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Today

When Higher Bond Yields Are Bad News: What the Global Bond Sell-Off Means for Governments, Businesses and Households

There is something slightly counter-intuitive happening in financial markets at the moment.  Governments are being forced to pay more to borrow money, yet to someone looking at a headline saying that “bond yields are rising”, it can sound like good news.  

Today

Scotland's Housing Market Is Telling a Different Story - But Highland Faces Its Own Pressure

The latest housing figures from the Office for National Statistics contain something of a surprise for anyone who has been following the UK property market.   House price growth is slowing, while rents are beginning to accelerate again.  

Today

If Hormuz Is Closed, How Is So Much Gulf Oil Still Getting Out?

When the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed following the outbreak of the Iran conflict, the implications for the world oil market appeared frighteningly simple.  Around a fifth of the world's oil normally passes through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman.  

Today

The Cost-of-Living Squeeze Is Coming Back So Are Pay and Benefits Keeping Up?

There is a question I think we should be asking now, before the next round of household bills and business costs begin to bite.  Are incomes actually keeping pace with the rising cost of the essentials we cannot avoid buying? At first glance, the answer might appear to be yes.  

Today

Supporting businesses to harness AI

A national programme helping Scottish companies capitalise on the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) has received funding for its second year.   Backed by £1.8 million of continued funding, AI Scotland will help small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to develop new products and services, grow market share and attract new investment.  

Today

Scotland's Labour Market Is Starting to Show the Strain

I have been looking at the latest Scottish Government labour market figures, and I think they contain a warning that is easy to miss if we concentrate only on the headline numbers.   Scotland still has more than two million people in employment, wages are rising and the claimant count actually fell slightly in July.  

Today

The NC500 Isn't a Race: Why Stopping in Caithness Could Make the Journey Better

There is something slightly strange about the way we travel the North Coast 500.   Put a map of Scotland in front of someone who has never travelled the far north and watch what happens.  

Today

If Sea Levels Are Rising, Why Can't I See It Around Caithness?

The view from the Caithness coast raises a perfectly reasonable question about one of the most discussed consequences of climate change Walk along almost any part of the Caithness coastline and there is something rather strange about the debate over rising sea levels.   We are repeatedly told that the world's oceans are rising.  

Today

Plug-In Solar Is Coming: Could Britain's New Supermarket Solar Revolution Work in Caithness?

For years, solar panels have been something many people associated with large roofs, expensive installations and thousands of pounds of upfront cost.   That is about to change as from 27 August, new rules will allow compliant plug-in solar systems to be connected to household sockets in Great Britain.  

Today

Scotland's Household Income Is Rising But Are Scots Really Better Off?

There is a number in the latest economic statistics that looks encouraging for Scotland.   Household disposable income rose by 7.9% in Scotland during 2024, faster than the UK-wide increase of 7.4%.  

Today

Brent at $100 Again? Why This Oil Shock Could Be More Dangerous for Scotland Than the Last One

There was a time when seeing the price of a barrel of oil approach $100 would have been enough to make markets sit up.   Now it is becoming an increasingly realistic prospect.  

Yesterday

Where Do Your Eggs Come From? What Lidl, Tesco and the British Lion Mark Tell Us About Salmonella

There is a very simple question that most of us probably never ask when buying a box of eggs.   Where did these eggs actually come from?.  

Yesterday

 
Sellafield's SIXEP Continuity Plant has reached an important milestone

Latest crane lifts mark major progress on SIXEP Continuity Plant.   Sellafield's SIXEP Continuity Plant has reached an important milestone, with key equipment installed as the project reaches 75% completion.  

Yesterday

Fife firm powering £12 million boost

Semiconductor company's expansion safeguarding skilled jobs and boosting exports.   A £1.9 million grant, part of a £12 million company investment, will support the growth of Scotland’s Critical Technologies supercluster, expanding a compound semiconductor wafer manufacturer and creating new opportunities for staff and apprentices.  

Yesterday

Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone secures £300 million investment as Dell establishes Scottish base

AI Growth Zone to support more than 3,400 jobs and attract major new investment to Lanarkshire – supporting the drive for good growth in every postcode.   AI Growth Zone to support more than 3,400 jobs and attract major new investment to Lanarkshire – supporting the drive for good growth in every postcode.  

Yesterday

 
Better WiFi on remote trains and access to cutting edge tech for British farmers through £13 million boost to drive next-gen satellite communications

More reliable broadband on remote Scottish railways and affordable sensors which help farmers grow more food.   Reliable broadband on remote Scottish railways and access to cutting-edge tech for British farmers among 16 new projects backed by £13 million.  

Yesterday

AI to slash 101 wait times and free vital police time

New AI call-routing system for 101 will get callers to the right service faster, while freeing up police to tackle crime and help victims.   New AI software will slash waiting times for reporting crimes to the police, helping to unclog the 101 service amid huge levels of misdirected, nuisance and prank calls.  

Yesterday

Salmonella in Scotland: Six Cases, Imported Eggs and Why the Lion Mark Matters

There is something rather unsettling about the latest Salmonella outbreak in Britain.   A food that most of us regard as one of the simplest and safest staples in the kitchen has become the focus of a major public health investigation.  

Yesterday

Are Scottish Charities Facing the Same Attacks As England? The Warning Signs We Shouldn't Ignore

A recent UK Government press release carried a stark warning.  The Charity Commission for England and Wales says charities are facing increasingly complex threats, ranging from cyber attacks and fraud to more sophisticated attempts to abuse charitable status for private gain.  

Yesterday

Inflation Turns Higher Again: Why Britain's Cost-of-Living Problem May Not Be Over

Britain's inflation problem has not gone away.  It has simply changed shape.