The Scottish Government’s provisional outturn for the financial year is £55.9 billion against a total fiscal budget of £56.3 billion. The underspend of £358 million, presented to Parliament this afternoon, represents 0.6% of the Scottish Government’s total budget.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison described this as evidence of careful financial management, and in one important respect that is true. Unlike the UK Government, Holyrood has strict legal limits on borrowing for day-to-day spending and must keep its finances within the budget approved by Parliament.
The latest quarterly Scottish Government Workforce Information statistics have been published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician. These statistics cover the numbers of workers, staff sickness rates, and the diversity of staff up to the most recent quarter ending March 2026.
The Scottish Government’s March 2026 workforce statistics claim a leaner, more efficient government. But when you look past the headline, the picture becomes far murkier.
The third and final shipment of high level waste in the form of vitrified residues has been safely delivered to Germany. Seven flasks containing high level waste were transported from the Sellafield site to the port of Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria by rail.
Three-year investment to support prevention, treatment and recovery across Scotland. First Minister John Swinney will today call for a new collective approach to reduce deaths and harms from drugs and alcohol, as he addresses a summit on drugs deaths in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s housing and property laws operate under a completely separate legal system from England and Wales. So when the UK Government announces a “homebuying shake‑up” — like the recent plan to cut delays, reduce fall‑throughs, and modernise conveyancing — those reforms stop at the border.
The economic volatility of recent months has been reflected in the UK labour market with real regular pay in the private sector falling since October and the number of self-employed jobs and zero-hours contracts rising far quicker than regular employment, the Resolution Foundation said on Thursday 19 June 2026. The latest ONS data showed a mixed picture for the labour market – with unemployment nudging down to 4.9 per cent.
The Aberdeen South by‑election has sent a political shockwave far beyond the North‑East of Scotland. For the first time in over half a century, the Conservatives captured a by‑election seat and they did it by putting the future of the oil and gas industry at the centre of their campaign.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) present a striking picture of the UK's public finances. Britain is collecting more tax than ever before.
The Scottish Government has announced £150,000 funding to help Scotland become a world leader in animal health, aquaculture and agritech (AAA). The Scottish Government has announced £150,000 funding to help Scotland become a world leader in animal health, aquaculture and agritech (AAA).
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that Britain's retailers enjoyed a much better May after a disappointing April. Online spending rose 3.3% during May.
The political headlines following the Makerfield by-election have naturally focused on Andy Burnham's victory and what it could mean for the future leadership of the Labour Party. But while politicians and commentators debate the result, another audience has been quietly delivering its own verdict – the financial markets.
Cooperation with our NATO partners on the development of enhanced strike capabilities within the Alliance is crucial to maintaining our collective security. The UK would highlight the valuable work completed within those clusters it has led and jointly led, notably on Air Launched long range strike, Ground-Launched Long Range Strike and Low-Cost Long-Range Strike.
The war in Ukraine has evolved into the world’s first large‑scale drone‑versus‑drone conflict. What began in 2022 with small quadcopters and improvised FPV rigs has transformed into a full‑spectrum uncrewed arms race involving long‑range strike drones, maritime attack vessels, heavy‑lift logistics platforms, and advanced ISR systems.
The type of targets used to measure the impact on child poverty will be reviewed to ensure continued progress in improving families’ lives. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Scottish Government will begin the review this summer in consultation with children and families, charities and public bodies.
UK to provide 150,000 Ukrainian-produced drones and over 350 air defence missiles and radars funded from Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan. The UK will provide 150,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of the year as part of a £752 million funding package to help Ukraine defend their freedom and sovereignty.
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HIE at Global Offshore Wind 2026, marking a shared commitment to strengthen the offshore wind supply chain in Scotland. The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HIE at Global Offshore Wind 2026, marking a shared commitment to strengthen the offshore wind supply chain in Scotland.
Cultural artists and creators from across the Highlands have gathered at Strathpeffer Pavilion to share their ideas and ambitions for the Inverness-Highland bid for UK City of Culture 2029. The bid, which is being taken forward under the name Beò 2029 the Gaelic word for living brought together around 80 creative practitioners from across the region for a cultural conversation exploring what culture means in the Highlands, what stories the region wants to tell, and the legacy for the future.
The global energy market just experienced one of its most volatile weeks of the year. Following a massive multi-day sell-off that dragged Brent crude below the critical $80 mark, oil prices are suddenly edging back up.