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Monopolies exist when one or a very few companies or organizations control a market and can exploit consumers as a result. The modern economy is riddled with monopolies, many of which are very powerful.

A new timetable to be introduced by ScotRail on Sunday, 2 June will see improvements for customers throughout the country, helping to ensure rail remains one of the easiest and sustainable ways to travel. There will be almost 100 additional services each weekday, including trains to new stations at Cameron Bridge and Leven, which form part of the reopening of the Levenmouth rail link.

A consultation on replacing the UK Government's Industrial Injuries Scheme in Scotland has been launched. Views are sought on how the Scottish Government's planned Employment Injury Assistance should be delivered and on the next steps for introducing this benefit.

The latest information from the Bank of England shows that adult membership of credit unions across the UK is increasing. The total number of adult members has been steadily increasing.

Pay packets are still worth less than in 2008 in nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK local authorities, according to new TUC analysis, published today (Monday 29 April 2024). The analysis of official statistics shows that 16 years on from the global financial crisis, wages are set to be lower - in real terms - in 212 out of 340 UK local authorities in 2024.

A far north premier of a new and unique film about Ramsey MacDonald. The film is based on original cine footage and exclusive family photos .

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Vaping is now more common than cigarette smoking among young people, according to a new report coordinated by the University of Glasgow and commissioned by the World Health Organization. This echoes research that has found the popularity of vaping among young people in the UK has surged in recent years.

Wick St Fergus Church proposes to hold a free event, open to the public, with the primary purpose being to increase awareness of all the work that goes on in Wick and East Caithness by the many diverse, local, voluntary organisations. It is intended that it will take place some time in the middle of this year, on a Saturday afternoon for 2 - 3 hours and to encourage the community to pop in there will be two showings of ‘My Kind of Town' about Wick.

A talk organised by Caithness Family History Society about Wick's well-known Trinkie Swimming Pool. Catherine Patterson of the Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group will give the talk..

Event held to raise money for Caithness riding for disabled.

A friend of mine, on a recent trip to the gym, declined to use the machine for drying his trunks - that gym equivalent of a salad spinner which removes excess water from your swimming costume. His reason? The amount of "faecal excrement" it was likely to contain.

There are a number of new employment laws coming into effect this month that charities need to be aware of. Tracy Madgwick, lead HR consultant with Action Planning, rounds them up.

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For beginners and music enthusiasts interested in exploring lyric writing and poetry, this workshop is an introduction to the basics of writing a song. Part 1 of a 4 part songwriting series, this workshop explores different techniques for putting pen to paper when writing a song.

Come and join us for an afternoon of author talks! JD Kirk and Neil Lancaster will be talking about all things books and how they got to be where they are now. There will also be time to answer any questions you might have.

Gates open to members of the public at 7.30am, the show normally runs until around 5pm. Friday 19th July – Equestrian Events from 10am and gates open at 4pm for the preview evening which normally runs to around 9pm..

The Games is the premiere sporting event in the North of Scotland. The prize money of nearly £18,000 is one the best in Scotland and attracts the country’s best amateur and professional competitors.

The newly relaunched Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced a landmark collaboration with the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe which will open up the Film Festival programme in new venues across the city including non-traditional cinema spaces at Summerhall and the heart of the Fringe footprint. From August 15 to August 21 2024, the 77th edition of EIFF will see film embedded in the August festival ecosystem, allowing audiences to seamlessly experience the best of the Fringe along with the world-class programme of cinema at EIFF.

Gheibh na ceudan de dh'òigridh ann an coimhearsnachdan air feadh Alba cothrom a dhol an sàs ann am Fèisean a’ tachairt rè shaor-làithean na Càisge eadar Nis, Port Rìgh, Inbhir Nis, An t-Òban, Obar Dheathain agus Glaschu. Bidh iad a’ faighinn oideachadh luachmhor ann an ceòl traidiseanta, dràma, òrain Ghàidhlig, dannsa agus ealain bho luchd-teagaisg air leth comasach.