Latest News

Dornoch Common Good Funding Approved For New Community Centre

Members of the Sutherland County Committee have recommended that Full Council approves an application for £280,000 of funding from the Dornoch Common Good Fund towards the development of a new community centre in Dornoch.   The application was submitted by the Dornoch and District Community Association (DADCA) which serves the local community by supporting social, cultural and recreational activities and has been recommended for approval subject to match funding and required permissions being in place.  

Invitation To Pay Car Parks Generate Over £10,000 Of Funding For Community Projects In Sutherland

At yesterday's meeting (Monday 1 December) of the Sutherland County Committee, Members were updated on income generated by the Invitation to Pay parking scheme in the 2024/25 financial year.   The Invitation to Pay parking scheme was introduced in Sutherland in 2022 and income is calculated across five Council-operated car parks in Achmelvich, Clachtoll, Durness and Golspie.  

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.  

Council Tax Support Mess Shows Perils Of Hiding Spending Cuts Under Cover Of Localisation

Devolving Council Tax support in 2013-14 has massively increased the amount of social security now being administered locally in England.  But this change has caused acute and often arbitrary hardship for vulnerable families - illustrating the perils of passing responsibility for deep spending cuts onto local authorities - according to new research published on Thursday 20 November 2025.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

SFO Announces Investigation Into $28 Million Crypto Scheme

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) launches first major cryptocurrency investigation into suspected fraud.   The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) today issued an appeal for investors to come forward with any information they hold about the collapse of a $28 million cryptocurrency scheme called Basis Markets.  

"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.