Latest News

What's Driving Energy Prices Higher And How To Bring Them Down? - Possible Impacts for Caithness, Sutherland and Rural Highlands

Paul Kelso investigates what's driving energy prices higher and how to bring them down now and in the future.   It comes as analysts expect the cap to fall by 1% for a typical dual fuel household.  

Harnessing Data And Technology To Revolutionise Public Services

Scotland is taking a major step towards becoming a digital-first nation with plans to join public services together through a digital platform, First Minister John Swinney has said.   The Scottish Government is building technical infrastructure to lay the groundwork for innovations to connect people and public services.  

Inflation Begins Its Long March Down, But The High Cost Of Living Demands Action From The Chancellor At The Budget

While the fall in CPI to 3.6 per cent in October, from 3.8 in September, signals the start of a long drift down in inflation, the cost of living remains high meaning the Chancellor must act at the Budget, according to the Resolution Foundation this morning (Wednesday).   This fall was largely in line with expectations, as past increases in energy prices dropped out of the 12-month window used to calculate inflation.  

New Business Growth Service Roadshow Kicks Off To Support Firms In The North East

Small Businesses across the UK will benefit from a new support service, bringing together central, devolved, and local support in one place for the first time.   UK roadshow kicks off in Newcastle to deliver Government's new business support service to over 100 small businesses.  

Uk House Price Index Figures For Scotland 2025

The House Price Index for September 2025 reflects applications received up to the end of September 2025.  Estimates for the most recent months are provisional and are likely to be updated as more data is included.  

Is The Market Crash Already Starting? - Are We Ready? - Richard Murphy

Financial markets across the world are flashing red.  The S&P 500 has finally turned down after weeks and even months of irrational optimism.  

"uk Budget Preview 3: Eyeing Up A Smorgasbord" From The Fraser Of Allander Institute

The upcoming UK Budget is generating heavy speculation, with many briefings and policy rumours already circulating.   The fiscal position facing the current Chancellor Rachel Reeves is difficult: her predecessor Jeremy Hunt had left only a small "fiscal head-room" of about £9 billion (~0.25% of GDP) before the forecast errors of the independent budget office take effect.  

Councillors Endorse Partnership Commitment For New North Coast Care Facility

Highland Councillors have restated their commitment to a partnership between the Council, NHS Highland and WildLand to see a new North Coast Care Facility developed in Tongue in Sutherland at today's meeting of The Highland Council.   The development which compliments WildLand’s creation of new housing in the area is underpinned by the Council’s partnership with NHS Highland, who have developed a full business case for a future health and care facility in Tongue.  

Milestone For Naver Bridge Project

Works on the Naver Bridge replacement scheme, on the A836 section of the North Coast 500 route near Bettyhill, have reached a major milestone this week with the completion of the in-river works.   This includes all piling works for the bridge foundations, and enables the contractor, Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, to continue with the remaining foundation and bridge superstructure works throughout the summer months.  

QR Codes Scams

QR phishing, also known as "quishing," involves cybercriminals using QR codes to trick users into visiting malicious websites or downloading malware, often disguised as legitimate offers or requests.  These scams can lead to financial loss, data breaches, and identity theft.