investment since joining Techscaler, Scotland's national tech scaleup programme - an increase of £139 million on the previous year. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30845 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30846 New legislation has been passed giving greater legal protection to digital assets. By clarifying rights to ownership, the Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill enables individuals and businesses to trade and invest with more confidence. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30846 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30847 The £135 de minimis customs duty exemption—the current "minimum limit" for parcels imported into the UK—is scheduled to end by March 2029 at the latest. Platforms like Shein and Temu have used the £135 threshold to ship billions of items duty-free, giving them a significant price advantage over UK high street stores. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30847 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30848 Whenever geopolitical tensions rise in major oil-producing regions, the ripple effects can quickly be felt thousands of miles away. The recent escalation involving Iran has pushed global oil prices upward and raised concerns about whether households and drivers might begin stockpiling fuel or heating oil in anticipation of higher costs. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30848 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30849 Global gas prices have jumped sharply again, largely because of the escalating conflict involving Iran and risks to energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Here's how that affects UK electricity and gas bills. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30849 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30850 Small businesses across the UK have been struggling with rising energy costs, but the pressures are especially acute in Caithness and the wider Far North. The combination of a colder climate, rural isolation, and a hospitality sector built on small, independent operators means that energy price volatility hits harder here than almost anywhere else. https://caithness-business.co.uk/article/30850 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 01:01:01 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9477 Situated in the peaceful rural setting of Thurdistoft, this well presented 3/4 bedroom bungalow offers the perfect blend of countryside tranquillity and convenient access to local amenities. The bustling village of Castletown is just a short drive away and provides a range of facilities including a hotel/restaurant, primary school, doctor’s surgery, convenience store/post office, butchers, garden centre and is a short walk to the stunning Dunnet beach. https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9477 Caithness Business Index Thu, 5 Mar 2026 15:59:59 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9476 A 2/3 bedroom semi-detached home with a large garden and detached wooden garage, ideally located close to Wick town centre. The property is in walk-in condition, offering bright and comfortable living spaces throughout. https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9476 Caithness Business Index Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:49:15 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9475 A well presented 3 bedroom terraced house with a spacious garden room. Situated in the popular area of Mount Pleasant in Thurso and is in walking distance to one of the local primary schools, Thurso River, beach as well as being close shops, town amenities, etc. https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9475 Caithness Business Index Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:58:23 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9474 Semi-detached property in Wick 3 bedroom 1 bathroom and an en suite Large garden to rear Off road parking. https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9474 Caithness Business Index Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:13:56 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9472 A traditional 5 bedroomed detached house with garage and outbuildings in the heart of Halkirk, approximately 7 miles from Thurso. Halkirk is a welcoming village with scenic river walks, shop, hotel, bar, garage, GP surgery, primary school and more. https://caithness-business.co.uk/property.php?id=9472 Caithness Business Index Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:03:29 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=157 Wick Harbour Authority is seeking to appoint an Assistant Harbour Master who will provide support to the Harbour Master in delivering the entirety of his duties. This is a new and transitional role in which the successful applicant will, if suitable, have the opportunity to step up to the position of Harbour Master within 12 months of appointment. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=157 Caithness Business Index Fri, 6 Mar 2026 12:22:56 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=156 BES currently have a job vacancy for a Welder Fabricator who will be based at our facility in Bower, by Wick, Caithness. To submit your interest for this role, please email your CV and Covering Letter (with Subject: “BES Welder Fabricator”) to the following address: recruitment@berk-eng.com As a Welder Fabricator within BES, you will be working from our site in Bower and on other site works locations around Caithness, supporting our growing business in the Nuclear Decommissioning, Construction and Renewable Energy sectors. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=156 Caithness Business Index Wed, 4 Mar 2026 12:10:32 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=153 Visitor Experience Assistant (Part Time) Location: 8 Doors Distillery, John O’Groats Reports to: Brand Home Manager Hours: Part Time. Includes regular weekend work and some evening work. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=153 Caithness Business Index Mon, 2 Mar 2026 13:07:00 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=155 Kitchen Worker (Part-Time) The Laurandy Centre We are seeking a motivated and reliable individual to support the day-to-day running of our busy kitchen. Main Duties: Assist with preparation and serving of food Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene Wash dishes and kitchen equipment Ensure compliance with food safety regulations Support other staff as required Person Specification: Experience in domestic or catering environments preferred Good time management and reliability Willingness to undertake Food Hygiene training Successful completion of a Standard Disclosure Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00am – 2:30pm For further information or to request an application form, please contact: 📧 tracy.mackay@laurandycentre.org.uk. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=155 Caithness Business Index Mon, 2 Mar 2026 13:05:58 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=152 Visitor Experience Supervisor - Part Time. Location: 8 Doors Distillery, John O’Groats Reports to: Brand Home Manager Hours: Part Time, all year round. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=152 Caithness Business Index Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:43:15 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=154 Distillery Tour Guide (Seasonal, Part Time) Location: 8 Doors Distillery, John O’Groats Reports to: Brand Home Manager Hours: Seasonal, Part Time - April to October (with some additional hours for one-off bookings and events) About The Role At 8 Doors Distillery, our tours are all about people, storytelling and great whisky. As a Distillery Tour Guide, your main purpose is to deliver a 5-star experience for every visitor who walks through our doors. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=154 Caithness Business Index Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:43:05 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=151 Scaffolders and apprentice scaffolders required for long term contracts in Dounreay. CVs to caithness.scaffolding@live.co.uk. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=151 Caithness Business Index Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:17:55 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=150 Specsavers in Wick are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our store due to continued growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, hard-working team. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=150 Caithness Business Index Sun, 22 Feb 2026 13:15:11 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=149 Location: Wick, Scotland Are you passionate about whisky, heritage, and creating unforgettable visitor experiences? Old Pulteney Brand Home is looking for warm, engaging and knowledgeable Brand Home Hosts to welcome guests to our distillery in Wick. About Old Pulteney Crafted in the far north‑east of Scotland, Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is shaped by its surroundings. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=149 Caithness Business Index Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:39:13 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=148 NRS Dounreay are looking for a Commercial Business Partner to join them on an ongoing contract basis. Role: Commercial Business Partner Appointment type: 12 month ongoing contract Full time/part time: Full time Mon - Fri Location: Dounreay, Thurso/Hybrid Pay band: Leadership Closing Date: 17/02/2026 We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Commercial Business Partner to join our leadership team at Dounreay. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=148 Caithness Business Index Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:56:13 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=147 NRS Dounreay are looking for a Senior Civil Engineer to join them on a long term fixed contract basis. Role: Senior Engineer Civil Duration: Fixed term (18-24 months) Full time/part time: Full time Location: Dounreay/Hybrid Closing Date: 03/03/2026 A vacancy has arisen for a Senior Structural/Civil Engineer with the fuel cycle area (FCA). https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=147 Caithness Business Index Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:56:08 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=146 The Norseman Hotel is looking for a Full Time Night Porter to join our team, working a 7 nights on, 7 nights off rota. This role is key to keeping the hotel safe, secure, and ready for the day ahead. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=146 Caithness Business Index Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:55:40 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=145 Job(s) Opportunities Porter Porter/Van Driver Porter/HGV Driver Part-Time may lead to Full Time Removals Porter(s) and Van Delivery & HGV Driver(s) A driving licence is needed with no more than 6 Penalty Points and be over 25 for the Van Delivery & HGV Driver(s) Job(s) The work involves heavy lifting, loading/unloading and packing. Knowledge of loading removals lorries an advantage but not essential as training will be given. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=145 Caithness Business Index Sat, 14 Feb 2026 04:40:20 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=109 Rolls-Royce – Modern Apprenticeships - Engineering Recruitment has commenced for our 2026 intake of Engineering Apprentices. Apprenticeships will be available in four areas - Design, Electrical, Instrument and Mechanical. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=109 Caithness Business Index Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:51:20 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=143 Here at Riverside house care home we are looking to employ full or part time care assistants to join our team. SVQ level 2 in care would be an advantage but not essential as full training will be provided. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=143 Caithness Business Index Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:50:30 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=135 We are searching for someone to become an air B and B co-host for a holiday let in Caithness. You would register with Air B and B as a co-host for our beautiful holiday house, and would be in charge of bookings, handover of keys (lock box can be installed), liasing with holiday makers if required, arranging changeover cleaning and bedding, and general communications with the owners. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=135 Caithness Business Index Wed, 4 Feb 2026 05:43:22 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=132 Appointment type Permanent Full time/part time Full time Job category Engineering Location Dounreay Salary range £46,267 to £79,434 Posted Date 25/11/2025 Closing Date 09/02/2026 Reference 335/26 Vacancies have arisen within the fuel cycle area (FCA) for engineers to support the decommissioning programme. The roles will involve integrating into well-established facility teams and assuming responsibility for a number of the engineering elements within the facility. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=132 Caithness Business Index Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:33:25 GMT https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=127 We are currently recruiting apprentices in the following disciplines: Civil Engineering Commercial Analyst Business administration Engineering - electrical Engineering - mechanical Engineering - control and instrumentation Mechanical design An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification, develop practical skills through hands-on experience, and earn while you learn. For further details and to apply, please visit our careers website:https://dounreaycareers.com/. https://caithness-business.co.uk/vacancy.php?id=127 Caithness Business Index Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT