Both the UK, USA and western countries are undergoing major overhauls of their foreign aid programs, driven by shifting political priorities, budget constraints, and a growing emphasis on national interest. The consequences will be huge.
The UK is resetting its relationship with countries in the Global South and helping countries exit the need for aid, as Baroness Chapman attends the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in South Africa. Development Minister Baroness Chapman will reset the UK's approach to international development at the G20 Development Meeting in South Africa (Friday, 25 July).
IMF endorses Plan for Change growth mission and fiscal reforms. The IMF's Article IV surveillance report has stated that economic recovery in the UK is underway, with growth projected at 1.2% in 2025 before gaining momentum next year. The IMF also endorsed the government’s fiscal plans which it says strike a balance between supporting growth and safeguarding fiscal sustainability, and the Growth Mission covers the right areas to lift productivity.
The Scotland Office has taken huge steps forward in delivering for people in Scotland, the Scottish Secretary has said. Speaking as he published his department's annual report, Ian Murray set out how the department has been reshaped and given more powers to help make life better for people in Scotland as part of the UK Government's Plan for Change.
In this video, I discuss the 8 things you need to sell to be ready to retire. Nick Maher..
Jeremy Corbyn's new left-wing party — still unnamed but temporarily referred to as "Your Party" — has seen a massive surge in membership, with over 230,000 people signing up in just the first 24 hours. Membership Numbers & Growth Initial sign-ups: 80,000 in the first 5 hours 24-hour milestone: 200,000+ registrations Current estimate: Over 230,000 sign-ups, surpassing Reform UK's membership base.
Senior defence officials gathered in Singapore on cyber security and emerging technologies. yber-attacks know no borders, and with the transnational nature of digital threats evolving we must work with allies to keep Britain safe.
On 25 July 2025 the Chancellor visited Paisley to announce £66 million of investment in Scottish transport. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces millions for West of Scotland transport links and extra funding to explore upgrades to the A75.
A quick question and answers on recent comments about UK economy,.
This video explores how the wealthy flaunt their wealth—not with numbers, but through displays of power, privilege, and consumption. From gold-plated cars to opera picnics and £50 notes burned in front of beggars, conspicuous consumption defines status in our unequal world.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on the situation in Gaza. The appalling scenes in Gaza are unrelenting.
Europe's much-delayed entry-exit system (EES) will begin to apply to some travellers from the UK to the EU on 12 October this year. The scheme will connect all Schengen area frontiers to a central database.
GAD's insight and technical expertise supported government's work in carrying out the McCloud remedy process for affected pensioners. The Government Actuary's Department (GAD) developed methodologies to help scheme administrators further navigate the McCloud remedy.
The Government Actuary is to analyse the latest life expectancy projections data and assess the impact of various aspects of the rules around pensionable age. The Government Actuary has been commissioned to prepare a report on the State Pension age as part of the third State Pension age review.
A major £4.5m refurbishment project is planned for the Kyle of Lochalsh railway in the Highlands this Autumn. The Kyle line stretches more than 50 miles from Inverness to the banks of Loch Alsh and is one of the most scenic railway journeys in the country.
The latest ONS retail sales results show a 2.3% jump in the amount Brits spent online in June. That helped e-commerce snatch 27.7% of all retail sales last month, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero.
A major development in UK politics: Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour leader, and Zarah Sultana, former Labour MP, have officially launched a new left-wing political party currently referred to as "Your Party". Launch Date: 24 July 2025.
1.Overview Retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have risen by 0.9% in June 2025, following a fall of 2.8% in May 2025 (revised down from a fall of 2.7% in our last bulletin). Food store sales rose following a fall in May 2025, with retailers reporting the warm weather had a positive effect.
People in the Wick area of Caithness are being invited to share their views on proposals to expand Wick Business Park. Following the successful development of phase one, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is planning a second phase of development on land next to the existing business park.
In this video, I compare AI in 2025 to the internet in 1995. Back then, just 5% used the internet.
Labour says it's launching a pensions review to make retirement more secure. But dig into the details, and it's clear: this is about cutting costs, not helping pensioners.
The Scottish Government is to distribute £5 million of funding in 2025-26 to support independent hospices with pay parity for clinical staff with their NHS counterparts. Hospices have now had their funding allocations confirmed and the investment, set out in the 2025-26 Budget, will ensure that frontline staff providing essential palliative and end-of-life care in independent hospices are fairly paid in line with NHS pay scales.
Scotland's first National Innovation Week will take place later this year, Business Minister Richard Lochhead has announced. Taking place from Monday 22 September to Friday 26 September, it will celebrate Scotland's proud legacy of innovation while showcasing the country's global leadership in pioneering the transformative technologies and industries of the future.
Richard Murphy yesterday published his thoughts on an article in the - World on brink of climate breakthrough as fossil fuels ‘run out of road', UN chief says. Reading his article and the Guardian article with a link to Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2024 may change your thinking in this fast moving changing world of NET Zero, power use, alternative energy and how we question our politicians.
As consumers slash their spending in the face of tightening household budgets, new analysis from the home delivery expert Parcelhero reveals 1 in 2 online shoppers abandon their cart because of delivery fees. Delivery options are as important as price for many.
This podcast relates to issues in England but may be of interest to anyone looking at maternity issues as we have done in Caithness for many many years. In this latest podcast Niall and Roy talk to Dr Bill Kirkup CBE, who has headed some of the major enquiries into failing NHS services, including paediatric cardiac surgery in Oxford.
Users and customers of Dornoch Service Point are being advised by The Highland Council that the way in which services are being delivered at the Service Point is changing. From Monday 4 August, customers will be able to: access pay, report and request services through a dedicated direct phone line in the library to a service specialist team.
See poster for details..
Lochaber will come alive with the sights and sounds of Gaelic song, cèilidh music, bagpipes and processions as the Royal National Mòd rolls into the Highlands from 10 - 18 October 2025. Attendees of the world's largest celebration of Gaelic language and culture are in for a bustling nine days, as events showcasing everything from music, poetry and dances, to exhibitions, book launches, and the region's best food and drink, are unveiled.
Caithness Forums
What's On in Caithness
Property For Sale
Property For Rent
Sutherland Property
Planning Notices
Who Is Building?
Submit Your Details
Other Enquiries
SUN 27TH JUL 2025 2:07:32 AM BST
